Simless GSM positioning for navigation in GPS-denied environments

Purpose Until now, air navigation systems have mainly relied on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) on the worldwide spread global positioning system. However, the so-called GNSS-denied environments open a new research line which pursues the development of alternative technologies which will cover this gap in positioning systems’ services. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the possibility of using positioning systems based on global system for mobile communications (GSM) signal. This approach developed in a standalone device will provide real-time information. The presented algorithm pursues a new methodology for providing useful information. Findings Among all the different technologies aimed at giving a navigation solution in the absence of any kind of GNSS in which this paper is based, it advocates for the use of the signals of opportunity, particularly the usage of GSM. Practical implications Technology is currently immersed in an era of continuous progress and expansion of navigation systems. These are evolving toward high performance systems, offering precise, efficient and safe air navigation. In addition, the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles increases the level of exigency on this activity even more. Therefore, in the context of the development of unmanned navigation technologies, the aim is to implement positioning systems that will allow high precision even in though environments. Originality/value Referencing the SIMless concept, a SIM-free system is described in this paper. The SIM-free system is supported by open data bases and permits the positioning based on the information sniffed from the signals broadcast by a set of several nearby base station of the GSM network. Hence, it provides same and in some cases even better accuracies than the already developed techniques, not being necessary to synchronize the link between the mobile terminal and the base station transceiver (BTS).