THEME: "Exploring the Novel Advances in Earth Science and Climate Change"
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Title: An Advanced Review on the Applications and Developments of Global Navigation Satellite Systems in Agricultural, Environmental Monitoring and Geological Aspects
Mr. Suresh Aluvihara completed his postgraduate studies in 2023 at the prestigious University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. This globally renowned institution provided him with a solid foundation in a diverse range of disciplines, including Environmental Engineering, Material Engineering, Water Treatment, Pollution Control Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Before pursuing his postgraduate studies, he earned his undergraduate degree in 2017 from a respected government university in Sri Lanka, specializing in Earth Science and related fields. With a strong research and academic background, Mr. Aluvihara has authored over 75 publications, including full papers, conference proceedings, and abstracts, which have been presented at international conferences and workshops. His work has gained widespread recognition and significant citations, solidifying his reputation in the academic community.
Various positioning systems have been developed by humans in order
to compete and survive against animals with superior sensory organs, and the
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is considered to be the ultimate
measure in this regard. GNSS-based
deformation monitoring technology fulfills the requirements of both long-term
and short-term monitoring of structures.
In precision agriculture, GNSS plays a crucial role in field mapping,
machinery guidance, and variable rate technology. A constellation of satellites stationed at
the Medium Earth Orbit transmits positioning and timing data to GNSS
receivers. The use of GNSS in surveying
reduces the need for equipment and labour when compared to traditional
surveying techniques. When combined
with other technologies, GNSS is used in rail transportation to track the
location of locomotives, rail cars, maintenance vehicles, and wayside equipment
for display at central monitoring consoles.
GNSS technology is being integrated into construction and farming
equipment to enhance productivity and provide situational awareness to
operators. It supports farm planning,
field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, and crop assessment in
precision agriculture. The precise
application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides based on GNSS data
reduces costs and environmental impact.
GNSS applications enable farm machinery to be operated at higher speeds
and with increased accuracy, maximizing the effectiveness of irrigation systems
and controlling erosion. In mining
operations, GNSS equipment installed on shovels and haul trucks optimally
routes the trucks to and from each shovel based on position information. Additionally, position information is used
to track the movement of extracted materials in the mine.