Multi‐constellation GNSS/RNSS from the perspective of high accuracy users in Australia

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) involve satellites, ground stations and user equipment, and are now used to support many activities within modern societies. The U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) is the best known, and only currently fully operational GNSS. Russia also operates its own (not yet fully deployed) GNSS called GLONASS. Fuelling growth in applications during the next decade will be next generation GNSSs that are currently being developed and deployed. Next generation GNSSs will include the U.S.’s modernized GPS and planned GPS‐III, Russia's revitalised GLONASS, Europe's GALILEO system, and China's planned COMPASS system. Furthermore, a number of Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBASs) and Regional Navigation Satellite Systems (RNSSs) will add extra satellites and signals to the multi‐constellation GNSS/RNSS ‘mix’. How will this proliferation of satellites and signals impact on the spatial information disciplines? Is the concept of a ‘system of systems’ receiver, and associated ground infrastructure, to support high accuracy positioning feasible, or even desirable? This paper explores some of the issues of multi‐constellation GNSS/RNSS from the perspective of high accuracy users such as geodesists, surveyors and mappers, in Australia.