MoreAnticipating the additional workload of more complex signals during acquisition and tracking, the L2C capable receivers contain hardware and firmware to support the longer codes of the new GPS signal format. The L2C GPS signal has been designed for civilian use, and offers a stronger and more robust carrier phase differential solution for precise RTK positioning than current generation codeless L2 can provide. Used in conjunction with the original L1 GPS carrier signal, ionosphere delay and other distortions become more correctible, resulting in greater position, navigation and timing accuracy, and reliability. The L2C GPS signal will also offer better L2 signal to noise ratios because receivers can track the L2C code directly, and makes it easier to resolve and dramatically reduce multipath effects (incorrect position readings resulting from signal reflections).
"After almost 30 years with GPS navigation satellites overhead, the world has become very comfortable with the technology and now seeks to explore new levels of precision," said Steven Woolven, President of Applanix. "Our L2C-ready solution represents a practical approach for achieving more robust satellite signal tracking and greater positional accuracy." The first GPS L2C satellite started broadcasting in December 2005. Seven additional satellites are expected to launch over the next two to three years and a full satellite constellation is expected to be in operation within seven years.
Applanix Corporation pioneered aided inertial navigation products for commercial survey applications and has been developing GPS-aided inertial position and orientation solutions as well as aerial digital sensor systems for civilian and government applications since 1991.
