Finally, US GPS (NAVStar) and EU Galileo compatible!!

Wasnt it good news???

Awaiting this moment since 3 years ago, finally on thursday, July 26, they both signed the agreement.

In the future, users will be able to receive signals from both systems, which would allow for more precise services and wider geographical coverage


THE United States and the European Union have agreed on a common signal for use by their satellite navigation systems to provide more accurate images and information.

Both sides also said the accord would protect their common security interests. While the pact covers civilian uses, the US Global Positioning System (GPS) is military-run. Galileo has also been mooted for defence uses.

Under the agreement, the EU and US satellites will use the same radio frequency, enabling receivers to get signals from both systems and combine the data.

The United States has 30 satellites orbiting the earth, sending signals that let users pinpoint their own and others' locations with devices such as car satellite navigation systems.
The EU aims also to have 30 satellites up in space by around 2010 with a fully operational Galileo system by 2012.


Under the US-EU accord, the idea is that receivers getting data from potentially twice the number of satellites would be able to create a more accurate picture, especially in areas where reception is weak because of urban or natural landscape.


The EU's Galileo system has yet to be launched, and the benefits of the agreement would depend on makers of receivers wanting to accept both systems.
The United States is in the process of updating its GPS system - procuring new satellites that would launched into space by 2013.


reference:

http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22143217-15306,00.html
www.gpsworld.com

http://www.physorg.com/news104684613.html