Detection and identification of GPS anomalies in aviation using ADS-B trajectory data

MITACS Project in Collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are essential to the Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure. They support navigation in all phases of an aircraft's flight and surveillance applications such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). Additionally, GNSS technology underpins safety mechanisms such as Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS) and provides the time reference for synchronizing systems and operations in Air Traffic Management (ATM).

GNSS vulnerabilities, including intentional and unintentional signal interference, have been identified as a major safety concern due to GNSS's integration into numerous critical infrastructures. Intentional interference, in particular, poses a significant threat to the safety of aircraft and passengers.

This research project aims to develop methodologies, algorithms, and models to:

• Monitor and assess the operational risks related to GNSS interference for aircraft and passengers.
• Identify patterns, issues, occurrences, and trends in GNSS interference using trajectory data.
• Obtain global insights into GNSS interference through comprehensive data analysis.

The methodologies developed in this study will utilize ADS-B data to detect GNSS interference on a global scale (ideally). Impact analysis will be validated using data from IATA's Flight Data Exchange (FDX) and Incident Data Exchange (IDX) programs, derived from global aviation data management programs.