Apart from military and government uses, the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has proven to be very useful to the commercial sector. To produce high-quality products and services, companies must calibrate their GPS or GNSS devices or networks to assure customers of their efficiency and accuracy.
To do so, they must let their product undergo a series of testing procedures such as signal acquisition, retention, and Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna or CRPA simulations. This is how GPS/GNSS simulators make testing easier. Instead of performing outdoor testing and spending more to subject the product to interference, GPS/GNSS simulators provide the convenience of satellite signals in making the test more effective.
This is important for several industries which require accurate location detection. Some of these industries are:
Agriculture
In the past, farmers and businesses found it difficult to keep track of vast amounts of land, especially during low-visibility conditions such as rain or fog. In the case of weeds or diseased land areas, farmers would have difficulty keeping track of the land sampling.
However, GPS combined with geographic information systems helped farmers to practice precision agriculture, which allows them to monitor certain areas of their land more closely. The systems also allowed them to navigate their area more quickly even with low visibility.
Today, farmers use GPS-installed tools and equipment to enhance their operations. GPS receivers collect information that maps the irrigation, roads, systems, and boundaries, as well as areas which require attention. Accuracy is vital for farmers’ production, and these receivers enable them to navigate specific locations and collect the right samples to see the right conditions.
Aviation
All aircraft are required to have GPS installed for the safety and efficiency of everyone onboard and those fulfilling aviation roles. While on the air, the aircraft needs continuous and accurate location anywhere in the world. Keeping the aircraft in the air traffic control tower’s radar, or making sure the aircraft monitor reflects the correct direction and air traffic situation, will be difficult without a GPS/GNSS. Devices that deliver navigation information require precise testing. With a GPS/GNSS simulator, aviation equipment can be tested for accuracy, given the areas that lack navigation aids such as oceans and remote locations.
Travel Industry
Ride-sharing applications or apps such as Uber or Lyft require accurate GPS to operate. By using GPS, the app matches its clients with the closest driver. However, some locations such as urban cities with high-rise buildings can interfere with the signal and cause the location to appear inaccurate on the map. This is a common occurrence, but one that can be an inconvenience to the driver and rider involved. Device testing will be helpful to check for updated map information and matching errors.
These are just some examples of industries that require accurate GPS and how a GPS/GNSS simulator can help make these sectors receive better GPS performance.
CAST is a leader in the industry, providing GPS/GNSS testing products with high-accuracy and precision. Our state-of-the-art simulators have served our government, military, and commercial clients well for over 35 years.
For world-class simulation systems that your company or sector needs, contact CAST.
