Is the Real Issue About Comparing GPS to GLONASS to BEIDOU?

Details

By Jeff Thurston | 15 April 2011 | 2449

Have you been watching the rise in media that is increasingly comparing GPS to GLONASS to BEIDOU and others? In some cases the comparisons seek to outright claim one is 'better' than another. In others, the comparison is framed as a 'challenge' , and yet others see Europe's GALILEO as having a major influence currently (which is not fact).  Do you think business and application developers care about where high quality comes from? Does it really matter?

Have you been watching the rise in media that is increasingly comparing GPS to GLONASS to BEIDOU and others? In some cases the comparisons seek to outright claim one is 'better' than another. In others, the comparison is framed as a 'challenge' , and yet others see Europe's GALILEO as having a major influence currently (which is not fact).  Do you think business and application developers care about where high quality comes from? Does it really matter?

Over the years the only satellite-based navigation system that has continually provided full operational capability, enabled business

investors to develop products for,  and compelled greater global use of satellite based navigation - is the American GPS system.  It has changed the way geospatial applications arise, businesses operate and how the earth's landscape (and oceans) are managed.

The Systems
From the first launches of the Russian GLONASS navigation satellite system in 1982 to it's full operational status status in 1995, then the slow deterioration of that system, before rising again at the present time; many people have stood by watching, waiting and wondering if the system will continue to operate and stabilize.  And to be frank, I have been one of them.

And while I am excited and interested in the recent drive to complete the Russian GLONASS system - and it is happening - the key will be to maintain it and to influence and cause business and application to grow. A visit to the GLONASS website and a view of our News shows that effort seems to be placed on this happening as day in and day out new applications are being written about.

GALILEO - the European satellite-based navigation system started out as a business supported venture, only to be dropped and re-worked. It was later submitted back to government and a decision was made to begin funding it through public funds. "The first two of four Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites are due for launch in August 2011," says ESA.

BEIDOU - termed COMPASS be the Chinese owners. Has witnessed the launch of satellites recently and as of April 11, 2011 the system has 8 operational satellites in orbit.  The initiative seems apparent in the pace that these satellites are being launched and the system appears to be on course to completion with several more launches likely to follow soon.  This system will fully cover China by 2012 with final completion expected by 2020.

Popular Media Is Putting Noise in the Real Message
From a business and operational perspective comparisons between systems really do not hold much value. Other than the point already mentioned about the dependability of the U.S. GPS system, businesses and applications have their eyes and minds laser focused on the improvements and capabilities that GNSS will provide - dual system (like GPS + GLONASS) technologies are poised to provide greater accuracy, improved usefulness and innovations in applications.

My observation is that the average person does not understand GPS, knows less about GNSS and most likely has no idea what benefit the ability to work with a GPS + GLONASS collection of satellites will bring.

Why? Because the media couching all the talk in an either or, challenge for or against and or a better than the other GPS system approach - because many of them don't 'get it' either.

Each and every geospatial professional and knowledgeable GPS person or organisation should be taking on these erroneous messages that want to create a battle and fight where one does not exist. We need to correct and talk about the value of GNSS more, not just the technology through our own lenses.

1+1 = 3
Improved GNSS will allow for more inner city, under canopy and improved capabilities because more, not less, satellites will be accessible.  This will have major implications for accuracy and precision and allow for more refined applications depending upon dual-frequency technologies to flourish.

But it also has benefits for CAD and GIS people. As the circle between CAD and GIS now embraces each of these technologies and accompanying tools together, then applications involving architecture, design and modeling can more routinely involve GNSS technologies and the data flowing them into their work flows.

So when we say that GNSS will improve mobility applications, it is about more than that alone. The combination of satellite systems will augment and support more refined applications across a broad range of applications including oil & gas, mining, marine, architecture, utilities, transport, agriculture & forestry and air travel among others.

In the days ahead we are likely to see more talk about GLONASS related applications as that system is reaching full operational capability. The same is similar for the Chinese COMPASS activity. Hopefully we will begin to see more people talking about 'what' they are doing with GNSS technologies at the same too. The real value to businesses and applications lies in the combining of one system with another, not against each other.

.

About Matt Ball

Matt Ball

Matt has been promoting the application of sensors, systems, models and simulation for the better stewardship of our planet for the past fifteen years. The first ten years of that span were as editor of GeoWorld magazine and show manager of the GeoTec Event. The past five have been as a founder of Vector1 Media, with publications Sensors & Systems, Informed Infrastructure and Asia Surveying & Mapping. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.