GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R)

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GNSS Reflectometry is the use and study of GNSS signals that are reflected or scattered by the Earth’s surface.

GNSS satellites are constantly beaming signals to Earth so that your smartphone or your car can pin-point your location. These signals are also reflected back into space with an imprint of the Earth’s surface conditions.

Space or ground-based receivers with GNSS-R sensors can pick up these reflected signals. The distortion and delay of the reflected path can tell us about ocean surface height, wind speed and direction, humidity, ice-layer density, and even moving targets.

Learn more

  1. Lowe Stephen T. Space-Based Positioning; Navigation; and Timing National Advisory Board. Earth Remote Sensing using Surface-Reflected GNSS Signals (GNSS-Reflectometry). 15 Nov 2017. Accessed 23 October 2018.
  2. Zribi M.; Motte E.; Baghdadi N.; Baup F.; Dayau S.; Fanise P.; Guyon D.; Huc M.; Wigneron J.P. Potential Applications of GNSS-R Observations over Agricultural Areas: Results from the GLORI Airborne Campaign. Remote Sens. 2018; 10; 1245. Accessed 23 October 2018.
  3. Mistrale Project | GNSS Reflectometry. Accessed 22 Oct 2018.