Satloc: a high-tech saviour for low-density lines
Lucas Redding · International railway journal · 2014
The application of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology has been successfully demonstrated by the Satloc project for use as part of a simplified train control system for low-traffic lines. This project, along with its achievements and benefits, is outlined in this article. The project's intent is to assess the development of innovative GNSS-based safety systems, as well as to demonstrate their application to railroad transportation. Global positioning system (GPS) technology is introduced by Satloc and its enhancement by the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (Egnos), which is the first pan-European satellite navigation system and a precursor to Europe's Galileo GNSS, to train control, train position monitoring, speed supervision, traffic control and traffic management on low-traffic lines. The core systems of Satloc are the onboard unit (OBU), the mobile telecommunications system, the traffic control center (TCC), and trackside infrastructure. Initial trial sites are in Romania.