The use of GPS for marine positioning in Germany—requirements, experience, and concepts

Abstract

While beginning to establish a German Civil GPS Information and Observation Service in 1990, the actual and (near) future GPS market in Germany was analyzed. In addition, the feasibility of using GPS for water authority tasks has been studied during past years. Typical capabilities in this area are real‐time positioning for hydrographic surveying (kinematic application) and precise transfer of levels to tide gauges and verification at offshore positions.

The article describes the user interests, the requirements, some of the test campaigns, and the derived concepts for future applications.

Keywords:

• GPS
• hydrography
• requirements