Relativistic Positioning Systems

Abstract

The theory of relativistic {\em location systems} is sketched. An interesting class of these systems is that of relativistic {\em positioning systems,} which consists in sets of four clocks broadcasting their proper time. Among them, the more important ones are the {\em auto-located positioning systems,} in which every clock broadcasts not only its proper time but the proper times that it receives from the other three. At this level, no reference to any exterior system (the Earth surface, for example) and no synchronization are needed. Some properties are presented. In the SYPOR project, such a structure is proposed, eventually anchored to a classical reference system on the Earth surface, as the best relativistic structure for Global Navigation Satellite Systems.