A New Navigation Positioning System run by Saudi Ports Authority
Posted: 30 March 2005
The Saudi ports Authority had recently installed the SAUDI POSITIONING SYSTEM (SPS). This new system is a combination of Long Range radio-Navigation system (LORAN-C) and Satellite positioning System (GPS). Loran-C System operated and maintained by Saudi Ports Authority since 1984. By additional time modulation of Loran-C signal, Loran-C is used to broadcast differential GPS corrections and integrity information. SPS will provide the user with highly accurate positions within the coverage area on land, sea and in the air.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there are three Loran-C stations located at: Sheikh Humayd, Afif, Al Muwassam. There are two DGPS stations on the west coast located in Jeddah and Jizan Ports. DGPS stations are also in operation in the Arabian Gulf area. SPS is similar to EUROFIX which is operational in Europe and other areas. The Need for the System: The signals transmitted from GPS satellites can be degraded by several factors including inclement weather conditions, interference from other radio sources and the urban environment, which can block the signal. The (SPS) will provide a suitable alternative to those users who require positioning 24 hours per day in all conditions. If GPS is not available or interfered, Loran-C takes over automatically and the user will have positional information.
Because the (SPS) uses the 100 kHz frequency of the Loran-C system, the range and penetration characteristics of the system are outstanding. SPS signal can be received in dense urban areas and in bad weather conditions. Utilising SPS with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems will provide a 24 hr vehicle tracking system in almost all conditions. Users of the System: Users of SPS will be those organisations who require a cost effective method of obtaining positional data in all conditions. Example of Users: Armed, Naval and Air Forces. Police, Traffic, Civil Defense, and Ambulance. Land, Marine and Aviation Transportation Sectors. Agriculture, Surveys and Tourism Sectors. Petroleum Companies. For more information please contact the Lighthouses and Marine Communications (LMC) Department at the Saudi Ports Authority.
Posted by Editor Offshore Arabia Magazine
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