Objectives |Features |Project Plan
Benefit |Status

Satellite- and LORAN-C- based Positioning of mobile User Terminals
(SCOUT)

Prime Contractor

Telematica e.K. [D]

Contact:

GPS GmbH [D]

Funding

The project was funded by the Bavarian State Chancellery via VDI/VDE-Technologie­zentrum Informationstechnik GmbH (VDI/VDE-IT)

Objectives

The aim of SCOUT was the development of operational and real-time capable Software which runs on PDAs under Windows CE and integrates position solutions from data measured by GPS and LORAN-C. Positioning and navigation data should be available user-specifically under a GIS-application as well as on a mobile unit (PDA) or a control station. To fulfil these demands, the development of a technology was required which integrates a variety of geo-data into various user-specific data bases. Another purpose of the project was the establishment of an essential communication interface between PDA and the central control unit.

Figure: Geodata of different sources will be integrated

Features

Within the scope of SCOUT, an integrated positioning finding and navigation module for the mobile user was developed which is based upon GPS and LORAN-C. A major disadvantage of the mobile terminals already available is the fact that, for any position finding via GPS, an intervisibility of at least four satellites is required. This is hardly the case in urban environment and other topographically difficult circumstances. Therefore, LORAN-C, a long wave navigation system, is particularly suitable due to its completely different physical features and shows high signal availability within vegetation canopy, urban environment, and, to some extent, even indoors. GPS and LORAN-C can be integrated via a readily available position finding system, but also combined according to pseudorange measurements (distance measurement towards a satellite or LORAN-C transmitter via signal propagation delay). Especially the second attempt offers a high flexibility because there can be a position finding solution even without the single systems contributing to it. Based upon existing hardware components, which had to be modified in some cases, appropriate software was developed and approved under realistic conditions and communication links.

Project Plan

AP 1000	User Requirements
AP 2000	Concept
AP 3100	Test System - Mobile User Terminal
AP 3200	Test System - Mission Centre
AP 4000	Functional Test - internal
AP 5000	Testing - external

Benefit

The attempt developed during SCOUT builds the foundation of a number of security relevant and commercial applications. Further possibilities are E112 or Location Based Services.
SCOUT was primarily part of the development of new methods and procedures within the management of data and know-how, focusing on the further development of a user-friendly man-machine-communication and new telecommunication systems and services.

Project Status

Successfully completed in 2004.

© TELEMATICA e.K. · 12 Jan, 2006 · · Legal