Plenary Session

The Plenary Session will feature invited presentations on the theme, "Exploring the Frontiers of Navigation - unique and Exciting New Uses of Navigation Technologies."

ITM 2013 Technical Sessions

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Alternative Sensors and Emerging Navigation Technologies
Sensors complementary to GNSS and inertial navigation systems and considered new technologies under development for navigation in GNSS-denied environments. Radio frequency technologies such as terrestrial and signals of opportunity (SOOP) including the use of cellular, Wi-Fi, ASTC, DVB-T, DAB/ DMB and AM/FM transmissions for positioning and navigation. Also included are image-based navigation methods like feature matching and tracking using cameras, LADAR and LIDAR, collaborative (or peer-to-peer) navigation through information sharing, and emerging inertial navigation technologies such as cold atom interferometry.
Co-chairs: Dr. Maarten Uijt de Haag, Ohio University and Pamela Ahn, Federal Aviation Administration

Augmentation Systems (SBAS, GBAS, etc.)
Augmentation systems to support GNSS use in various applications are examined. Key topics include developments in both GBAS and SBAS systems. Governmental SBAS augmentation systems such as WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, and MSAS and interoperability of such systems with GBAS. Private global and regional augmentation systems will also be covered. All aspects of augmentation systems including design, reference station equipment, user equipment and performance are considered.
Co-chairs: Dr. Eric Altshuler, Sequoia Research Corporation and Jason Burns, Federal Aviation Administration

Autonomous Navigation
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: Dr. Shau-Shiun Jan, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan and Dr. Paul DeBitetto, C.S. Draper Laboratory

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. Jiyun Lee, Tetra Tech AMT and Michael Felux, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

Emerging GNSS and Modernization
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 of 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: Dr. Felix Antreich, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany and Stuart Shaw, Lockheed Martin

GNSS Processing and Integration
New techniques for processing data from GNSS receivers and other navigation devices to provide improved robustness, accuracy, sensitivity, timeliness, or other benefits. Processing techniques that take advantage of multiple GNSS signals and new signal designs, including new spreading modulations, pilot and carrier components, and other characteristics. Block processing, vector processing and integration with other sensors. Utilization of navigation data from out-of-band sources and use of high-rate, near-real-time data from scientific GNSS arrays, including the impact of new arrays. Compressing, prioritizing and scheduling network reference data through limited communication channels. Processing techniques that take advantage of GNSS with other sensors and signals.
Co-chairs: Dr. Patrick Henkel, Technical University Munich, Germany and Dr. Keith McDonald, The MITRE Corporation

Interference and Spectrum Management
Effects of interference on 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: Douglas Taggart, Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc. and Dr. Todd Humphreys, The University of Texas at Austin

Marine 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. Ocean surface and underwater navigation topics are also applicable.
Co-chairs: Martin Bransby, General Lighthouse Authority, UK and Patricia Rittenhouse, Northrop Grumman

MEMS, Atomic Clock and Micro PNT
The development and use of microsystems and Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for positioning, navigation and timing applications to offer new navigation/timing solutions and capabilities with significantly reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) over the state-of-the-art. Subject areas include developments in inertial (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) and clock technologies (e.g. cold atom). Integration and testing of these systems for use in high performance as well as consumer navigation applications are also appropriate.
Co-chairs: Dr. Jennifer Strabley, Honeywell and Larry Vittorini, Northrop Grumman

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 front-end electronics including multi-GNSS frontends. 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. Michael Enright, Quantum Dimension, Inc. and Dr. Jiwon Seo, Yonsei University, South Korea

Space Applications and Remote Sensing
GNSS signals are rapidly becoming integral parts of both scientific and applied space systems. 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. Describing improvements to GNSS constellations that would be of particular benefit to space-based users. 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. Martin Unwin, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, UK and Dr. Demoz Gebre-Egziabher, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Space and Atmospheric Weather
Effects of the troposphere and ionosphere on GNSS signals. Impacts of the atmosphere and of space weather on the operation of GNSS. New techniques and use of GNSS for atmosphere, ionosphere or space weather monitoring for operational systems. New ground-based GNSS experiments and networks.
Co-chairs: Dr. Jade Morton, Miami University and Dr. Seebany Datta-Barua, Illinois Institute of Technology

Terrestrial Applications
Situational awareness and environmental perception for landbased applications, navigation and guidance of uninhabited vehicles, collaborative navigation algorithms, logistics and applications, GIS, image and map-based navigation, realtime land vehicle location/orientation in GPS-denied and indoor environments, location-based services and intelligent navigation systems for land-based applications.
Co-chairs: Dr. Yunqian Ma, Honeywell Aerospace and Dr. David Bevly, Auburn University

QZSS
Developments in QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. Program status, space vehicle development, performance test reports, and user-side applications 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 Co., Japan

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 include 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. David De Lorenzo, Polaris Wireless and Dr. R. James Duckworth, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Submit Your Abstract

Abstracts should be in the form of a paper summary consisting of between 800 and 1000 words and should describe objectives, anticipated or actual results, conclusions, any key innovative steps and the significance of your work. Short abstracts will be de-weighted in the selection process.

Submit abstracts via the ION website no later than October 5.

Abstracts may also be e-mailed to abstracts@ion.org. Please indicate the abstract 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.

Abstract titles and corresponding primary author names will be posted on the ION’s website. If your name does not appear after two weeks, please contact the ION office at 703-366-2723 or via e-mail at meetings@ion.org.

Authors will be notified of acceptance in November and provided an author’s kit with presentation and publication guidelines.

Final manuscripts must be received at the ION National Office by January 4, 2013. Revised papers will not be accepted after February 7, 2013.

Papers not representative of the original abstract submitted will NOT be included in the conference proceedings, regardless of whether or not they were presented at the conference, and may affect the acceptance of future abstracts.

Please note that all authors are required to pay registration fees.

International Participants

We recommend that you apply for a visa at least three to four months in advance due to security policies that have greatly increased processing time, such as interviews and mandatory waiting periods. Travelers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present either a machine-readable passport or a U.S. visa.

For general information about visas go to http://www.nationalacademies.org/visas/. For Visa Waiver Program and Machine Readable Passports information go to: http://travel.state.gov/.

Click here to request a Letter of Invitation from ION.

Registration Information

Online registration will be available in Fall 2012.

Full Registration includes all technical sessions, ION meal functions and events, and a CD-ROM of the proceedings (mailed 6-8 weeks after the conference).

Table Top Exhibits

Table top exhibits are $1,400 each, which includes one six-foot table pushed flush against the wall, one chair and one full conference registration. For more information please contact the ION National Office (phone: 703-366-2776; e-mail: mandrews@ion.org).

Student Matching Travel Grants

The ION will match up to $500 in travel grant funds for fulltime 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 5, 2012. See the application form for details.

Journal Publication

Authors of appropriate papers are encouraged to submit them for possible publication in the ION’s archival journal NAVIGATION. Prospective journal papers may be submitted online.