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GPS : January - February 1999
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US-Europe Come Closer To Work Together For EGNOS
GPS Policy Change
Casio Launches World’s First Ever Watch With GPS
US-Europe Come Closer To Work Together For EGNOS
Europe seeks Indian help in Satellite Program
A totally civilian proposal for the third Satellite Navigational System- ‘EGNOS’ has been developed by the European Union countries which focuses on transport and emerging rescue for which it is approaching countries like US, Japan, India and Russia. The need for this third Satellite Navigational System was recognised four years back when the already operating systems, the GPS of US, and the GLONASS of Russia were found incapable to provide sufficient coverage. Due to the positioning of the satellites of these systems, they have a number of blind spots where their signals cannot reach. Further, the blind spots move keep moving as the satellites move, complicating the matters further. EGNOS, the 150 million project will work parallel with the existing systems and provide better coverage. This system may again have 24 satellites, but each of these will be placed in a medium orbit, and will verify the signals from the existing satellites and also provide a third signal, thus virtually removing any chance of error in location. It will also be able to remove the numerous blind spots that both the systems have by sharing the signals.
EGNOS is jointly being developed by the European Space Agency, the European Commission and the European Organization for the safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), together known as the European Tripartite Group (ETG). Turned down initially by the US, the ETG was seeking help from countries like Japan and India as they have reasonably advanced space programs. But the latest meeting between the delegates of U.S. State Department and the European Commission’s transport directorate has ratified the cooperation achieving seamless global interoperability of satellite-based radionavigation systems. Implementation of GNSS-2 will be finalised by the end of first half of this year. The two groups have agreed that achieving interoperability implies cooperation in blending an international integrity network. Also, that the technical meetings should take place in near future for GNSS-related issues that arise in international organisations and meetings.
According to the EU, countries like India can help by designing or building satellites, making several components for these satellites or launching some of them as Indian launches, which may be more economical than those by the Europeans. On the other hand, India has lot to gain from participating in this program, as it would immediately upgrade the poor aircraft guidance systems in place at almost every Indian airport. It will also help in oil and gas exploration and provide telecommunication links with the Himalayan region and other remote areas. But India has refused to come back to the table in a hurry and hopefully will be joining early next year.
GPS POLICY CHANGE
GPS classified as Restricted in India
India has refused to sign the IT Agreement II being negotiated in Geneva, in which the agenda is to include certain items such as radars, satellite communication equipment and certain consumer items in the list of duty free imports. According to the diplomatic sources in the capital, India, at present does not have the political sanction to proceed, and is holding out on signing.
Customs authorities in Mumbai have classified GPS receivers under Customs Tarrif no. 8526.91-sub-heading " Radar Apparatus, Radio Navigational Aid Apparatus", are "Restricted" and license is required for their import, (duty: 63.85%). Thus, by classification of Receivers under this category, the import of GIS Receivers, so vital for the development of GIS/GPS is being held up.
GPS also appears in List 28, Sr. no. 166; Item 11-"Direction finding compasses; Other navigational instruments and appliances", and can be imported for use of construction of roads etc, and an undertaking is given on the A.C.of the customer provided he has a contract for the construction. Imports of Surveying Instruments under Chapter 90.15 are permitted by organizations dealing with Surveying Instruments, import: free, Customs Duty: 41.25%. Thus, if classified as surveying instrument, GPS should be allowed to be imported under Surveying Chapter 90.15 with a duty of 41.25%. Alternately, if classified under 8526.91, it should be allowed free of import. Thus, this issue of importation of GPS points towards limited knowledge of the technology, and there is a need for its proper specification.
Casio Launches World’s First Ever Watch With GPS
Your watch can now locate positions on a map while you are mountaineering; can keep track of your favorite fishing spots; can easily determine your location in any area, even when no one other can, and can even calculate your speed while you are enjoying your cycling!
This is the world’s first ever watch launched by Casio Computer Co. Ltd., Japan, which can pick up transmissions from 27 GPS satellites developed by the United States. Data from these satellites can be used to determine any location on the globe. The new Casio Global Positioning System watch is about 60% lighter and smaller than handheld GPS navigator devices .
Features: There is an 8- channel receiver that can easily pick up signals from eight GPS satellites. The exact location is determined by the data from atleast three GPS satellites. The watch displays your current longitude and latitude positions. There are four modes-single read, quick reading, 1- minute read, and 1- second read. The watch can graphically indicate the direction and the distance to the destination from your current location; and the data can be updated, always giving an idea of remaining distance. Individual readings up to 200 points can be stored, and up to 100 points of continuos route data; and the complete route can be displayed graphically. Based on radio signals broadcasted from GPS satellites, automatic timekeeping ensures high level accuracy.
Watch Specifications
Reception Frequency: 1575.42 MHz
Reception Protocol: Parallel 8-channel
Measurement Cycle: 1 second minimum (continuous reading)
Antenna Type: Flat surface, Small area.
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