Leica Geosystems offers the ideal
solution for every GPS/GNSS application. Powerful GPS/GNSS technology
for unmatched accuracy. The range includes GPS 900 and GPS 1200 series,
with the latest 1200+ series taking advantage of the GPS (American),
GLONASS (Russian), Galileo (European) and Compass (Chinese) satellite
constallations.
GNSS/GPS Surveying Systems
GPS/GNSS surveying systems combine state-of-the-art technology and powerful
data management. They are the perfect solution for all GPS/GNSS applications.
GPS/GIS Data Collectors
GPS receivers for GIS Data Collection and mobile GIS.
GNSS Reference Networks
Whether providing corrections from just a single reference station,
or an extensive range of services from a nationwide RTK network - innovative
reference station solutions from Leica Geosystems offer tailor-made
yet scalable systems, designed for minimum operator interaction whilst
providing maximum user benefit.
Global Navigation Satellite
Systems (GNSS) is the standard generic term for satellite navigation
systems that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global
coverage. GNSS allows small electronic receivers to determine their
location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) to within a few metres
using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellites.
Receivers on the ground with a fixed position can also be used to calculate
the precise time as a reference for scientific experiments.
As of 2009, the United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System
(GPS) is the only fully operational GNSS. The Russian GLONASS is a GNSS
in the process of being restored to full operation. The European Union's
Galileo positioning system is a GNSS in initial deployment phase, scheduled
to be operational in 2013. The People's Republic of China has indicated
it will expand its regional Beidou navigation system into the global
Compass navigation system by 2015.
The global coverage is achieved by constellations of about 30 Medium
Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites in different orbital planes. The actual
systems use orbit inclinations of >50° and orbital periods of 11 hours
58 minutes (height 20,200 km).
Operational Constellations
GPS The United States' Global Positioning System (GPS), which as of
2007 is the only fully functional, fully available global navigation
satellite system. It consists of up to 32 medium Earth
orbit satellites in six different orbital planes, with the exact number
of satellites varying as older satellites are retired and replaced.
Operational since 1978 and globally available since 1994, GPS is currently
the world's most utilized satellite navigation system.
GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System) is a radio-based satellite
navigation system, developed by the former Soviet Union and now operated
for the Russian government by the Russian Space Forces. It is an alternative
and complementary to the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS),
the Chinese Compass navigation system, and the planned Galileo positioning
system of the European Union (EU).
Development on the GLONASS began in 1976, with a goal of global coverage
by 1991. Beginning on 12 October 1982, numerous rocket launches added
satellites to the system until the constellation was completed in 1995.
Following completion, the system rapidly fell into disrepair with the
collapse of the Russian economy. Beginning in 2001, Russia committed
to restoring the system, and in recent years has diversified, introducing
the Indian government as a partner, and accelerated the program with
a goal of restoring global coverage by 2009.
Constellations In Development
Galileo
The European Union and European Space Agency agreed in March 2002 to
introduce their own alternative to GPS, called the Galileo positioning
system. At a cost of about GBP 2.4 billion, the system is scheduled
to be working from 2012. The first experimental satellite was launched
on 28 December 2005. Galileo is expected to be compatible with the modernized
GPS system. The receivers will be able to combine the signals from both
Galileo and GPS satellites to greatly increase the accuracy.
Compass
China has indicated they intend to expand their regional navigation
system, called Beidou or Big Dipper, into a global navigation system;
a program that has been called Compass in China's official news agency
Xinhua. The Compass system is proposed to utilize 30 medium Earth orbit
satellites and five geostationary satellites. Having announced they
are willing to cooperate with other countries in Compass's creation,
it is unclear how this proposed program impacts China's commitment to
the international Galileo position system.
Content Acknowledgements: Wikipedia
