GNSS+R 2012 - Workshop on Reflectometry Using GNSS and Other Signals of Opportunity

Reflectometry is an emerging new field of microwave remote sensing in which existing digital signals, transmitted for other purposes, are re-utilized as sources of illumination. Reflectometry embodies some features of both active radar scatterometry and passive radiometry.
The first reflectometry demonstration of ocean winds measurements, using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, was published 14 years ago. In the decade that followed, GNSS reflectometry (“GNSS-R”) has been used to sense soil moisture, ocean altimetry, and ice properties. GNSS signals were particularly well adapted to reflectometry, a result of their embedded range coding. Development of GNSS-R applications was limited, however, due to low transmitted power and a restriction to L-band.
Recently, reflectometry methods have been demonstrated using digital signals from communication satellites. In order to recognize this burgeoning new class of measurements, while maintaining a connection with the extensive heritage of GNSS-R, the conference acronym of “GNSS+R” has been defined. The “+” indicates an expansion to signals potentially available in nearly all microwave frequencies, from approximately 400 communication satellites presently orbiting the Earth.
GNSS+R 2012 Is sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers-Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (IEEE-GRSS), and the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) Sub-commission 4.6.