Since 2022, there has been a significant increase in interference with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) on Finnish territory. This interference disrupts air and sea traffic and rescue services, as well as stock exchanges and telecommunications networks. Currently, there are limited ways to stop or prevent GNSS interference in Finland.
The Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) conducted a comprehensive survey, titled GNSS security and resilience in Eastern Finland. The report presents methods to improve the safety and resilience of satellite navigation along with alternative positioning methods. The report also examines the perspectives of both manned and unmanned air traffic in the development of tolerance and remedies for GNSS jamming.
The report emphasises the need to improve the situational awareness and further research.
“It is difficult to prepare for GNSS jamming, as there are no turnkey or simple solutions. It requires various technologies and research. We have some expertise and research projects on the subject, but there is a need for much more research than what we have at present,” says Professor Sanna Kaasalainen from the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute FGI.
– Finland also needs a real-time overview of GNSS disruptions. This could be implemented as a real-time service that shows if positioning signals are normally available.
Significant need for remedies to GNSS jamming, which is common in Eastern Finland
GNSS jamming is commonplace in Eastern Finland, where it causes disruptions to air traffic and business, among others.
“Safe satellite navigation is an essential requirement for air traffic. With the proliferation of drones, there is a heightened need for better operating procedures,” says Project Manager Eija Joro from the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk).
The Logistics and Maritime Research Unit of the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences commissioned the report from the National Land Survey as part of the Growth from Modern Air Traffic in Eastern Finland project. The project has received co-financing from the EU, along with funding from businesses and municipalities.
Read the GNSS security and resilience in Eastern Finland report.
Additional information
About the report:
Sanna Kaasalainen, Professor, Director of Navigation and Positioning at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, +358 50 369 6806, firstname.lastname@nls.fi
About the project:
Project Manager Eija Joro,
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Ltd, Logistics and Maritime Research Unit
+358 50 311 2237
firstname.lastname@xamk.fi
