The International GPS Service - What´s Next? 10th Anniversary Assembly Charts Future Directions

J.M. Dow, G. Gendt, A.W. Moore, R. Neilan and R. Weber

Abstract:	The International GPS Service (IGS) celebrates ten years of successful scientific service in 2004. Since 1994, the IGS produces GPS data and products at the highest level of precision and accuracy available anywhere. A key objective of the IGS is to provide users anywhere in the world access to highest level GNSS data, products and resources, through an “open data policy”. This is naturally dependent upon the availability and performance of the various satellite systems. From modest beginnings, the IGS now consists of over 200 actively contributing organisations in more than 80 countries and a global network of 350+ stations with numerous associated regional networks. IGS provides GPS orbits (3-5 cm WRMS), sub-centimetre 3-D station positioning and velocities, and station and satellite clocks (sub nanosecond) for users worldwide. A similar suite of data and products is available for GLONASS, demonstrating the ability of the IGS to incorporate observations from other GNSSs for scientific applications. Galileo is next. In March 2004, the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern in Switzerland hosted a workshop and symposium celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the IGS and planning future directions. In depth technical and programmatic discussions generated a number of compelling recommendations for the IGS. Recommendations vary from issues such as: real-time network prototyping and data distribution; station configurations and processes for long-term observations crucial to maintaining a precise Earth reference frame; antenna phase centre measurements and calibrations of both ground and satellite antennas, and how these should be utilized in analyses; GNSS integrated precise orbit determination; quality control of IGS data and products; and many more. The technical and performance characteristics of many of the IGS components and projects were reviewed in depth, collectively generating the next steps for improvement. This paper will present the strategies of the International GPS Service for optimising the future use of multiple integrated GNSS: GPS and its modernization, the new Galileo, and GLONASS. The paper will also address the key recommendations from the 10th Anniversary Assembly in Bern (March 2004) mentioned above, highlighting those critical to the evolution of this GNSS service. It will also provide an overview of the very productive working groups and pilot projects demonstrating increasing IGS involvement in applications. These applications target the precise global reference frame, timing, ionosphere, atmospheric water vapour, Low Earth orbiter precise orbit determination (LEO POD), sea level change measurements, real-time GPS applications, GNSS developments, and the African Continental Reference Frame (AFREF) Initiative.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 17th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2004) September 21 - 24, 2004 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Pages:	1740 - 1748
Cite this article:	Dow, J.M., Gendt, G., Moore, A.W., Neilan, R., Weber, R., "The International GPS Service - What´s Next? 10th Anniversary Assembly Charts Future Directions," Proceedings of the 17th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2004), Long Beach, CA, September 2004, pp. 1740-1748.
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