As a growing number of GPS satellites are launched into space, the reality of a fully functional GNSS constellation is coming closer — and more use able. The U.S. government is updating it’s already operating system, Russia is nearing completion of it’s GLONASS system with almost a full con stellation in space and now Japan is set to join the club with it’s about to be launched Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) system. The later expected to be launched this month.
This past week saw a presentation in Bali, Indonesia entitled 'Concept of Multi-GNSS Demonstration Campaign in Asia Oceania region and Application to the Transportation Area'. That was provided to support the QZSS work and expand on the Concept of Multi-GNSS Demonstration Campaign in Asia Oceania region and Application to the Transportation Area.
The Japanese satellites will augment the already existing GNSS satellites in space. However, their orientation is toward Asian applications, specifically with Japan in mind. The goal is to provide highly accurate GNSS capabilities that reach into inner cities, where signal issues are commonly a problem. With greater numbers of satellites over head, improvements are expected.
But the leap forward into GNSS is not small. It will signal a major and fundamental shift in all that we do. Suddenly GNSS capabilities will find their way into surveying applications, infra structure, vehicle movements, marine, construction and a host of other activities.
While GNSS is available today in some parts of the world, and is growing. This is only the beginning and we are at the initial stages of creating interactive and dynamic GNSS dependent applications. Freight safety is one of those areas, but there are hundreds of others.
With JAXA putting the new QZSS satellites into space shortly, we can expect to see many of these applications originate from that country soon
Taken from www.vector1media.com