Rail

Urbanisation, population growth, new technologies and an increasing demand for sustainability are all factors contributing to a new era of mobility. The European Union has positioned rail as the backbone for transporting people and goods. The EU Space Programme and its components support rail operations and increase passenger safety. Not only does EGNSS provide precise positioning and localisation, when augmented by EGNOS and possibly fused with other sensors, it has the potential to replace the expensive physical balises used to monitor train speed and streamline rail operations. EGNSS’ potential becomes even greater when its positioning is complemented by Earth Observation data. For example, railway operators can use Earth Observation data to monitor and prevent vegetation encroachment, landsides, and other risks that could endanger the safe operation of trains.