EU Launches New Internet Service To Greatly Improve GPS Reliability

GPS data can now be obtained via the internet in addition to access via the existing satellite signal. Vice President Antonio Tajani launched today in Brussels the European Data Access Service (EDAS) – a new commercial service of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) – designed to make satellite navigation in Europe more reliable and thus more effective for use in commercial applications in difficult surroundings.

EDAS will support new services in numerous sectors including high-precision fertiliser spraying, automatic road-tolling, fleet management, inland waterway navigation, dangerous goods transportation or accurate area measurement.

Access to GPS data will also be possible via hand-held devices, using wireless communication from added value service providers.

EGNOS increases GPS accuracy and supports applications requiring high precision by correcting errors caused by atmospheric disturbance factors. As it makes GPS data available via the internet, EDAS ensures that users can access EGNOS information even if the EGNOS satellite signal in space is unavailable – perhaps because of signal obstruction in urban areas. EDAS provides the same information as EGNOS, with the addition of extra data, enabling the creation of new and innovative products and services. EDAS provides a reliable service and the European Commission is fully committed to the service on a long-term basis.

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said, “This third EGNOS service once again proves the European Commission’s commitment to delivering improved services to the EU’s businesses and citizens. So much of our day-to-day private and business lives are dependent on satellite navigation technology. With EDAS, we have a reliable performance level which can in turn support the creation of new and innovative products and thus help to overcome the current economic crisis.”