Seven ways satellite navigation supports sustainability efforts

Seven ways satellite navigation supports sustainability efforts
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Oct 27, 2024

Satellite navigation technology plays an important role in advancing sustainability across various industries. Through ESA's Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP), companies are pioneering applications of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) to drive environmentally friendly solutions across sectors like transportation, agriculture, energy, and urban planning.

NAVISP-backed innovations are pushing the boundaries in areas such as mobility and energy management by enhancing efficiency, conserving resources, and promoting greener practices. Below are seven current NAVISP-supported projects that showcase the potential of PNT technology in sustainable development.

The Earth Miles programme encourages sustainable travel by rewarding users for using eco-friendly transportation. Developed by SkipIt in Denmark, the program integrates with a public transport payment system and app that calculates points based on travel mode, distance, and time. By incentivizing users to opt for greener transit options, Earth Miles helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attracting thousands of users.

The AGCBox, created by AgreenCulture in France, offers farmers a satellite-based navigation system for eco-friendly farming. The technology enables autonomous vehicles to perform precise tasks like mechanical weeding, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. With an accuracy range of +/-2 cm in position and +/-0.02 m/s in velocity, AGCBox optimizes vehicle guidance, boosting efficiency and enabling data-driven farming practices.

Cosmic's GNSS-R technology tackles water waste by detecting underground leaks in pipelines. The system, developed in Italy, is vehicle-mounted, using scatterometry to identify moisture variations and pinpoint water leaks as it travels over pipelines. This solution promises significant savings in water resources and time by enabling immediate detection and monitoring.

GridCell, a UK-based technology by Powerline, is designed to improve power grid management. It integrates GNSS with alternative timing sources to enhance grid resilience, support renewable energy integration, and enable decentralized power distribution. These capabilities are essential in meeting the challenges of modern energy demands while promoting sustainable power solutions.

Exact Control System's GreenAsphalt, based in the Czech Republic, uses satellite technology to optimize road repairs. GNSS sensors collect 3D data to control milling operations, reducing the need for preliminary surveys and ensuring precise surface leveling. The system minimizes waste, lowers emissions, and maximizes material recycling in road construction.

In urban environments, the Arli project is creating uncrewed ground vehicles for city maintenance. Developed in collaboration with DTU Space, the Municipality of Aarhus, Capra Robotics, and Bygkontrol, these vehicles use GNSS, LiDAR, and 3D mapping technologies to detect maintenance needs. This project aims to reduce resource wastage and support environmentally sustainable urban upkeep.

Finally, the Grimaldi Satellite-Assisted Berthing project, with partners such as Kongsberg in Norway, uses satellite and augmented reality technology to streamline port operations. This Italian-led initiative enhances berthing precision, minimizing fuel use and CO2 emissions during docking.

These NAVISP-supported projects highlight how navigation technologies can drive sustainable practices across different sectors, reinforcing the importance of PNT in achieving environmental goals.