Overview
ISO/TS 22591:2021 - "Space systems - Space-based services for a high accuracy positioning system with safety requirements" defines requirements and recommendations for space-based services that use satellite radionavigation (GNSS) to provide high-accuracy positioning for rovers. The Technical Specification focuses on systems that must meet specific safety requirements, especially in low-visibility conditions, and includes methods for verifying system performance. Complementary informative annexes cover example applications (Annex A), mobile mapping systems (Annex B) and augmented positioning approaches (Annexes C and D).
Key topics and requirements
- Safety provisions for rover operation, including:
- Usage of accurate map data
- Indication of positioning quality (integrity and warnings)
- Collision avoidance with on-course obstacles
- Avoidance of course-edge drops
- Damage-prevention during work operations
- Collision avoidance with other vehicles and pedestrians
- Positioning supplements where GNSS is unavailable
- System specifications covering:
- Accuracy of high-accuracy map data and map maintenance
- Human–machine interface (HMI) requirements for safety alerts
- Positioning accuracy targets and positioning methods
- Reception and use of augmentation data (space-based augmentation)
- Integrated positioning (fusion of GNSS with other sensors)
- Real-time performance and availability improvement methods
- Verification methods for both map and positioning requirements, including tests for accuracy, augmentation reception, positioning quality and real-time behaviour.
- Important definitions such as integrity, dead reckoning, and integrated positioning are provided to standardize terminology.
Practical applications
ISO/TS 22591:2021 is directly applicable to systems where precise, safe rover positioning is critical:
- Autonomous or semi-autonomous work vehicles (snowploughs, agricultural machines, construction equipment)
- Mobile mapping platforms requiring centimeter-level positioning
- Fleet systems operating in low-visibility or GNSS-challenged environments
- Safety-critical applications where position integrity and timely warnings are required
Practical benefits include safer operation with less-skilled operators, improved operational continuity in adverse conditions, and standardized verification for system certification and procurement.
Who should use this standard
- Space-based augmentation service providers and GNSS service designers
- OEMs of autonomous and semi-autonomous rover vehicles
- System integrators implementing integrated positioning (GNSS + IMU + sensors)
- Safety engineers, regulators, and procurement teams specifying performance and verification
- Mapping companies and mobile mapping system developers
Related standards
- ISO 18197:2015 - Space systems - Space based services requirements for centimetre class positioning (normative reference)
- ISO 19116:2019 - (Referenced term source for integrated positioning and related definitions)
Keywords: ISO/TS 22591:2021, ISO TS 22591, high accuracy positioning, space-based services, satellite radionavigation, GNSS, rover safety, augmented positioning, mobile mapping, positioning integrity.
Open preview (PDF)Space systems — Space-based services for a high accuracy positioning system with safety requirements
