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Major farming equipment manufacturer Case New Holland Industrial (CNHi) have enhanced the robustness of their precision agriculture system by adding Galileo signals to their reference network solution.

During last week’s EIMA International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibit in Bologna, Italy, CNHi announced that its equipment will now be Galileo-capable. CNHi is a global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combine harvesters and balers. Galileo enhances the robustness of its RTK+ correction services.

The CNHi RTK+ guided auto-steering and its related technology ensures a fast, dependable signal and a sub 1.5 cm repeatable accuracy in all conditions, regardless of field location. However, until now, farmers have had to depend on non-civilian American GPS or Russian GLONASS signals when driving in the field. “Enhanced RTK+ accuracy through incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellites is a core way in which we can help CNHi tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to help develop a sustainable agriculture to feed an ever-increasing world population in an environmentally responsible way,” says Maxime Rocaboy, Product Marketing Manager at Case IH.

The addition of Galileo also helps minimise the risk of signal failure, which is one of the major reasons why the CNHi RTK network is integrating corrections for Galileo satellites. “By improving positioning and timing information, consistency of signal coverage is enhanced and a robust and reliable signal for accurate pass-to-pass repeatability is ensured,” says Alessio Quatraro, Product Marketing Manager at New Holland. “This benefits farmers by minimising downtime from waiting for a lost signal to be regained and guarantees a consistent and efficient use of seed, fertiliser and crop protection products through parallel passes with minimal overlap, thus maximising a crop’s potential.”

The addition of Galileo means a higher number of available satellites when using RTK corrections, making the service even more robust – especially under challenging circumstances such as working under trees, in forestry or in orchards. The company is currently testing and validating Galileo corrections for its RTK corrective service, which are expected to be available on the market starting in January 2019.

Galileo drives European competitiveness

The use of GNSS technology, including Galileo, is opening new business models and opportunities in the agricultural sector. GNSS-based precision farming gives farmers an unprecedented level of knowledge about their crops, livestock and operations while making the sector more efficient, economically competitive and environmentally sustainable.

According to the European GNSS Agency (GSA), Galileo provides improved positioning and timing information, with significant positive implications for many European farmers. “Galileo is well-positioned to enhance the GNSS performance, allowing users to benefit from an improved monitoring of the distribution and dilution of chemicals, improved parcel yields thanks to customised treatment and more efficient property management,” says Joaquín Reyes, who is currently preparing the so called User Consultation Platform, Agriculture panel, taking place in Marseille early December where Precision Agriculture place a central role. CNHi is taking part of this event along with other leading tractor and machinery manufacturers.

EU Space Week

“Enhanced RTK+ accuracy through the incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellite system is a core way in which we can help Case IH and New Holland tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to develop a sustainable agriculture to feed an ever-increasing population in an environmentally responsible way,” adds Michael Mahieu, CNH RTK network analyst.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Major farming equipment manufacturer Case New Holland Industrial (CNHi) have enhanced the robustness of their precision agriculture system by adding Galileo signals to their reference network solution.

During last week’s EIMA International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibit in Bologna, Italy, CNHi announced that its equipment will now be Galileo-capable. CNHi is a global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combine harvesters and balers. Galileo enhances the robustness of its RTK+ correction services.

The CNHi RTK+ guided auto-steering and its related technology ensures a fast, dependable signal and a sub 1.5 cm repeatable accuracy in all conditions, regardless of field location. However, until now, farmers have had to depend on non-civilian American GPS or Russian GLONASS signals when driving in the field. “Enhanced RTK+ accuracy through incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellites is a core way in which we can help CNHi tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to help develop a sustainable agriculture to feed an ever-increasing world population in an environmentally responsible way,” says Maxime Rocaboy, Product Marketing Manager at Case IH.

The addition of Galileo also helps minimise the risk of signal failure, which is one of the major reasons why the CNHi RTK network is integrating corrections for Galileo satellites. “By improving positioning and timing information, consistency of signal coverage is enhanced and a robust and reliable signal for accurate pass-to-pass repeatability is ensured,” says Alessio Quatraro, Product Marketing Manager at New Holland. “This benefits farmers by minimising downtime from waiting for a lost signal to be regained and guarantees a consistent and efficient use of seed, fertiliser and crop protection products through parallel passes with minimal overlap, thus maximising a crop’s potential.”

The addition of Galileo means a higher number of available satellites when using RTK corrections, making the service even more robust – especially under challenging circumstances such as working under trees, in forestry or in orchards. The company is currently testing and validating Galileo corrections for its RTK corrective service, which are expected to be available on the market starting in January 2019.

Galileo drives European competitiveness

The use of GNSS technology, including Galileo, is opening new business models and opportunities in the agricultural sector. GNSS-based precision farming gives farmers an unprecedented level of knowledge about their crops, livestock and operations while making the sector more efficient, economically competitive and environmentally sustainable.

According to the European GNSS Agency (GSA), Galileo provides improved positioning and timing information, with significant positive implications for many European farmers. “Galileo is well-positioned to enhance the GNSS performance, allowing users to benefit from an improved monitoring of the distribution and dilution of chemicals, improved parcel yields thanks to customised treatment and more efficient property management,” says Joaquín Reyes, who is currently preparing the so called User Consultation Platform, Agriculture panel, taking place in Marseille early December where Precision Agriculture place a central role. CNHi is taking part of this event along with other leading tractor and machinery manufacturers.

EU Space Week

“Enhanced RTK+ accuracy through the incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellite system is a core way in which we can help Case IH and New Holland tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to develop a sustainable agriculture to feed an ever-increasing population in an environmentally responsible way,” adds Michael Mahieu, CNH RTK network analyst.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

You spoke. We listened. The results of the GSA’s 2017 Galileo User Satisfaction Survey are now available.

At the end of 2017, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) launched its Galileo User Satisfaction Survey. This dedicated survey aimed to collect a range of valuable information from users like you. From your perception of and expectations for Galileo, to specific market segment and user needs and suggestions for improving the services provided by the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC) – the survey was a unique opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ideas.

Responses from across the market

And share you did. Users of every kind responded to our survey, including end users, receiver and chipset manufacturers, system integrators, service providers, application developers, public authorities and scientific entities. Responses also came from across a wide-range of market segments, including maritime, aviation, rail and road. In total, we received over 100 answers.

Read this: Just published: First report series on User Needs and Requirements on Position, Navigation and Time

Now, the results of this effort have been processed and the main outcomes and conclusions can be read in the Galileo User Satisfaction Survey Report.

According to the report, 55% of all respondents said they were already using Galileo – an impressive figure coming just one year after the launch of Initial Services. Of these users, 89% said they were satisfied with Galileo’s current level of service. Furthermore, 94% would recommend Galileo to other users.

In terms of suggestions for improving Galileo, respondents said they wanted to see improved availability of Galileo services and even better positioning accuracy. As to the GSC, the main suggestions coming from users included a need for a more enhanced website and an increase in range of available GSC products.

“These results show that Galileo is on the right track, with the market quickly adopting the service,” says Aitor Alvarez Rodriguez, GNSS Service Centre Supervisor at the GSA. “The GSA and GSC are building a solid user community ready to reap the many benefits of Galileo.”

Continuous dialogue

Our work doesn’t stop with the survey, however. The process of giving a voice to the growing Galileo User Community and building a continuous dialogue for improving the Galileo system and its services is ongoing. This dialogue will continue at the second EGNSS User Consultation Platform at European Space Week. Held 3 -6 December in Marseille, France, here Galileo users will have the opportunity to share their experiences first-hand. 

“We really appreciate all who contributed and took the time to answer the survey,” says Gian Gherardo Calini, Head of Market Development at the GSA. “Your opinion is our driver, and we will continue to listen to your ideas on how to continuously enhance our services.”

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) recently published a Report on Road User Needs and Requirements, as part of a series that examines user needs and requirements for position, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions in various sectors. These reports, which are an outcome of the first European GNSS User Consultation Platform (UCP), will help shape the discussion at the next UCP, to be held as part of European Space Week in Marseille on 3-4 December 2018.

Road applications have a dominant position in the GNSS market, and this will be further strengthened by policy decisions from public authorities and the advent of connected cars. The report notes that eCall and the Smart Tachograph are already good examples of European policy promoting GNSS, and the directive on interoperability of road toll systems in the European Union is another.

Stringent performance requirements

However, according to the report, we are moving from specific devices supporting specific applications, to a situation where the vehicle is a platform of connected services requiring more stringent performances for positioning, timing and navigation.
Autonomous vehicles will bring a new set of requirements, but it is not yet clear what the final role of GNSS will be in the complex guiding system installed in these cars. Nevertheless, there is a significant potential for GNSS use in road transport as the global car industry moves towards connected cars and automated driving.

Watch this: eCall - Emergency Positioning

However, the report notes that there is a low awareness among stakeholders of the new possibilities offered by EGNSS and that research and pilot projects are needed all along the road value chain to convince decisions-makers to incorporate the latest GNSS signals into their system architectures. Consultation with stakeholders and users will help increase awareness of, and confidence in, GNSS solutions. The EGNSS User Consultation Platform (UCP) plays a key role in this process.

The EGNSS User Consultation Platform

The UCP is a periodic forum organised by the European Commission and the GSA involving end users, user associations and representatives of the value chain, such as receiver and chipset manufacturers, application developers and the organisations and institutions dealing, directly and indirectly, with Galileo and EGNOS. The Platform is a part of the process developed at the GSA to collect user needs and requirements and take them as inputs for the provision of user-driven Galileo and EGNOS services.

And this: Register now to the EU Space Week in Marseille

The next User Consultation Platform will be held on 3-4 December, during European Space Week in Marseille. The main work of the UCP will be carried out in eight parallel panel sessions grouping users by market segment, with a dedicated session on the road sector.

This year, European Space Week also has a special session on Smart Cities, which will highlight how space applications are driving innovation in today’s smart cities, supporting applications in various areas – from intelligent mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT) to location-based services for health, transportation and everything in-between, including in the road transport sector.

To join the ongoing discussion and to ensure that future European space programme evolutions meet your needs and requirements, you can take part by registering to attend European Space Week here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).