Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Abstract

There is a need to determine precise ground locations for use in a variety of innovative and emerging applications such as earth observation, mobile-phone technology, and rescue applications. Location information is pertinent to a large number of remote sensing applications, some of which support strategic tasks such as disaster management, earth monitoring, protecting the environment, management of natural resources, and food production. With the availability of high-resolution images, some applications will require a location precision down to 1 m (Kline, 2004). The global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) provide signals that can serve this purpose; these signals can be incorporated into a large range of innovative applications with immense benefits for the users (Hollansworth, 1999). Satellite navigation is achieved by using a global network of satellites that transmit radio signals from approximately 11,000 miles in high earth orbit. The technology is accurate enough to pinpoint locations anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. Positions are provided in latitude, longitude, and altitude. This article provides an overview of the GNSSs in operation along with their uses.