YGNSS PROJECT: GNSS EDUCATION BY YOUTHS, FOR YOUTHS

摘要

The Youth for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (YGNSS) is one of the several yearroundprojects that are part of the Space Generation Advisory Council in support of the UnitedNations Programme on Space Applications (SGAC). SGAC is an international nongovernmentalorganization with a volunteer membership network that consists of university students, youngprofessionals and space enthusiasts between the ages of 18-35. Through their observer status atvarious United Nations (UN) committees, partnerships with space agencies and otherinternational organizations, SGAC has provided a voice on space policy from a youth's point ofview. YGNSS is a project that aims to promote education and outreach in the application and useof satellite navigation systems to current and future youths.The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals, especially the United StatesGlobal Positioning System (GPS), have become imbedded and ubiquitous in our everyday lives,and it is necessary for the youths to gain a better understanding of the benefits and applicationsof the technology, international cooperation, and interoperability and compatibility of GNSS.The aim of this paper is to give a description of the current YGNSS activities, completedprojects, on-going activities and an outlook for the future. The activities include the developmentof a brochure, flyers, wiki-education portal, geocaching events and supporting educationcurriculum initiatives. In addition, the project supports activities of the International Committeeon GNSS (ICG), particularly Working Group C on Information Dissemination and CapacityBuilding. While YGNSS is a unique peer-to-peer network for education and outreach, the paperwill further discuss how it is necessary for the GNSS education to be shared not just within theyouth space community and enthusiasts, but to also branch out to share such education with thepublic, such as GNSS applications in developing countries, including Africa.