To understand and predict the movements of Earth’s crust, we need to know precisely the position of points on its surface. Analysing data at these different points yields precious information about the performance of navigation systems like the U.S. GPS, Russian Glonass, Chinese Beidou or Galileo, the European system soon set to complete its constellation. On the ground, hundreds of very-high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations receive these data and relay them to a range of infrastructures for processing and distribution for scientific, commercial and military purposes. With more than 500 receivers in its RGP permanent GNSS network in France, the French national mapping, survey and forestry agency IGN processes national data for mapping, teleguidance and other applications. The REGINA project (for REseau GNSS pour l’IGS et la NAvigation) operates a network of some 40 GNSS receivers around the globe.

This international coverage is one of the key features of the REGINA project. Another thing that sets it apart is its ability to receive almost all signals from multiple constellations, not only GPS, Galileo, Glonass and Beidou, but also India’s IRNSS, Japan’s QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) and satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) like EGNOS. In Toulouse, a dedicated department monitors equipment operations while a mission centre processes data flows off line and in real time. REGINA data are delivered to scientists all over the world, notably via the International GNSS Service (IGS). The result of a partnership between IGN and CNES, the REGINA project is helping to improve and disseminate navigation data and thus enabling the global deployment of GNSS.