Objective of the Research and Research Components

The overall objective of the proposed research endeavour is related to the modernization of GNSS and its implications for Canadian society, enhancing the current capabilities in applications related to positioning, navigation, environmental monitoring and atmospheric sciences. This will be achieved through the development of algorithms, software, and systems to be used in such applications, thereby reinforcing Canada’s leading role in the GNSS sector. The specific objectives and proposed methodology have been organized into 4 research components, each one having a strong link with the other. They are:

1. Simulation of receiver/software for studying the availability, reliability, and accuracy of Galileo and GPS II-M and GPS III measurements and their integration:

• Review, test, evaluate and implement existing models and techniques, and design and develop novel ones, related to the generation and assessment of modernized GNSS signals.
• Acquire and evaluate relevant simulation software for testing new signal processing algorithms. Relate these activities with European projects with Galileo and U.S. plans with GPS II-M and III.
• Process and analyse real modernized GNSS data, as they become available.
• Perform Constellation, System Performance and Augmentation Analyses of the modernized GNSS.

2. Development of carrier phase ambiguity resolution techniques:

• Study various combinations of multi-frequency carrier phase observations using GPS and Galileo signal designs, in order to arrive at an optimal combination that allows fast, accurate and reliable ambiguity resolution for real-time kinematic (RTK) and post-processed data.
• Analyse the impact of other source of errors in the optimal combination and how to minimize them.
• Define criteria for reliability analysis.
• Design algorithms for single-point and relative positioning using combined signals.

3. Integration of legacy and modernised GPS observations and GPS and Galileo observations:

• Design increased capabilities of error modelling that is essential for RTK positioning and navigation, as well as for static positioning.
• Development of optimum observation integration strategy for satellite integrity monitoring, capable of not only detecting failures but also identifying the source of the failures.
• Development of robust quality control for integrity monitoring of observations from hybrid navigation systems.

4. Applications: The modernization of GNSS will bring positive implications for Canadian society. Some of the applications we will be looking at are:

• 4.1 Modernization of augmentation infrastructures:

  • Extended tests of satellite-delivered Canada-wide Differential GPS (CDGPS) Service and other augmentation services examining how the Galileo signals will be integrated into these services
  • Investigate optimal system configuration in support of augmentation infrastructure development using hybrid navigation systems.
  • Investigate novel applications that the new augmentation infrastructure can support.

• 4.2 Determination of Precise Orbits for space geodetic missions:

  • Carry out design studies for spaceborne GPS/Galileo missions as well as the analysis of spaceborne GPS data from space geodetic satellite missions

• 4.3 Sensing the environment:

  • Explore existing and investigate novel ways to use GNSS for environmental monitoring and atmospheric sciences.
  • Test newly developed algorithms in the analyses of continuous GPS network data for improved position accuracy (especially for sub-daily samples) and resolution of crustal motions in earthquake-prone regions.