EGNOS stands for European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. It is a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) developed by the European Union that enhances the accuracy and reliability of GPS (Global Positioning System) signals, mainly for aviation and maritime applications.
EGNOS is used to provide navigation and positioning services with a higher level of accuracy and integrity than GPS alone.
EGNOS consists of a network of ground-based stations that monitor GPS signals, and a geostationary satellite that transmits correction and integrity information to users. This information is used to improve the accuracy of GPS signals and to provide alerts in case of any errors or degradation in the GPS signal.
Examples of how EGNOS is used in the aerospace context:
- In aviation, EGNOS is used to provide precision approach and landing services, which allow aircraft to land safely in reduced visibility conditions or at airports with no instrument landing systems.
- In maritime, EGNOS is used to provide precise navigation information for ships, which improves safety and efficiency in the shipping industry.
- In the field of agriculture, EGNOS is used to improve the accuracy of precision farming methods, which helps farmers to increase crop yields and reduce costs.
- In the field of survey and mapping, EGNOS is used to increase the accuracy of measurements and positioning, which improves the quality of maps and other geospatial products.
EGNOS is an important component of the European satellite navigation system, Galileo, it enhances the Galileo signals and makes them more robust, more accurate and more reliable. EGNOS is also an important component of the European Union's efforts to promote the development of satellite navigation and positioning services, and to provide navigation services to users across the EU and Europe.