THE GPS WAY

GPS is one of America’s foremost technological gifts to the world. GPS tracking systems can give continuous position reports through a satellite and/or cellular network. In India, the first satellite of the Gps-aided GAGAN system is already in orbit.

GPS tracking systems can give continuous position reports through a satellite and/or cellular network. In India, the first satellite of the GPS-aided GAGAN system is already in orbit.

NAVIGATION IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

as any pilot will testify. Since the earliest days of commercial aviation, the aim has been to reach destination safely, efficiently and on schedule, all these calling for teamwork between pilots and air traffic management (ATM). Navigation instruments and tracking devices have become more precise and reliable over the years making the task simpler. For almost two decades, satellite navigation has been a game changer, providing unprecedented levels of accuracy, irrespective of the weather and consequently making ATM that much easier.

A satellite navigation system uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning around the globe. Small electronic receivers as also other devices fitted on aircraft help determine their location ( latitude, longitude and altitude) to within a few metres, using time signals transmitted from satellites. If the sys- tem has global coverage, it is called global navigation satellite system (GNSS). A cherished principle of international GNSS is that services will be freely available to all users without user charges.

Wouldn’t the ATM staff breathe easier if all aircraft were precisely where expected at any given point in time? While the current satellite navigation systems help to determine position to the nearest five or ten metres, augmented instruments can reduce this margin of error to a few centimetres. If that isn’t accuracy, what is?

GIVE ME GPS.

Satellite navigation was kick-started by the US NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPS) in 1994. Soon thereafter the Russian global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) emerged while Europe, China, India and Japan are currently in various stages of forming their satellite navigation constellations. Why are countries investing astronomical sums in building