Welcome to Our Study Group on
Pseudolite Applications in Positioning and Navigation

In satellite-based precise positioning, the dominant factors are the number and geometric distribution of the satellites tracked by the receivers. In the case of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, Glonass, and the planned Galileo system, four visible satellites are the minimum requirement for precise three-dimensional positioning. In general, the more satellites that are tracked, the more reliable the positioning solutions. However, in some situations, such as in downtown urban canyons, engineering construction sites, and in deep open-cut pits and mines, the number of visible satellites may not be sufficient. In the worst situations, such as in underground tunnels and inside buildings, the satellite signals may be completely absent.

Such problems with existing GNSS systems can be addressed by the inclusion of additional ranging signals transmitted from ground-based "pseudo-satellites" (pseudolites). Pseudolites are an exciting technology that can be used for a wide range of positioning and navigation applications, either as a substantial augmentation tool of spaceborne systems, or as an independent system for indoor positioning applications.

The objectives of this study group can be found here. You are welcome to browse around this website for other information. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.