GSC
GNSS-enabled Services Convergence

EGNOS and Galileo receiver enablers for mass-market intelligent transport services should become standard components of cheap end-user equipment. The end user should be able to choose from a wide range of value-added and tolling services which can be used seamlessly anywhere in Europe on one device and with one contract. Businesses should be able to offer and operate services simultaneously and without risk of interference or loss of revenue.

The technology to run multiple services simultaneously exists; the challenge is to create a framework establishing trust between the different companies and ensuring that one service is not degrading the performance of another.

GSC defines, implements and validates such a reference framework, which is a prerequisite for making EGNOS or Galileo standard enablers in end-user equipment for mass-market transport services.

Description

The project steps will include the following:

• identify non-technical needs and requirements and define a roadmap for advancing towards a GNSS-enabled service convergence;
• define a role model and technical architecture for interoperability and convergence of services ensuring that GNSS-enabled services can be implemented, demonstrated and validated;
• incorporate GNSS-provided services and specify how these can be leveraged by services through standardised interfaces;
• implement the in-vehicle and proxy part of the platform and service infrastructure that can be used for demonstration;
• run EGNOS and Galileo tests in a dedicated Galileo test centre (GATE) with prototyped platforms, and demonstrate and validate the differentiating value that EGNOS and Galileo can bring to a range of road-sector applications;
• demonstrate the prototyped platforms and applications e.g. interoperable road charging, speed alerts, other road sectors;
• perform a validation activity that results in cross GNSS-technology validations and in cross field trial comparisons;
• create a development kit that allows third-party service providers to prototype and demonstrate services that make use of the project platform;
• involve and provide an incentive for third parties, including SMEs, to demonstrate and run innovative third-party services that make use of the generic and open service enablers.

Objectives

GSC is making a series of key contributions to unlock the potential of service infrastructures being rolled out at European level. This way it can fully leverage and exploit the value that Galileo and EGNOS bring. It will present the very first European architecture that provides a basis for an interoperable market for converged GNSS-enabled services. As such it will show how the conditions for an open and competitive mass market of GNSS-enabled road transport services can be established. It will be through the establishment of such a mass market that the value of Galileo and EGNOS can be fully leveraged.

GSC will show and involve interested stakeholders through the GSC Service Submission Contest which starts in the second half of 2010. GSC activities include giving members of the GSC website forum the possibility to:

• run services through the GSC Service Aggregator on the open platform;
• to show or find out how EGNOS and Galileo differentiators can be leveraged;
• to validate how a simple technical framework facilitates the required business relations as regards the trust and assurance of service users.