Continuity: The Hardest GNSS Requirement of All

Karl Kovach

Abstract:	This paper examines the evolving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) continuity requirements for routine aviation use. A brief explanation of what GNSS continuity is, and isn't, is followed by relevant examples of how the various GNSS continuity requirements are specified. The GNSS "continuity conditions" are then developed and applied to the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a typical GNSS architecture. The continuity of GPS is quantified as a function of the key continuity conditions with four, five, six, and more satellites in view to show how difficult it is to satisfy the GNSS continuity requirements as currently specified. The nature of "continuity of accuracy" is addressed and is compared against "integrity of accuracy" to demonstrate that all losses of accuracy are service interruptions regardless of whether the user is aware of the loss or not. The arguments for and against extremely rigorous continuity requirements are examined, and revisions to the current GNSS continuity specifications are recommended.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998) September 15 - 18, 1998 Nashville, TN
Pages:	2003 - 2020
Cite this article:	Kovach, Karl, "Continuity: The Hardest GNSS Requirement of All," Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998), Nashville, TN, September 1998, pp. 2003-2020.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In