European version of GPS will include rescue function
- vibramhead
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European version of GPS will include rescue function
Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, is set to go fully operational over the next few years, and in contrast to GPS and Glonass, the satellites will include a global search and rescue function, transmitting distress signals to a rescue coordination center. So, DeLorme and SPOT may soon have a bit more competition.
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
Tests in February 2014 found that for Galileo's search and rescue function, operating as part of the existing International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, 77% of simulated distress locations can be pinpointed within 2 km, and 95% within 5 km.[10]
seems like the distress beacon could be engineered to encode the device's lat/long.System will pick up distress beacon locations; feasible to send feedback, e.g. confirming help is on its way.
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
77% within 2 kilos...? Well I guess thats better than nothing and certainly a huge advantage over nothing. Hopefully this can be integrated into a smartphone.....
lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
Means of locating the beacon and encoding coordinates on the signal depend on the PLB.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_ ... acon_modes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_ ... acon_modes
"Why are you always chasing women?"
"I'll tell you as soon as I catch one!"
"I'll tell you as soon as I catch one!"
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
Lumpy, I am guessing this will be a new trick -- a set of satellites computing the ground position when an emergency signall is received and reporting it. That generates the circle of probability Koda mentioned. Should be easy to build into a smartphone, dependent on the antenna and power requirements.
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
If it's an anonymous signal, it will likely be treated as such. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but having suddenly hundreds of thousands and potentially millions of users being able to summon rescue will be very interesting to watch unfold.
"Why are you always chasing women?"
"I'll tell you as soon as I catch one!"
"I'll tell you as soon as I catch one!"
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
It doesn't have to be anonymous. Being designed this way provides location without requiring the signaling device to be GPS equipped or "know" where it is -- because the computation is done by the satellite system.
Re: European version of GPS will include rescue function
seems like this would rule out smartphones since the device would have to be able to transmit a signal from its own power far enough either be relayed or directly to a satellite. The form factor of a smartphone is too small however this device looks like a solution...http://www.beartooth.com/Lumpy wrote:Means of locating the beacon and encoding coordinates on the signal depend on the PLB.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_ ... acon_modes
lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2