The Benefits of Multi-constellation GNSS Augmentations

It will be shown that the multi-constellation system concept proposed integrates the global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO) in one common interface to make the user profit from enhanced capabilities. The objectives of the paper are to show the validity and benefits of such a multi-constellation concept and to analyze one of the preferred approaches for its incorporation, namely, by using the current Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) infrastructure. SBAS systems allow the incorporation of all GNSS systems into a single interface already qualified and understandable to the user. They also provide a common integrity service provision for the various GNSS with different global integrity concepts. Current systems like EGNOS, WAAS or MSAS are clear precursors of the multi-constellation augmentation systems.