An analysis of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) based positioning for Train Collision Early Warning

Based on the exploration and development of Train Collision Early Warning System (TCEWS), the safety assurance overlay for high-speed train operation over the railway signaling system is becoming a reality in China. As the rapid development of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), availability of precise and effective satellite navigation encourages a revolution in railway transportation system. It is becoming a general belief that Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is recommended as the most autonomous, flexible and cost-efficient choice for location-based railway application. However, field experience of BDS-based positioning in train collision warning system tests suggests that several issues should be considered for application aspects. According to the performance requirements, this paper analyzes some significant points of the BDS-based train collision early warning system scheme. It is complemented by comparison and discussion with field test results of BDS and GPS enabled train collision warning implementations, which demonstrate the great potentials of BDS in this novel safety-related service.