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Multi-GNSS

Multi-GNSS RNSS

Multi-GNSS Pilot Project

Established: 2003

Chair: Peter Steigenberger

Mailing List: IGS Multi-GNSS Pilot Project Mailing List

The Multi-GNSS Pilot Project (formerly: GNSS Working Group, later Multi-GNSS Working Group) has been established to explore and promote the use of new navigation signals and constellations within the IGS. Its present core activity is the integration of multi-GNSS in all operational IGS products. To achieve this goal, the Multi-GNSS Pilot Project interacts closely with other IGS entities, such as the RINEX Committee, the Antenna Committee, the Data Center Committee and the Infrastructure Committee. It helps to develop and implement new standards for multi-GNSS-related work within the IGS.

Charter

The past decade has seen tremendous changes in the availability and diversity of satellite navigation systems on both, a regional and a global scale. Next to the legacy GNSSs GPS and GLONASS, three regional systems (QZSS, BeiDou-2, and IRNSS/NavIC) are providing operational services in the Asia-Pacific region. With BeiDou-3 and Galileo, a total of four systems are now offering services on a global scale. By now, the majority of all navigation satellites support dual-frequency open service signals for civil users that satisfy a growing interest for high precision navigation in mass-market applications.

The IGS has been mindful of this evolution and systematically built-up new capabilities in support of multi-constellation GNSS (or simply, multi-GNSS) data collection and product generation through its Multi-GNSS Working Group and the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX), which was later transitioned into the Multi-GNSS Pilot Project. Key accomplishments include the full incorporation of the initial multi-GNSS permanent ground stations into the IGS network, the harmonized provision of multi-GNSS data through the IGS data centers, and the generation of a diverse set of new multi-GNSS products by new and long-established IGS analysis centers.

The IGS defines multi-GNSS excellence as a primary goal for its new Strategic Plan. However, despite substantial progress and the efforts of numerous other Working Groups to incorporate new GNSSs into their work, it has been recognized by the IGS Governing Board that a homogenous level of support for all navigation systems has not yet been achieved.

In support of this goal, the Multi-GNSS Working Group continues to serve as a catalyst for multi-GNSS related activities within the various IGS working groups, and the IGS as a whole. As of 2020, key goals of the Multi-GNSS Working Group are:

  • Conduct and supervise the Multi-GNSS Pilot Project (“MGEX”) with the near-term goal of a comprehensive integration of multi-GNSS tracking and analysis into all IGS components and activities.
  • Consult and liaise with other IGS Working Groups to ensure adequate consideration of all GNSSs in standards and data formats. This includes, but is not limited to, receiver data, antenna information, biases, and conventions for precise point positioning.
  • Coordinate and promote the generation of comprehensive multi-GNSS orbit and clock products, and support the build-up of a multi-GNSS orbit/clock product combination process within the IGS.
  • Interact with GNSS providers and manufacturers to increase awareness of user needs in the field of precise multi-GNSS, and promote the release of relevant information and the proper support of new standards.
  • Increase public awareness for multi-GNSS related work in the IGS and facilitate access to relevant information through the IGS multi-GNSS website.

Beyond the traditional high-altitude navigation satellite systems, the Multi-GNSS Working Group will also offer a platform for exploring the use of constellations in low Earth orbit for stand-alone navigation and GNSS augmentation.

 

[Revised Dec 2020]

Members

Name Affiliation Country/Region Contribution
Kyohei Akiyama JAXA Japan JAX analysis center
Zhigou Deng GFZ Germany GFZ analysis center
Jan Dousa Geod. Obs. Pecny Czech Republic Data quality control
Richard Langley UNB Canada Constellation status monitor
Huicui Liu BACC China Data quality control
Vladimir Mitrikas IAC Russia IAC analysis center
Oliver Montenbruck DLR/GSOC Germany Chair Combination Task Force
Felix Perosanz CNES France GRG analysis center
Elmar Brockmann AIUB Switzerland COD analysis center
Shuli Song SHAO China SHA analysis center
Tim Springer PosiTim (@ESA/ESOC) Germany Selected data analyses
Peter Steigenberger DLR Germany Broadcast ephemerides and DCB product
Andrea Stürze BKG Germany Data quality control, real-time streams
Ningbo Wang AIR/CAS China DCB product
Qile Zhao Wuhan University China WUM analysis center

Last Updated on 9 Jul 2024 14:39 UTC

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