Raffaela Cefalo

Single-Frequency Kinematic Performance Comparison between Galileo, GPS, and GLONASS Satellite Positioning Systems Using an MMS-Generated Trajectory as a Reference: Preliminary Results

The initial Galileo satellite positioning services, started on December 15, 2016, became available with a formal announcement by the European Commission. This first step toward the Galileo system Full Operational Capability (FOC) has allowed many researchers to test the new system. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the results and the conclusions of a kinematic test involving a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) multi-constellation receiver able to acquire the Galileo Open Service (OS) signal. The produced outputs were compared to a reference trajectory obtained from a Mobile Mapping System (MMS) implementing integrated high-performance GPS/INS measurements. By exploiting the CUI (command user interface) of the open source library RTKLIB, a reduced operative status was simulated for GPS and GLONASS. Specifically, all the possible operative combinations were tested and, when possible, statistically assessed. This was necessary to offer a fair comparison among the tested constellations. The results, referred to the reference trajectory, show that the new European system is characterized by a better planimetric performance with respect to the other systems, whereas, from an altimetric point of view, the GPS and GLONASS systems perform better.

A Webgis Framework for Disseminating Processed Remotely Sensed on Land Cover Transformations

Abstract Mediterranean regions have experienced significant soil degradation over the past decades. In this context, careful land observation using satellite data is crucial for understanding the long-term usage patterns of natural resources and facilitating their sustainable management to monitor and evaluate the potential degradation. Given the environmental and political interest on this problem, there is urgent need for a centralized repository and mechanism to share geospatial data, information and maps of land change. Geospatial data collecting is one of the most important task for many users because there are significant barriers in accessing and using data. This limit could be overcome by implementing a WebGIS through a combination of existing free and open source software for geographic information systems (FOSS4G). In this paper we preliminary discuss methods for collecting raster data in a geodatabase by processing open multi-temporal and multi-scale satellite data aimed at retrieving indicators for land degradation phenomenon (i.e. land cover/land use analysis, vegetation indices, trend analysis, etc.). Then we describe a methodology for designing a WebGIS framework in order to disseminate information through maps for territory monitoring. Basic WebGIS functions were extended with the help of POSTGIS database and OpenLayers libraries. Geoserver was customized to set up and enhance the website functions developing various advanced queries using PostgreSQL and innovative tools to carry out efficiently multi-layer overlay analysis. The end-product is a simple system that provides the opportunity not only to consult interactively but also download processed remote sensing data.

Static and Kinematic Surveys Using GNSS Multi-constellation Receivers and GPS, GLONASS and Galileo Data

In this paper the results of static and kinematic surveys using GNSS multi-constellation receivers acquiring GPS, GLONASS and Galileo Open Service (OS) data are presented.

Application of Digital Photogrammetry from UAV Integrated by Terrestrial Laser Scanning to Disaster Management Brcko Flooding Case Study (Bosnia Herzegovina)

The recent development of the unmanned aircraft (UAV) in the civil sector has generated a strong interest in the aerial survey industry, especially in sectors where costs and speed of use play a key role. In May 2014, in Brcko region, Bosnia & Herzegovina, torrential rains and flooding of rivers and torrents occurred, thus activating hundreds of landslides. In this paper, the methodology used for the survey of two landslides, identified in the Brcko area, and the obtained results have been described. Photogrammetry from UAV and laser scanning surveys were carried out in June 2015 in the framework of the international no profit Project “Assessment of flood-damaged infrastructures in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia”, led and funded by SEG (Society of Exploration Geophysicists) and AGES (Association of Geophysicists and Environmentalists of Serbia). The purpose of this work is to integrate laser scanner data with the ones generated by aerial photogrammetry from UAV, in order to produce detailed maps that can be used by geophysicists to optimize their analysis.

The actual perspectives of GNSS multi-constellation services and receivers for kinematic applications

11 years ago, on 28 December 2005, was launched the Europe’s very first navigation satellite, GIOVE-A (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element-A), thus starting the deployment of Galileo, the EU’s own global satellite navigation system. The deployment phase of Galileo suffered of many difficulties and delays but recently the Programme has been accelerated and, in the last months, the pace of deploying Europe’s own satellite navigation system continued to increase with the launch of the 18th Galileo satellite, on 17 November 2016. It is expected that the system will be fully operational by 2020, with actual implementation costs in the range of 5.23 billion of euros and 7 billion foreseen till 2020 for EGNOS e Galileo Projects. The excellent performances of Galileo satellites, as measured on the ground, “allows Europe to join the club of the worldwide providers of satellite navigation services”. Galileo will be integrated by EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay service). Consisting of three geostationary satellites and a network of ground stations, EGNOS achieves its aim by transmitting a signal containing information on the reliability and accuracy of the positioning signals sent out by GPS. It allows users, in Europe and beyond, to determine their position to within 1.5 m (1σ). Since the first signals became available to users, demonstrations have shown the usefulness of EGNOS services in every type of kinematic application, in the aerial, maritime and terrestrial domain. As part of ‘GIANT’ (GNSS Introduction in the AviatioN sector), tests have proved the benefits of EGNOS when landing at airports with fewer aids or when helicopters make emergency landings. The integrity data provided by EGNOS is particularly suited for applications driven by stringent safety constraints during critical navigation phases such as landing aircraft, manoeuvring ships in narrow channels, and tracking the precise locations of trains. Actually many applications are based on EGNOS, and the Open Service (OS), available since October 2009, is widely used in the agricultural world, where it has proved valuable for reducing the use of fertilisers, thus helping to protect the environment. The accuracy of the Open Service has also proved useful to guide blind people in the city via mobile phones—like car drivers using GPS. Towards the certification of the Safety of Life service, many tests have been performed in the aviation, maritime and rail sectors. Mapping of fixed assets, controlling mining machinery and other professional uses are potential applications that could benefit from the EGNOS Commercial Data. Demonstrations showing the potential of EGNOS have been performed in many other sectors and many applications are just waiting to be thought of, such as for rail, road and maritime users. The European Commission (EC) estimates that 6–7% of European GDP (Gross Domestic Product)—around 800 billion by value—is already dependent on satellite navigation. Any GNSS device available on the marked is able to receive GPS, GLONASS and EGNOS signals and globally 40% of GNSS receivers are ready to receive Galileo signals. Multi-constellation services and receivers are used by millions of persons in the world, being part of their daily life, towards a future where geo-localisation of persons and things will become essential for safety and well-being. In this paper the current trend and benefits of multi-constellation services and receivers as well as innovative kinematic research applications, carried out by GeoSNav Lab, Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, research team, using multi-constellation receivers, are presented.

Extraction of Road Geometric Parameters from High Resolution Remote Sensing Images Validated by GNSS/INS Geodetic Techniques

Roadway geometric data, user behavior and crash data provide the main input for developing existing highway safety evaluations. In particular, roadway geometric data can be useful in providing a quantitative guidance for alignment consistency and for having an initial indication of critical point presence along a road.

Optimization of a Co-generative Biomass Plant Location Using Open Source GIS Techniques. Technical, Economical and Environmental Validation Methodology

The principal aim of this research activity is to identify, inside the administrative territory of the Carnia Mountain Community, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy, the optimal location of a new co-generative biomass plant, exploiting georeferenced parameters obtained through an integrated analysis based on open source GIS (Geographical Information System) and DBMS (Database Management System) applications. The parameters used for this analysis are related to naturally available biomass estimation, public and private users distribution, already existing and planned thermal plants, wood industrial activities locations and electrical and road infrastructures. All these georeferenced data have been homogenized and processed together in order to obtain the energetic demand and offer maps. The authors present a methodological approach to verify and validate the GIS based optimal solution, taking into account the thermal requirements of the residential, commercial and industrial settlements potentially connectable inside the cogeneration plant catchment area. It is expected to realize the technical, economic and environmental feasibility related to the different proposed plant solutions (the generation plant of heat and electricity and district heating network), thus allowing to compare the proposed solution with the traditional plants powered by fossil fuels.