In recent years, satellite positioning represented by the US Global Positioning System (GPS) is in extensive use, and its accuracy and reliability are expected to further improve. While some train traffic control systems are already using GPS as a means of train detection, various technological developments are also under way for the application of GPS. It is expected, therefore, that the scope of GPS application expand further in the near future. Based on a literature survey and available study results, this paper reports the present status of GPS application technologies in Japan and other countries and the possibilities of GPS in the future.

Copyright (c) 2004 Railway Technical Research Institute