Assumptions of Full Mission Ship Bridge Simulation Including EGNOS

Abstract

This paper presents the assumptions of the Full Mission Bridge Simulation (FMBS) studies which aim to define the role of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) from a marine user perspective. The work focused on the possible benefits of Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) integrity data presentation within the ship’s bridge environment. At the present stage of research, the MVPA (Marine Vessel Protection Area) model is under development for ships navigating in limited water areas and utilizing precise navigation by fusion of EGNOS integrity data with course/heading error estimates. The model takes into consideration several aspects, influencing protection area dimensions. These include signal coverage aspects, ship’s size, ship’s heading accuracy, position of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) antenna, and GNSS/EGNOS integrity data. The output from this model can be displayed graphically on the desired route within the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) environment as ship’s uncertainty area (MVPA in ECDIS). This ECDIS layer constitutes an EGNOS integrity display within bridge environment showing graphical representation of the ship and integrity information (protection levels in conjunction with alert limits). The plan of experiments to be conducted in the controlled environment of navigational FMBS is discussed with regard to possible benefits of proposed graphical representation of EGNOS integrity data.