2012 International Technical Meeting Call for Abstracts

Submit abstacts online no later than October 4, 2011. Abstracts may also be e-mailed to abstracts@ion.org as a Microsoft Word or text file. Be sure to include the paper title, the most appropriate session(s) for the paper, a list of all authors and affiliations, and the primary contact author’s complete mailing address, phone, fax and e-mail. Abstracts should describe objectives, results, conclusions, and the significance of your work.

The title and primary author of each abstract will be regularly updated on the Abstract Confirmation page. If your name does not appear after two weeks, please contact the ION. You will be notified of acceptance in November and provided with an electronic author’s kit containing presentation and publication guidelines.

All authors are required to pay registration fees.

Final Manuscripts
Final manuscripts are due at the ION National Office by January 4, 2012. Revised papers will not be accepted after February 6, 2012.

Student Matching Travel Grant
The ION will match up to $500 in travel grant funds for full-time graduate or undergraduate students who are the lead and presenting author of worthy technical paper(s) to attend the ION International Technical Meeting. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

The application must be submitted with an abstract no later than October 4, 2011. See the ION website for details and an application form.

Journal Publication
Authors of appropriate papers are encouraged to submit papers for possible publication in the ION's archival journal, NAVIGATION, The Journal of the Institute of Navigation. Journal manuscripts may be submitted online.

Abstract Submission Form

Plenary Session: Robotics Navigation
The plenary session (Monday morning, January 30) will consist of two facilitated panel sessions, lasting 75 minutes each. The two panels will be comprised of a mix of leaders invited from the academic community, business sector, governments, industry and scientific community. Panelists will be prepared to make short, introductory presentations, highlighting technical and policy challenges linked to the ITM meeting tracks/ sessions to follow over the three days of the ITM. The plenary audience will have an opportunity to ask panelists specific questions based on the issues raised.

Algorithms and Methods
General methods and advanced algorithms for positioning and navigation with multiple GNSS signals and a diversity of sensors. Approaches to explore multiconstellation satellite and/or terrestrial RF signals. Techniques to improve acquisition and tracking in terms of sensitivity, robustness, and accuracy and to ensure better integrity, continuity, and availability under challenging conditions. Schemes to deal with multipath and in particular non line of sight (NLOS) signals. Processing and performance analysis techniques for new GNSS signal designs including modulation and multiplex, chip pulse shaping, channel coding and other characteristics. Nonlinear estimation, optimization, and fusion algorithms and analytic methods applied to sensor configuration, feature selection, and performance modeling, prediction, and evaluation of positioning and navigation systems.
Co-chairs: Dr.-Ing. Patrick Henkel, Technical University Munich, Germany and Prof. Christian Tiberius, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Alternate Sensors and Systems
Sensors are complementary to GNSS and inertial navigation systems and are considered new technologies under development for navigation in GNSS-denied environments. Technologies include signals of opportunity (SOOP), which is positioning and navigation using wireless communication signals such as cellular, Wi-Fi, ASTC, DVB-T, DAB/DMB and AM/FM. Also included are imagebased navigation like feature matching and tracking using cameras, LADAR and LIDAR, collaborative (or peer-to-peer) navigation through information sharing, and emerging inertial navigation technologies. Methods exploiting complementary sensor properties and redundant information for increased positioning accuracy, continuity, availability and for enhanced system integrity. Applications to pedestrian and land, sea and air vehicle navigation in GNSSobstructed environments such as urban canyons, indoor and underwater areas.
Co-chairs: Jules McNeff, Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc. and Zachariah Conover, UrsaNav, Inc.

Atmospheric Effects
This session will focus on atmospheric effects on GNSS signals and GNSS based systems, and the use of GNSS in remote sensing of the ionosphere, troposphere, and Earth sciences. The ongoing quiescent solar minimum has permitted high-sensitivity studies of quiet-time phenomena for the ionosphere, as well as scintillation and other effects at low and high latitudes. Improvements in nowcasting and predictions are timely as solar activity is expected to increase in the coming years. In the meantime, the possible impact of tropospheric delay on high-precision and high-integrity applications is also being investigated.
Co-chairs: Patricia Doherty, Boston College and Dr. Attila Komjathy, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Autonomous Navigation/Robotics
Use of GNSS and complementary navigation technologies in the development and operation of robots and vehicles with an autonomous guidance element. Innovative applications for the use of robots and autonomous vehicles, including surveillance, search and rescue in an emergency locator, human hazardous or similar situations, assistance for the visually or physically impaired, formation flying/positioning, autonomous shipboard landing and autonomous airborne refueling. Assessment and improvements in solution, reliability for autonomous navigation in operational environments and aviation applications. Autonomous systems capable of navigating in urban, forested, and indoor environments including transitions from outdoor to indoor.
Co-chairs: Prof. Richard Hartnett, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Dr. Michael Zeitzew, NavCom/Deere

Aviation Applications
The use of GNSS for civil and military aviation, including future GNSS requirements for aviation. Aircraft based Augmentation Systems including integrity monitoring, GNSS/INS integration to support aviation system level requirements. Autonomous and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). Flight testing of GNSS applications. Developments in both GBAS and SBAS systems. Of interest are the accuracy, integrity, continuity, and availability of the various implementations. User and ground segment receiver design, reference station siting, and integrity monitoring techniques are also of interest.
Co-chairs: Dr. Samer Khanafseh, Illinois Institute of Technology and Larry Vittorini, Northrop Grumman

GNSS Modernization
This session welcomes papers on new civil and military capabilities and performance, including integrity and accuracy improvements. Abstracts on GPS and GLONASS modernization as well as other emerging GNSS systems such as Galileo, Compass and Global Indian Navigation System (GINS) are expected in this session. Compatibility and interoperability aspects related to signals and frequencies are of particular interest. New multiplex techniques to accommodate new services in the future or to provide higher flexibility are also appreciated in this session. Additional topics or equivalent relevance are modernized constellations characteristics; ground control and monitoring segments; user equipment architecture and design; integration with regional augmentation systems; open and authorized services, search and rescue services as well as commercial services and use of those modernized and new systems to support future applications.
Co-chairs: Karl Kovach, The Aerospace Corporation and Dr. Srini Raghavan, The Aerospace Corporation

History of Navigation
An opportunity to present papers highlighting historical landmarks in the development of all types of navigation systems.
Co-chairs: Jack Reichel, Reichel Technology and Paul Benshoof, USAF, 746th Test Squadron

Maritime Applications
Positioning and navigation systems operation in the marine environment, including waterway navigation, harbor entrance/approach, port entry and docking, ocean and harbor control of vessels, and precision berthing operations.
Co-chairs: Prof. Peter F. Swaszek, University of Rhode Island and CDR Joe Chop, USCG C3CEN

PNT Applications
An opportunity to present papers related to the unique challenges and growing opportunities of positioning, navigation and timing applications. This is intended as a broad category for papers that push the envelope into areas not previously reported.
Co-chairs: Dr. Thomas Powell, The Aerospace Corporation and John Hartline, UrsaNav, Inc.

QZSS
Developments in QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. Program status, space vehicle development, performance test reports, and user-side application development. Ground network citing and status, master station installation, receiver development, compatibility issues with other GNSS systems, establishment of Interface Specification, user applications including Indoor Messaging System (IMES), and future program prospects. Presentations from both participating organizations and other institutes are welcome.
Co-chairs: Dr. Takeyasu Sakai, Electronic Navigation Research Institute, Japan and Dr. Hiroaki Maeda, Lighthouse Technology and Consulting, Japan

Receivers and Antenna Technology
Novel GNSS receivers with unique advantages in terms of performance, cost, and power consumption. Implementation and demonstration of advanced receiver hardware and flexible architectures as well as advances in software-defined GNSS receivers and processing methods. Multi-mode, multi-frequency receivers tracking new and/or modernized GNSS broadcasts. Advances in RF frontend electronics including multi-GNSS front-ends. Improved designs for GNSS antennas, arrays and antenna electronics with emphasis on size, multi-frequency coverage, precision, multipath mitigation and interference suppression.
Co-chairs: Dr. Keith McDonald, The MITRE Corporation and Kevin Rudolph, Raytheon

Remote Sensing Using GNSS
Topics may include but are not limited to: ground-based or space-based observations; monitoring of space and local weather for GNSS; data assimilation methods and modeling of propagation and effects; occultation of GNSS signals; storm-enhanced densities (SEDs), traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), and scintillation; high, mid, and low-latitude phenomena; events from and studies of the solar minimum; case studies and multi-year statistical overviews; nowcasting and forecasting space weather for aviation, marine, geodetic, and timing applications; novel technologies to model and mitigate atmospheric errors.
Co-chairs: Dr. Grace Gao, Stanford University and Larry Hothem, U.S. Geological Survey

Space Applications
GNSS signals are rapidly becoming integral parts of both scientific and applied space systems. We seek contributions related to the unique challenges and growing opportunities of space based GNSS. Scientific topics include radio occultation measurements of the troposphere and ionosphere, and reflectometry from surface features. Topics in applied systems include constellation navigation, interferometric SAR, attitude determination, and coupling with inertial systems. Topics addressing technical issues of both COTS and specialized systems in space are also sought, including non- GNSS navigation systems. We also welcome contributions describing improvements to GNSS constellations that would be of particular benefit to space based users.
Co-chairs: Charles Daniels, Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc. and Ray Melusky, DNS/OPS/CIO/HSIN

Spectrum and Interference Issues
Effects of interference on the GNSS performance and use. Theoretical and test results describing effects of GNSS interference on receiver performance, with emphasis on high priority topics such as MSS Ancillary Terrestrial Component base stations, pseudolites, repeaters and personal privacy jammers. Interference detection/ characterization/mitigation/geolocation techniques, interoperability interference assessments among various GNSS systems and with non- GNSS systems, receiver design trade-offs and approaches for interference environments. Spectrum management, policy, and frequency protection issues and approaches.
Co-chairs: Dr. John Betz, The MITRE Corporation and Dr. Frederic Bastide, European Commission, Belgium

Timing Applications
Applications and technologies for deriving and applying precise time, frequency and synchronization capabilities to systems and networks.
Co-chairs: Dr. Richard Greenspan, C.S. Draper Laboratory and Chuck Bye, Honeywell

Urban and Indoor Applications
Technology and algorithms used in systems designed for GNSS-denied or degraded environments. Technologies of interest include: LIDAR, RADAR and Electro-optical sensor navigation, radio frequency signals of opportunity or deployed infrastructure, human motion modeling and other techniques. Applications of interest involve first-responder personal navigation and urban ground vehicle navigation. While theoretical treatments are acceptable, papers which present experimental results in realistic environments are strongly encouraged. Co-chairs: Dr. Di Qiu, Sigtem Technology, Inc. and Dr. Dorota Grejner- Brzezinska, The Ohio State University

Abstract Submission Form

Full registration includes all sessions, ION meal functions and events, and a CD-ROM of the proceedings. (The CD-ROM will be mailed 6-8 weeks after the conference.) Individual registration benefits are non-transferable.

• Member/Corporate Member Rate (received and paid by January 4): $770; after January 4: $870
• Non-member Rate (received and paid by January 4): $830; after January 4: $930
• Student Rate (sessions only, does not include meal functions, events or proceedings): $350
• Single Day Rate (sessions only for one single day, does not include meal functions, events or proceedings): $350

Table Top Exhibits
Table top exhibits are $1,300 each, which includes one six-foot table pushed flush against the wall, one chair and one complimentary conference registration. For more information please contact the ION National Office (phone: 703-366-2723, fax: 703-366-2724, e-mail: mandrews@ion.org.

Advance Hotel Reservation Information
You can make an online reservation at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa by calling 1-800-266-9432 or online via the ION website. The special ION conference rate is $179 per night. Be sure to identify yourself as an ION meeting participant to receive the special ION rate!

A limited number of government rate rooms are available to U.S. government employees (including MITRE & Aerospace).

Parking is $18 per night for overnight guests and $4 per hour for visitors. In-room Internet is $12.95 per day.

The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa has the best of both worlds as it is located across the street from Fashion Island (Newport Beach’s upscale shopping plaza which houses over 40 restaurants) and also has easy access to the waterfront and bay activities. The hotel is approximately one mile from the beach.

Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s most picturesque, dynamic and popular beach communities. Located in the center of Orange County between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is known for its vast recreational opportunities and outstanding shopping and dining. Average year-round temperatures of 68 degrees and nearly 22 square miles of ocean and bay make Newport Beach an excellent location for fishing, swimming, surfing and aquatic activities. Newport Beach is known for its “villages”, each with its own distinct character. Watch the surfers test their skills on the Balboa Peninsula, take in the scenic views from Corona Del Mar, and enjoy shopping and dining on Balboa Island, where boutique shops and restaurants line Marine Avenue.