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The boom in the development of corrections services for applications such as autonomy and robotics has brought a whole new slate of market players, and an expansion of services from established corrections providers. This has benefitted high-precision users as well as the new not-so-high-precision applications.

Whereas very high precision — centimeters — is of paramount importance to sectors such as precision agriculture, construction automation, surveying and mapping, new market sectors are less concerned with precision as they are with reliability, availability and resilience. There are many corrections services that can deliver reliable lane-level precision, decimeter precision, sub-meter or whatever the application requires.

Corrections have been around in various forms for nearly 30 years. Whereas traditional high-precision applications would access corrections services or network infrastructure directly, the user of a mass-market application, such as assisted or autonomous driving, receives corrections second or third hand.

A car manufacturer may install an integrated navigation and positioning system (GNSS is typically only one of many technologies in a complete system) from a vendor that receives corrections from one or more corrections services.

A Recap of the Technology

Uncorrected GNSS is limited to precisions in meters. This may be fine for many purposes, such as coarse navigation and local-based apps. However, for high precision uses, external augmentations (commonly referred to as “corrections”) add more and higher accuracy data to help mitigate multiple sources of error that otherwise limit standalone GNSS results. Various augmented data can be delivered via radio, the internet, or communications satellites. Delivery of augmentations by public or commercial generators of this add-on data is broadly referred to as “positioning services.”

There are two fundamental approaches to generating corrections: Observation Space Representation (OSR) and State Space Representation (SSR). OSR uses observations of one or more base receivers to derive correction values representative of local conditions. Examples of OSR include base-rover real-time kinematics (RTK) and network RTK (NRTK). SSR provides “states” of conditions derived from terrestrial tracking networks, to improve clock and orbit “products,” and may also include data from global, regional, or localized ionospheric and tropospheric models. Examples of SSR include precise point positioning (PPP) solutions.

Players in the corrections services sector include vendors who manufacture GNSS hardware, RTK systems, and NRTK software. One example is real-time networks (RTN), which have grown to cover hundreds of localities, states, regions, and even entire countries. Some of these vendors now operate their own wide region RTN. The same large vendors also have developed global PPP services. The most recent decade though has seen rapid growth in new corrections service providers that focus on one or more key markets and develop approaches specifically to serve them. For instance, many agricultural regions of the world have large clusters of RTK stations operated by a vendor or a cooperative. Some newer vendors, focused on the autonomy market, have developed global PPP services, regional NRTK, or hybrids for decimeter to meter precision. One Achilles heel of PPP is its relatively poor vertical precision compared to RTK and NRTK. This partly explains why adoption has been slow for certain high-precision applications, such as surveying.

Where corrections services have become quite interesting, is in amalgams of these approaches. In recent years, the rapid expansion of corrections services for mass-market applications has given rise to what developers call PPP-RTK. Ostensibly, this is to take advantage of the strengths in each approach, however it may be more about trade-offs between precision and the practicalities of serving wide regions in a cost-effective manner. There are many variations on how this hybridization is achieved; for example, PPP- ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR). PPP-RTK can be somewhat of a nebulous term, much in the same way as the term “AI” gets used. Developers of the specific PPP-RTK approaches for the many corrections services keep certain details close to their chests. Clients are less concerned with how it works as they are with the results.

Examples of Vendors

In compiling the following list, we tried to provide examples of all aspects of the corrections service industry — from GNSS network software development to hosting of national and regional networks to providing global PPP. This segment continues to grow; new players continue to develop solutions and enter the market, some with great fanfare, while others seek to stay under the radar. This list does not include the many hundreds of RTN worldwide — local, regional, or national — though the key providers of the NRTK software these networks use are listed.

Note that other vendors are also not listed, such as some that seek to limit their visibility to specific clients and partners. For example, some offer corrections services as an adjunct to inside hardware/software sales, and others work with developers of certain integrated navigation/autonomy systems. In addition, some of the smaller vendors may be working in conjunction with some of the more established developers, often licensing elements of their software, and in many instances piggybacking on their global tracking networks.

In alphabetical order:
Atlas. From Hemisphere GNSS. A global PPP service delivered by L-band satellites. It includes tiered precision for different applications, such as surveying, mapping, and asset management. Atlas Basic, Atlas H30, Atlas H10: bit.ly/3V42qxj.
CHCNAV. CPS NRTK software: bit.ly/3FI6zlN. It also hosts various RTN and has a global network partner program: bit.ly/3VQugOr.
CNH. Advance Farming Software (AFS) RTK+ network delivering corrections mostly via cellular to primarily precision agriculture users: bit.ly/3YiCZur.
DigiFarm. DigiFarm VBN. An example of another network that serves primarily agriculture users, however, it now has a spinoff to serve other high precision markets: bit.ly/3hgnYZs.
eSurvey. GNSS NET, a VRS management software: bit.ly/3Py0uMp.
Fugro. Global PPP corrections services; tiered precision for various applications, mostly maritime and marine construction. StarFix, SeaStar, MarineStar, OceanStar: bit.ly/3W4LkA8.
Geo++. One of the first developers of GNSS network and PPP solutions. Its GNSMART software suite provides NRTK and SSR broadcast capabilities: bit.ly/3FhGE2Z.
HERE Technologies. HD GNSS, a PPP-RTK solution for mass-market applications: bit.ly/3Fnle4H.
Hi-Target. Hi-RTP, a global PPP-RTK service: bit.ly/3hi2xHv.
IGS. International GNSS Service, a federation of agencies and research entities with a global tracking network of more than 400 reference stations. The IGS is a vital component of the global geodetic infrastructure. RTS is its real-time PPP service. It is not fast converging like many of the commercial services, but it is free for many applications. It is not broadcast via satellites, only via the internet: igs.org.
Leica Geosystems. Part of Hexagon. Provider of NRTK software (Spider), and host of its own RTN covering various regions around the world (SmartNet), and global PPP (SmartLink): bit.ly/3uEwHb9.
NovAtel. Part of Hexagon. Includes various tiers of PPP-RTK: RTK Assist, RTK Assist-Pro*, TerraStar-L, Oceanix, TerraStar-C PRO*, and TerraStar-X* (what NovAtel calls “RTK From the Sky”): bit.ly/3HzuqWh.
Point One. RTK correction service called Polaris, available also via partners such as Bad Elf: bit.ly/3uPJGqA.
Premium Positioning. RTK corrections service called RTK Premium: bit.ly/3uT0xZi.
Rx Networks. A mix of tiered positioning approaches for location-based applications. Truepoint.io (DGNSS, PPP, PPP-RTK): bit.ly/3We1rvT.
SBAS (Public). Satellite-based augmentation systems, national or regional services. Like commercial PPP, SBAS corrections are mostly served via satellites. Public safety and civil aviation are the primary drivers for providing such services. For instance, in North America, the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) was chartered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are equivalent systems in Europe (EGNOS), India (GAGAN), Japan (MSAS and QZSS), Russia (SDCM), China (SNAS/BDSAS, which is still in development) and Australia and New Zealand (SPAN). Other systems are in development in South America and the Caribbean (SACCSA), Korea (KASS) and in Africa and the Indian Ocean (ASECNA).
Sino/Comnav. CDC.NET CORS software, RTN software: bit.ly/3W56hvm.
Swift Navigation. Skylark RTK and Skylark DGNSS services: bit.ly/3HyWVn5.
Tersus GNSS. Tersus Advanced Positioning (TAP), a PPP service: bit.ly/3hoZkWD.
Topcon. TopNet and Topnet Live. RTN Software, regional RTN, and PPP services: bit.ly/3FRRcaw.
Trimble. RTN software, VRS Now (regional RTN), and tiered PPP services: CenterPoint RTX, RangePoint RTX, ViewPoint RTX, and FieldPoint RTX: bit.ly/3V3bbax.
u-blox. PointPerfect regional PPP and PPP-RTK: bit.ly/3FPVmQo.
Veripos. Part of Hexagon. Tiered global PPP services, originally focused on maritime applications: Standard, Ultra, APEX: bit.ly/3BBjfsf.
Verizon. Telecom infrastructure-based PPP-RTK service called ThingSpace: bit.ly/3Fw1U55.
Vodaphone. Currently developing corrections services in conjunction with Topcon: bit.ly/3Pug4s0.

Whatever the application, there are now many options for corrections services. Non-mass-market applications, for traditional high-precision uses, have been tapping such services for (in some cases) decades. The prize of primacy in the autonomy market has been in the sights of many of these vendors for many years, yet there have been relatively few real-world applications to date. That should be changing soon.

Early adoptions such as GM’s Super Cruise, which is powered by the same core PPP technology as RTX, have been quite successful. Which will come out on top? That might be a moot question. With the potential of such markets so great, perhaps there is room for all of them, and more.

What are your thoughts on the “geodesy crisis” and what do you propose to address it?

“Evidence seems to be very clear that we, as a country, need geodesists and that there has been a decline in investments, training, and research in geodesy. While our decline relative to China may be shocking, it should not be surprising. U.S. industry and government relentlessly pursues STEM graduates, or those with relevant experience, but that does not meet current needs. Besides maybe surveying, it is unclear to the public what the geodesy profession is all about, why it is needed, and quite frankly, why it is an exciting career choice.”

— Bernard Gruber
Northrop Grumman

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Does crowding of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) space — with new satellites and space debris — pose any problems for the launch or operations of GNSS satellites in medium
Earth orbit (MEO)?

“This was a focused topic at SATELLITE 2022, where the discussion centered on the 6,000 tons of space debris circulating in LEO. Even the smallest piece of debris can be lethal to a satellite, so the key is to track and maneuver where possible. Add to that about 5,000 active satellites and plans to launch tens of thousands of additional ones into LEO over the next few years, and you have a serious problem to overcome. While there are treaties and plans for tracking and maneuvering these satellites, the debris is the real challenge.”

— Ellen Hall 
Spirent Federal Systems

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While some may only think of GPS technology as a convenience when driving a car or hiking, for many, GPS is a necessity. Through navigation devices, adaptable software, and mobility aids, GPS technology has become a vital part of accessibility efforts to support people with hearing loss, deafness, or visual impairments.

The World Health Organization estimates that at least 2.2 billion people are living with a vision impairment, and 430 million people are living with a disabling level of hearing loss. For these billions of people, everyday tasks such as navigating a new city or using public transportation can be a challenge. GPS technology gives people the independence needed to meet these challenges with confidence.

GPS technology in handheld navigation devices and adaptable software promotes accessibility and assists individuals with daily tasks. Accessibility features that rely on GPS technology can give users turn-by-turn directions to any destination, detailing the terrain, surroundings, and even relevant bus or metro stops along the way. Vibration signals complement voice directions to help users navigate busy areas and intersections regardless of visual or hearing abilities. These accessibility features make new spaces more accessible to people with vision and hearing loss by leveraging the ease and accuracy of GPS navigation technology.

Through innovative technologies and accessibility features, GPS also enables users to explore their surroundings. The “around me” feature on many GPS applications will read aloud descriptions of, and distances to, businesses, street names, and transportation options in the surrounding area. These resources allow individuals with hearing or vision loss to explore their communities and complete daily tasks worry-free. Interactive applications let users move their fingers along a screen while the device reads out street names and provides directions, helping users find their way in unknown locations. This ensures users have all the information they need to be confident exploring new places on their own.

In addition to helping individuals with vision and hearing loss navigate their surroundings, GPS technology also promotes safety and ensures individuals can be quickly located in the event of an emergency. For example, location tracking apps allow users to share their exact location with family and caretakers, promoting individual autonomy while also ensuring safety. If an emergency does occur, GPS technology helps emergency services quickly and accurately locate individuals and provide care.

From navigational accuracy to safety monitoring, the GPS Innovation Alliance (GPSIA) is proud to support the role of GPS technology in creating a safe, more accessible world for individuals with hearing or vision loss. Innovations in GPS technology, such as real-time location information and direction signaling, are changing the field of accessible technologies. GPSIA will continue to advocate for policies that promote and support the application of GPS in this field, encouraging all individuals to confidently lead an independent life.

On Jan. 17, the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate (SDACP) of the Space Systems Command (SSC) of the United States Space Force (USSF) delivered the first of two payloads to Japan, as a part of the launch of two United States-hosted payloads on Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). This is a historic partnership between Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) and the USSF, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021.

As the payloads arrive in Japan, the program will move onto the next stage of integrating the two QZSS host satellites and preparing for launch. The two launches will expand the QZSS constellation to a total of seven satellites.

The QZSS hosted payload (QZSS-HP) is central to the USSF priority of expanding cooperation to contribute to integrated deterrence and international security. The mission has been supported by SSC since its inception in 2018 to forge a partnership with Japan.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratories (MIT/LL) is the primary payload developer for the QZSS-HP. MIT/LL and USSF personnel will travel to Japan to support the integration and test efforts with Japanese partners until both QZSS host satellites are launched.

Movella, a leading provider of sensors and software, has launched a partnership with Fixposition, a manufacturer of precise positioning sensors. The partnership aims to develop and commercialize GNSS inertial navigation sensors and implement visual inertial odometry through new products.

In December 2022, Movella and Fixposition launched the first product from the partnership, the Xsens Vision Navigator. This product integrates position inputs from three high-accuracy sources including dual-antenna RTK GNSS receivers, an IMU incorporating a three-axis accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer and a visual inertial odometry system.

The Xsens Vision Navigator can optionally accept inputs from an external wheel speed sensor. The positioning sensor achieves centimeter-level accuracy when operating in GNSS mode with an RTK fix. When GNSS signals are not available, the product alone achieves an accuracy of 2% of travel distance, or 0.75% when supplemented by wheel speed.

Xsens Vision Navigator is suitable for outdoor positioning applications such as material handling equipment, commercial and specialist vehicles, last-mile delivery, inspection equipment and UAVs, agricultural equipment, mining equipment and utility robots.

Xsens Vision Navigator is available now from Movella or authorized distributors of Xsens products.

On Jan. 12, TOPODRONE used its synchronized lidar, airborne photogrammetry and bathymetric surveying methods to study a floating solar farm in Israel. This was completed upon request from the UAV service provider ERELIS, to help conduct a pilot project of reservoir surveying with a UAV for ETZ HADEKEL in northern Israel.

As the surface of the reservoir in Northern Israel is covered by solar panels, it is difficult to use standard methods of surveying from a boat. The goal of this study was to create 3D models, which can be used for high-precision assessments of sediment volumes, general monitoring of reservoir banks and visual monitoring.

During this project, ERELIS performed two-stage UAV surveying to create the 3D model of the reservoir. In the first stage, aerial photogrammetry and lidar surveys were performed using a DJI M300 UAV. The UAV was equipped with the P61 TOPODRONE camera and a lidar high-resolution system to determine the location of obstacles. The lidar scanning provided accurate detection of cables in the water.

The second stage included an underwater bathymetric survey using the TOPODRONE AQUAMAPPER mounted to the DJI M300 UAV. The flight mission was planned and executed with the UgCS software by SPH Engineering.

All data collected from the study was processed by TOPODRONE Post Processing software. This generated a georeferenced orthophoto map, a 3D model of the relief and objects, a 3D model of the bottom of the reservoir and a model of contour lines and isobaths.

Microchip Technology has launched the MIC69303RT 3A Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator, a radiation-tolerant power management device for space application developers. This high-current, low-voltage device targets low-Earth orbit (LEO) space applications.

The MIC69303RT operates from a single low-voltage supply of 1.65 v to 5.5 v and can supply output voltages as low as 0.5 v at high currents. It offers high-precision and low dropout voltages of 500 mv under extreme conditions. The MIC69303RT is a companion power source solution for Microchip’s microcontrollers, such as the SAM71Q21RT and PolarFire field-programmable gate arrays.

This device is designed for harsh aerospace applications and remains operational in temperature ranges from -55 C to +125 C. It is offered in 8-pin and 10-pin package configurations with radiation tolerance up to 50 krad.

Additionally, the MIC69303RT is manufactured in compliance with MIL Class Q or Class V requirements, including screen testing, qualification testing and more.

The MIC69303RT is available for prototype sampling in both plastic and hermetic ceramic. The plastic MIC69303RT is compliant with high-reliability plastic quality flow derived from AEC-Q100 automotive requirements with specific additional tests necessary for space applications.

This device is available in limited sampling upon request.

MGISS, a United Kingdom-based geospatial technology company, has launched the Interruption Prevention Alert Service (IPAS) project to help minimize disruptions to gas and water supplies in the UK. The European Space Agency (ESA) has partly funded this project, which will run for two years to test its technical and commercial viability and to develop a go-to-market plan.

As gas and water outages caused by construction are a growing problem in the UK, IPAS will offer a preventative solution. By leveraging satellite data and services, IPAS will automatically detect changes to the built environment and alert utility providers. The IPAS is expected to be a cost-effective solution and help utility providers reduce carbon emissions.

MGISS is collaborating on this project with Geospatial Insight, its data partner, Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) and Northern Gas Networks (NGN), its client partners, and funding partners including the ESA and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

The launch of the pilot project is the result of a joint workshop with ESA and NWG’s 2020 Innovation Festival, and two years of ongoing collaboration with NWG and NGN.

The annual European Navigation Conference (ENC23), set for May 31-June 2, will be hosted by the European Space Agency (ESA) at its ESTEC facilities in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Abstracts are due no later than Jan. 24, and notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent out by the end of February.

This year’s conference will focus on resilient navigation. Organized by The Netherlands Institute for Navigation (NIN), the conference will address resilience in the broadest sense, including navigation sub-functions, operational routines, standards and policies.

The ENC23 tech committee has broken down the overarching theme into a range of topics, including integral end-to-end navigation solutions, specifics in position, navigation and timing (PNT), routing, data integrity questions and more.

Early-bird registration is open now and ends March 15. General registration begins thereafter and the deadline to register is May 21. For more information about registration and abstract submission, visit the ENC23’s website.

On Jan. 6, HERE Technologies, a location data platform, announced its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud platform. This collaboration will deliver improved performance for indoor and outdoor positioning capabilities, enabling AWS third-party developers to track and manage internet-of-things (IoT) devices.

HERE Positioning enables developers to switch between different localizing technologies, and it does rely exclusively rely on GNSS for the location of a device or application. This is being integrated with the AWS IoT Core Device Location feature, which makes it possible for developers to track and manage IoT devices without relying on GNSS/GPS hardware.

The integration of the two platforms makes devices and applications location-aware globally with a high-level of positioning accuracy and data security.

HERE Positioning maintains a global database of more than 200 million Cell-ID and 5.6 billion Wi-Fi access point locations, which is updated and populated through machine learning algorithms. It supports a variety of device types, regardless of operating system, using Wi-Fi and cellular networks.