Global harmonization of radionavigation systems

The availability of “free” positioning services provided by the satellite systems operated by the United States (GPS) and Russia (GLONASS) has resulted in worldwide recognition of the broad range of social and economic benefits that can be realized from this technology. Under ideal conditions, the performance of these systems has proved to be so good that those who make policy and those who are responsible for national budgets have been sold on the concept of a future satellite-only environment. In support of this concept, traditional terrestrial radionavigation systems become redundant and can be terminated with concomitant savings. More the vulnerabilities associated with satellite positioning technology and the international political reality of accepting free services from single states that possess military control over these services have resulted in a number of position papers, studies and reports on the use of satellite technology. This paper reviews some significant documents and addresses what appears at first to be an insurmountable complex problem facing the achievement of global harmonization of radionavigation systems. A way forward is proposed based on a mix of legally and politically acceptable terrestrial and satellite systems