Galileo and the IGS: Taking advantage of multiple GNSS constellations

The paper reviews some objectives and preparatory activities of the International GNSS Service (IGS), in relation to the developing European Global Navigation Satellite System Galileo. Experience already acquired in the IGS in monitoring multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS and GLONASS) is reviewed. Some significant features of the Galileo system are outlined, including constellation design, and some areas are identified in which Galileo will influence IGS operations in the future and in which the IGS and its active elements can continue to contribute to new GNSS developments. These include the IGS GNSS Working Group, the Galileo System Test Bed GSTB-V2 and the Galileo Geodetic Service Provider (GGSP) Prototype.