Development of the European radio navigation plan

Abstract

The European Union is developing a European Radionavigation Plan (ERNP) using an international team of experts. The ERNP will help in the rationalisation and harmonisation of European policies concerning radionavigation systems implementation so as to provide efficient services in a cost-effective manner for passengers, users, and States. In particular, the ERNP shall help to enhance safety, promote efficient transportation services, and environmental protection. To achieve this, the team of experts are determining the present and anticipated user requirements for all major segments of Transport (Air, Sea, Inland Waterways, Railroads, and Road Vehicle operators) and the Survey community. The ERNP will also identify the characteristics of public radionavigation systems currently in use, those in the process of being introduced, and those which are planned. The focus on new satellite aides to radionavigation will be a major emphasis of the study. In addition to these components, the ERNP will identify future research and development requirements for radionavigation systems to assist European and national authorities in infrastructure and investment planning. This paper provides an update to an earlier paper presented in 1996. This paper outlines the ERNP purpose and scope, the institutional justification for ERNP, an overview of planned sections of the ERNP, and plans for the completion and implementation of the ERNP.