Bright outlook seen in Beidou satellite navigation system applications

The successful launch of the eighth Beidou navigation satellite on April 10 marks the general establishment of the Beidou satellite navigation system and the entrance into a new phase for China's independent satellite navigation system program, said Ran Chengqi, director of China Satellite Navigation System Management Office, in an interview at the launch site.

Ran said that the Beidou satellite navigation system will offer high-quality satellite navigation services that are divided into open and authorized services. Open services will provide public users with free and reliable positioning, velocity measurement and time calibration services.

Authorized services will provide professional users with high-precision positioning, velocity measurement, time calibration, short message communications and differentiated services as well as system integrity monitoring information services.

Ran said that the outlook for the application of the Beidou satellite navigation system is very broad. For instance, when you are in an unfamiliar place, you can use your mobile phone or a vehicle-mountable satellite navigation device equipped with Beidou navigation chips to search for suitable routes.

Furthermore, you can also send text messages to local service providers to search for the nearest parking space, restaurants and hotels, and service providers will provide related information according to your location.

When emergency personnel perform search and rescue work in sparsely populated areas, such as deserts, mountains and oceans, the Beidou satellite navigation system can offer not only navigation and positioning service but also short message communication services. The trapped people can report their locations in a timely fashion and situations using satellite navigation terminal equipment, enhancing search and rescue efficiency.

By People's Daily Online

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