[IGS-RTWG-1] RTWG Update and Request for Contributions

["Caissy, Mark" <caissy @ NRCan.gc.ca>]

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IGS-RTWG Mail      15 Nov 13:24:18 PST 2002      Message Number 1
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Author: Caissy

To the RTWG:  November 15, 2002
( A formatted version of this document along with the group's charter,
workshop PP and resulting recommendations are available at
http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/projects/rtwg
<http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/projects/rtwg>  )

It has been months since we gathered in Ottawa for a very successful
workshop.  I  would like to bring you up to date on what has been
accomplished since that time and share with you the desire to move forward
and implement the prototype real-time data distribution system based on the
design presented during the workshop.  This will require the involvement of
all members of the working group. 
I would like to acknowledge the contributions thus far from JPL, NGS and
AUSLIG as well as the continuing dialogue with GFZ.  We now need to expand
the involvement of member agencies who have expressed their willingness to
contribute to the efforts of this working group.  
What follows is based on current accomplishments and nothing being said
prevents any member agency from developing and/or contributing their own
software providing it integrates with the prototype data distribution
design. I assume that most of you will agree that the prototype model for
data distribution should be a predominantly homogenous technology
infrastructure because of the implications this will have in the future in
terms of management and sustainability.
We are in a position to implement the prototype for data distribution due to
the following recent accomplishments:
1)	The structure of the Record Header has been finalized for prototype
development.  It now reflects the  consensus arrived at by members who
attended the breakout session held during the  workshop.  Available at
http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/projects/rtwg
<http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/projects/rtwg> 
2)	NRCan's Internet GPS Data Relay now has all of the necessary
features found in the position paper.  The relay is undergoing  beta testing
and will be available to interested members in the near future.
3)	Open source SOC data compression software has been developed for
Benchmark and  Ashtech GPS Receivers. It is in beta testing.  ( The choice
of compression algorithm is not final and needs further investigation.  The
prototype design does accommodate any GPS data format. )
4)	One hertz data collection programs ( Linux based ) have been
developed for  Benchmark/TurboRogue and Ashtech-in beta testing.

	Items 2, 3 and 4 represent "enabling technologies" , the necessary
building blocks  required to implement the prototype for data distribution. 
5)	An RT-IGS FAQ's will soon be available.  These Q & A's are intended
to clarify  issues.  For example: How do enabling technologies become linked
from data source  ---> data user?

	The following is a list of activities we need members to become
involved in.  They are grouped into four categories and are listed in order
of priority.  A) Tracking network activities.  B) Design Standards
activities C) Data center activities. D) Analysis Center activities..
Several tasks have been identified and other tasks must be identified with
your help. 
A)	Tracking network activities:
     
	Activitity:  Establish 1-hertz tracking stations and distribute data
on the  open internet using position paper design specifications together
with the required  enabling technologies.
	Task:  Install the required hardware and software ( Computer + GPS
receiver + enabling technolgy ).  Provide the necessary internet connection
and continued local support ( Firewalls will be an issue ).  
	Task:  Coordinate network expansion (chair). ( Station ID's, Agency
identification, Data type assignments etc. )
	Activity:   Enhance enabling technology capabilities.
	Task:  Continued development of software to collect data from
receivers other  than Ashtech and Benchmark/Turborogues.  The software
referred to in (4) above will  be available as a starting point.  Other
software must be identified and placed in the pool.
	Activity:   Develop NRT - network performance indicators.  This
refers to data/packet availability/flow metrics, not data quality metrics.
If any one has any ideas or experience I would like to know.
B)	Design standards activities:

	Activity:  Develop rt-data quality policy.
	Task:  Continued development of real-time standards for data
gathering and distribution using experiences gained with the prototype.
Topics in this category will be broad including formats, network topology,
protocols etc.
	Task:  Develop rt-integrity monitoring tools.  
C)	Data center activities:  ( not required for prototype implementation
but desirable )

	Activity:  Data gathering / data dissemination.
	Task:  Install the required hardware and software. ( Computer + GPS
receiver + enabling technolgy ).    Provide the necessary internet
connection and local support.  
	Activity:  Develop rt-data policies for IGS data centers.  ( may be
something for Carey's WG )
D)	Analysis center activities: ( minimum suggested involvement )

	Activity:  Data gathering and data to rt-application integration
	Task:  Install the required hardware and software. ( Computer + GPS
receiver + enabling technolgy ).      Provide the necessary internet
connection and local support. ( firewalls? )
	Task:  Develop methods of data to application integration. This will
permit application development when centers decide to take that step.  (
this will be unique to each AC )
	These activities and tasks will have to be further developed with
timelines but I need your input before doing so.  I need  feedback from you
on which activities you are interested in and the contributions you feel you
can make.  I will further develop this plan once that is completed.
	I am therefore soliciting your help to put in place the prototype
rt-network.  If you are interested in contributing to one or more of these
activities or if you  think that there should be activities and/or tasks
added or removed from the list please let me know.  I would like to see the
energy of the group spent in establishing the required stations, developing
new tools that we need and improving the tools that we now have. This way
duplicate effort will be minimized and hopefully reliability and performance
will be the reward, something we will all benefit from. There will be plenty
of time for friendly competition on the product generation side  ;-).
The web site will be developed further in the near future.  I will keep you
posted.

Best Regards,

Mark Caissy, 
Chair
caissy @ nrcan.gc.ca <mailto:caissy @ nrcan.gc.ca>