zprávy

Organizace Space Generation Advisory Council otevřela soutěže pro studenty a mladé profesionály. Odměnou pro vítěze je cesta na Space Generation Congress a Mezinárodní astronautický kongres, které se budou konat na konci září v mexické Guadalajaře. Soutěže jsou otevřeny až do druhé poloviny července.

The first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition Document is geared towards Galileo receiver manufacturers and is intended to serve as a guide to the use of the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) announce the publication of the first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition document (OS SIS OSD v1.1). The release is a follow-up to a preliminary document issued last year for public consultation (OS SIS ISD, v1.0) and incorporates numerous improvements suggested by the user community during the consultation process.

OS SIS OSD v1.1 complements the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD v1.2, 2015) by describing the encoding and use of the SIS Status for the OS. The SIS Status, or the operational status of the OS SIS broadcast by each Galileo satellite, determines the applicability of the minimum performance level of services defined in the Galileo Open Service – Service Definition Document (OS SDD), which will be published later this year.

The OS SIS OSD, which is specifically targeted towards Galileo receiver manufacturers, is meant to serve as a guide to using the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The Galileo OS SIS OSD v1.1 document can be downloaded here.

The support of the European Space Agency (ESA) in the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged.

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 first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition Document is geared towards Galileo receiver manufacturers and is intended to serve as a guide to the use of the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) announce the publication of the first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition document (OS SIS OSD v1.1). The release is a follow-up to a preliminary document issued last year for public consultation (OS SIS ISD, v1.0) and incorporates numerous improvements suggested by the user community during the consultation process.

OS SIS OSD v1.1 complements the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD v1.2, 2015) by describing the encoding and use of the SIS Status for the OS. The SIS Status, or the operational status of the OS SIS broadcast by each Galileo satellite, determines the applicability of the minimum performance level of services defined in the Galileo Open Service – Service Definition Document (OS SDD), which will be published later this year.

The OS SIS OSD, which is specifically targeted towards Galileo receiver manufacturers, is meant to serve as a guide to using the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The Galileo OS SIS OSD v1.1 document can be downloaded 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).

The first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition Document is geared towards Galileo receiver manufacturers and is intended to serve as a guide to the use of the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) announce the publication of the first official release of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Operational Status Definition document (OS SIS OSD v1.1). The release is a follow-up to a preliminary document issued last year for public consultation (OS SIS ISD, v1.0) and incorporates numerous improvements suggested by the user community during the consultation process.

OS SIS OSD v1.1 complements the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD v1.2, 2015) by describing the encoding and use of the SIS Status for the OS. The SIS Status, or the operational status of the OS SIS broadcast by each Galileo satellite, determines the applicability of the minimum performance level of services defined in the Galileo Open Service – Service Definition Document (OS SDD), which will be published later this year.

The OS SIS OSD, which is specifically targeted towards Galileo receiver manufacturers, is meant to serve as a guide to using the various SIS health indicators for implementation of robust navigation systems.

The Galileo OS SIS OSD v1.1 document can be downloaded here.

The support of the European Space Agency (ESA) in the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged.

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).

Knowledge, innovation and business support serve as the springboard for Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year, positioning the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) downstream market to take full advantage of the programme continues to be a hot topic. Here the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is taking the lead, working with the European Commission, to support the development of a sustainable GNSS downstream market by fostering European GNSS adoption.

Speaking at a recent workshop hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), GSA Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini discussed how innovation drives downstream space activities and what the GSA is doing to support this. According to Calini, the key drivers for innovation in GNSS include information, knowledge exchange, the generation of new business ideas, direct support to new technology adoption, research and development (R&D) technology and a robust policy framework.

“Education drives tomorrow’s innovation, building cutting-edge competences in European GNSS, cross-fertilising the skills and strengthening European industry’s position in the global market,” he says. “The GSA believes that education in European GNSS is key to ensuring the success of Galileo and EGNOS.”

“In the downstream space domain, European GNSS – Galileo and EGNOS – can be a major game changer, representing a catalyst to ignite evolution in the GNSS industry, service provision, application development and technological advances,” adds Greg Sadlier of London Economics, also speaking at the event. “Through education, capacity building and knowledge transfer, the GSA is raising awareness of the opportunities offered by European GNSS and how all segments, from Aviation to the Internet of Things, can benefit from the guidance and resources provided by the GSA to turn research into innovative market opportunities, and economic growth.”

In support of this push to raise awareness about European GNSS, the GSA has been actively involved in the promotion of a number of tools and projects. For example, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)-funded GENIUS project supported and nurtured a network of universities and research institutions active in the provision of GNSS training in the area of satellite navigation technologies, applications and services. The project laid the foundation for the development of pan-European collaborations that enabled technology transfer between universities, research institutes and industry.

Likewise, the Horizon 2020-funded E-KnoT project is focused on strengthening the interaction between three areas: education, research and industry in Europe. It is leveraging on past activities already undertaken in the field in order to strengthen this European GNSS knowledge triangle. The end result will be a solid network for the creation of a critical mass involving relevant actors coming together to support the development of Europe’s economy.

Building businesses

“Once the proper skills are established, we need to support the actual entrepreneur, SME or business by making proper market knowledge readily available,” says Calini. “On this point, the GSA is leading the way with its GNSS Market Report, which is recognised worldwide as a comprehensive source of knowledge and information on the GNSS global market.” The report, which is available for download free of charge, not only covers the GNSS market in general, but also provides market segment specific analysis.

In addition to the Market Report, the GSA is also involved in an array of activities aimed at providing support to European businesses leveraging the power of GNSS. For example, the agency helps European industry carve out a share of the lucrative Asian market via such international knowledge exchange initiatives as GNSS Asia and the BELS project. It also sponsors numerous contests and awards aimed at stimulating innovation, including the GSA Special Prize, part of the annual European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC). The GSA Special Prize supports the best ideas and applications that utilise Galileo’s Initial Services and the power of a multi-constellation environment to provide new and more robust benefits to the end-user.

Support for adoption, e.g. by key players in the downstream market value chain, is also very important, especially for central actors like chipset and receiver manufacturers. As a result of the GSA’s commitment to supporting innovation and helping companies take their ideas to commercialisation, such as through the Horizon 2020 programme and Fundamental Elements initiative, 17 chipset and receiver manufacturers already adopted Galileo this year, up from just 3 in 2010 – now representing more than 95 % of the total global supply.

“Here I can say with confidence that the GSA is in the driver’s seat with our foot firmly on the innovation accelerator,” concludes Calini.

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).

Knowledge, innovation and business support serve as the springboard for Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year, positioning the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) downstream market to take full advantage of the programme continues to be a hot topic. Here the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is taking the lead, working with the European Commission, to support the development of a sustainable GNSS downstream market by fostering European GNSS adoption.

Speaking at a recent workshop hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), GSA Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini discussed how innovation drives downstream space activities and what the GSA is doing to support this. According to Calini, the key drivers for innovation in GNSS include information, knowledge exchange, the generation of new business ideas, direct support to new technology adoption, research and development (R&D) technology and a robust policy framework.

“Education drives tomorrow’s innovation, building cutting-edge competences in European GNSS, cross-fertilising the skills and strengthening European industry’s position in the global market,” he says. “The GSA believes that education in European GNSS is key to ensuring the success of Galileo and EGNOS.”

“In the downstream space domain, European GNSS – Galileo and EGNOS – can be a major game changer, representing a catalyst to ignite evolution in the GNSS industry, service provision, application development and technological advances,” adds Greg Sadlier of London Economics, also speaking at the event. “Through education, capacity building and knowledge transfer, the GSA is raising awareness of the opportunities offered by European GNSS and how all segments, from Aviation to the Internet of Things, can benefit from the guidance and resources provided by the GSA to turn research into innovative market opportunities, and economic growth.”

In support of this push to raise awareness about European GNSS, the GSA has been actively involved in the promotion of a number of tools and projects. For example, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)-funded GENIUS project supported and nurtured a network of universities and research institutions active in the provision of GNSS training in the area of satellite navigation technologies, applications and services. The project laid the foundation for the development of pan-European collaborations that enabled technology transfer between universities, research institutes and industry.

Likewise, the Horizon 2020-funded E-KnoT project is focused on strengthening the interaction between three areas: education, research and industry in Europe. It is leveraging on past activities already undertaken in the field in order to strengthen this European GNSS knowledge triangle. The end result will be a solid network for the creation of a critical mass involving relevant actors coming together to support the development of Europe’s economy.

Building businesses

“Once the proper skills are established, we need to support the actual entrepreneur, SME or business by making proper market knowledge readily available,” says Calini. “On this point, the GSA is leading the way with its GNSS Market Report, which is recognised worldwide as a comprehensive source of knowledge and information on the GNSS global market.” The report, which is available for download free of charge, not only covers the GNSS market in general, but also provides market segment specific analysis.

In addition to the Market Report, the GSA is also involved in an array of activities aimed at providing support to European businesses leveraging the power of GNSS. For example, the agency helps European industry carve out a share of the lucrative Asian market via such international knowledge exchange initiatives as GNSS Asia and the BELS project. It also sponsors numerous contests and awards aimed at stimulating innovation, including the GSA Special Prize, part of the annual European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC). The GSA Special Prize supports the best ideas and applications that utilise Galileo’s Initial Services and the power of a multi-constellation environment to provide new and more robust benefits to the end-user.

Support for adoption, e.g. by key players in the downstream market value chain, is also very important, especially for central actors like chipset and receiver manufacturers. As a result of the GSA’s commitment to supporting innovation and helping companies take their ideas to commercialisation, such as through the Horizon 2020 programme and Fundamental Elements initiative, 17 chipset and receiver manufacturers already adopted Galileo this year, up from just 3 in 2010 – now representing more than 95 % of the total global supply.

“Here I can say with confidence that the GSA is in the driver’s seat with our foot firmly on the innovation accelerator,” concludes Calini.

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).

ESA vyhlašuje dvě výzvy pro podávání návrhů studentských experimentů v hypergavitaci a mikrogravitaci v rámci programů Spin Your Thesis! 2017 a Drop Your Thesis! 2017. Vysokoškoláci mají šanci pracovat na velké centrifuze v ESA/ESTEC nebo na pádové věži ZARM v Brémách. Uzávěrka podání návrhů je 4. září, resp. 9. října 2016.

The European GNSS Agency elected CNES President and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall as the new chair of its Administrative Board.

During the 45th meeting of the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) Administrative Board, CNES (the French Space Agency) president and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall was elected as its new chair. The Board also elected Mark Bacon, representing the United Kingdom, as its new deputy chair.

“I am honoured to have been elected chair of the GSA Administrative Board, with Galileo now poised to enter its operational phase,” says Le Gall. “This election confirms the desire of Member States to join forces on the cusp of a prolific period for European space as we move Galileo towards full operational capability.”

Le Gall thanked outgoing chair Sabine Dannelke of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for her leadership over the last few years and went on to say, “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Executive Director Carlo des Dorides and everyone at the GSA, whom I already know well from my role at CNES.”

“With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year and the subsequent transfer of responsibility for Galileo operations to the GSA, this is a critical time for the agency,” says des Dorides. “I am pleased that the Member States continue to support the agency with confidence and I look forward to working closely with both Jean-Yves and Mark as Europe’s space programmes enter this new chapter.”

“I am very pleased to have been elected to work with the Board and I look forward to helping the GSA deliver on the Galileo and EGNOS programmes over the coming years,” adds Bacon.

The GSA Administrative Board is composed of representatives from each EU Member State, the European Commission, and the EU parliament. The Board meets three times per year to take various decisions (budget, work programme, etc.) and ensure that the Agency performs its entrusted tasks according to the regulation.

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 elected CNES President and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall as the new chair of its Administrative Board.

During the 45th meeting of the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) Administrative Board, CNES (the French Space Agency) president and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall was elected as its new chair. The Board also elected Mark Bacon, representing the United Kingdom, as its new deputy chair.

“I am honoured to have been elected chair of the GSA Administrative Board, with Galileo now poised to enter its operational phase,” says Le Gall. “This election confirms the desire of Member States to join forces on the cusp of a prolific period for European space as we move Galileo towards full operational capability.”

Le Gall thanked outgoing chair Sabine Dannelke of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for her leadership over the last few years and went on to say, “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Executive Director Carlo des Dorides and everyone at the GSA, whom I already know well from my role at CNES.”

“With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year and the subsequent transfer of responsibility for Galileo operations to the GSA, this is a critical time for the agency,” says des Dorides. “I am pleased that the Member States continue to support the agency with confidence and I look forward to working closely with both Jean-Yves and Mark as Europe’s space programmes enter this new chapter.”

“I am very pleased to have been elected to work with the Board and I look forward to helping the GSA deliver on the Galileo and EGNOS programmes over the coming years,” adds Bacon.

The GSA Administrative Board is composed of representatives from each EU Member State, the European Commission, and the EU parliament. The Board meets three times per year to take various decisions (budget, work programme, etc.) and ensure that the Agency performs its entrusted tasks according to the regulation.

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 elected CNES President and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall as the new chair of its Administrative Board.

During the 45th meeting of the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) Administrative Board, CNES (the French Space Agency) president and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall was elected as its new chair. The Board also elected Mark Bacon, representing the United Kingdom, as its new deputy chair.

“I am honoured to have been elected chair of the GSA Administrative Board, with Galileo now poised to enter its operational phase,” says Le Gall. “This election confirms the desire of Member States to join forces on the cusp of a prolific period for European space as we move Galileo towards full operational capability.”

Le Gall thanked outgoing chair Sabine Dannelke of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for her leadership over the last few years and went on to say, “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Executive Director Carlo des Dorides and everyone at the GSA, whom I already know well from my role at CNES.”

“With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year and the subsequent transfer of responsibility for Galileo operations to the GSA, this is a critical time for the agency,” says des Dorides. “I am pleased that the Member States continue to support the agency with confidence and I look forward to working closely with both Jean-Yves and Mark as Europe’s space programmes enter this new chapter.”

“I am very pleased to have been elected to work with the Board and I look forward to helping the GSA deliver on the Galileo and EGNOS programmes over the coming years,” adds Bacon.

The GSA Administrative Board is composed of representatives from each EU Member State, the European Commission, and the EU parliament. The Board meets three times per year to take various decisions (budget, work programme, etc.) and ensure that the Agency performs its entrusted tasks according to the regulation.

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 elected CNES President and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall as the new chair of its Administrative Board.

During the 45th meeting of the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) Administrative Board, CNES (the French Space Agency) president and France’s inter-ministerial coordinator for European satellite navigation programmes Jean-Yves Le Gall was elected as its new chair. The Board also elected Mark Bacon, representing the United Kingdom, as its new deputy chair.

“I am honoured to have been elected chair of the GSA Administrative Board, with Galileo now poised to enter its operational phase,” says Le Gall. “This election confirms the desire of Member States to join forces on the cusp of a prolific period for European space as we move Galileo towards full operational capability.”

Le Gall thanked outgoing chair Sabine Dannelke of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for her leadership over the last few years and went on to say, “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Executive Director Carlo des Dorides and everyone at the GSA, whom I already know well from my role at CNES.”

“With Galileo Initial Services set to launch later this year and the subsequent transfer of responsibility for Galileo operations to the GSA, this is a critical time for the agency,” says des Dorides. “I am pleased that the Member States continue to support the agency with confidence and I look forward to working closely with both Jean-Yves and Mark as Europe’s space programmes enter this new chapter.”

“I am very pleased to have been elected to work with the Board and I look forward to helping the GSA deliver on the Galileo and EGNOS programmes over the coming years,” adds Bacon.

The GSA Administrative Board is composed of representatives from each EU Member State, the European Commission, and the EU parliament. The Board meets three times per year to take various decisions (budget, work programme, etc.) and ensure that the Agency performs its entrusted tasks according to the regulation.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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 Space Expo in The Hague showcased how cycling and motorcycling are benefiting from GNSS positioning information.

From a country that has given us such international icons as wooden shoes, windmills, canals and narrow houses, perhaps nothing symbolises the Netherlands more than the bicycle. So when the European Space Expo landed in The Hague’s Het Plein, it was only natural that it came with a special exhibition on the role space solutions play in cycling and motor biking.

The Space Solutions for Biking event showcased the many innovative biking applications powered by satellite navigation (EGNOS and Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus) technology. Exhibiting companies covered an array of applications, including bike sharing, smart bike riding and emergency detection for motorbike riders. 

For example, BikePredict is a mobile application that makes self-service bike riding easy by providing information on the number of available bikes and docks, both in real time and in the near future. “What is unique about our product is that we can predict where the bikes are going to be located,” says Chief Marketing Officer Clement Collignon. “As a user, you can log onto our app and see that there’s a 90 % chance of finding a bike or an open parking spot at a particular bike station in 30 minutes, which lets the user better plan their route.”

The app works similarly for the self-service bike operators, telling them how many bikes are docked where. “Trucks have to move bikes from station to station in order to rebalance the system, and this is a fairly significant cost to the operator,” says Collignon. “With BikePredict’s redistribution function, we estimate that we can help operators reduce costs by up to 25 %.”

Likewise, Bike Citizens used the event to show off how GNSS technology can benefit urban cyclists. The innovative app, which was designed by bike couriers, uses positioning information to guide users towards cycle paths and away from busy streets. There’s even no need to look down at the map, as Bike Citizens provides voice prompts about when and where to turn – meaning you can always keep your eyes on the road.

“Not only does it create the most efficient and bike-friendly route, the app will also provide information on points of interest as you ride,” says company Business Advisor Paul Mayer. “And our pre-packaged, themed routes – designed by local cyclists – are the perfect way to explore a new city.”

The app is available in cities worldwide. Furthermore, the company shares the data it collects via the app with research projects aimed at improving cycling in cities. Together with municipalities and companies, the Bike Citizens team designs, develops and promotes an array of tools to help cities promote urban biking. 

Thwarting thieves

Satsafe Technologies, also exhibiting at the Expo, is on a mission to develop innovative, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based products and services that provide safety and security benefits to the end-user. One such product is the SatsafeBike. The key innovation to this bike is the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) UK finalist’s winning Geoblock technology. The multi-sensor technology, which was originally developed for use in cars, determines the physical characteristics of a vehicle in real time, including acceleration, braking and cornering. This data is then analysed by a back office system, which applies an algorithm to produce individual driving scores.

“We are applying this same concept to bikes, creating an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart bike that we call the SatsafeBike,” says founder Stuart Millward. “Our aim is to have this technology embedded into bikes at manufacturer.” According to Stuart, the technology has already been deployed on electric bikes for Transport for Greater Manchester and the company is in discussions with a UK electric bike manufacturer about adopting the technology for all of their bikes.

“What’s really attractive about this technology for bike owners is its positioning capability,” explains Millward. “If you’re at work, for example, and your bike begins to move, the device will alert you of its position, enabling you to use the app to track and find your stolen bike.”

Easy riding with GNSS

Turning to motorbikes, REALRIDER was on hand to talk about its motorcycle app that keeps riders safe and connected. The app lets motorcyclists ride with complete peace of mind knowing they are protected by the REALsafe feature – the app’s 999-certified, built-in lifesaving crash detection technology linked to emergency services.

Also an ESNC finalist, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Richardson describes the product as a social app for motorcyclists with a GNSS-enabled safety feature. “Here you can record routes, add points of interest, and connect and share this information with friends and other riders – it’s all about sharing with a wider community,” he says. “But the apps main feature is really its crash-detection feature.”

According to Richardson, all too often a motorcyclist is riding by him or herself on open, remote roads. If they were to crash, be thrown from the bike and land unconscious, for all practical purposes they would be lost. Looking to the EU’s eCall emergency service for inspiration, the question that Richardson and his team asked was “how do we let emergency medical services know where the rider is and what their condition is before they leave to go on the rescue?”

The app uses a complex process of GNSS positioning and geolocation to determine whether a crash emergency has occurred. “With REALRIDER, your information is stored in the UK emergency service system,” explains Richardson. “If it detects a possible crash the app will send you a call to ask if you are ok. If you don’t respond, then it will automatically send your downstream satellite data, medical and contact information from the app to the nearest ambulance and the ambulance to your location via the BT operated 999 service.”

European space benefiting our everyday lives

The Space Solutions for Biking event and the European Space Expo – The Hague were held in conjunction with the 2016 European Space Solutions Conference, co-hosted by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU. To date, over 900 000 European citizens from across Europe have visited the European Space Expo, learning how European space policy and space-based technologies benefit our everyday lives, support the European economy and create jobs.

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).