The EU-funded GalileoCast project brings together three small companies to develop innovative weather-related services that use satellite positioning technologies. 'GalileoRoads' is one such service being launched by this project, using hybrid methods that combine fixed and mobile meteorological observations to produce very-high-resolution road condition models and weather forecasts.

The GalileoCast project, which is co-funded by the European Commission under the 7th Community Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, combines vehicle tracking and mobile meteorological observation systems based on satellite-based positioning technologies to deliver important weather information. With the GalileoRoads service within EU GalileoCast project, the researchers are using GNSS signals to deliver very accurate forecasts to mobile users in their precise locations, which is a valuable capability in goods, livestock and dangerous materials transportation, for example, where knowledge of road conditions is crucial for safety and timeliness.

Another important service provided by the GalileoCast project is GalileoBirds which shows how satellite-based positioning can contribute to the ecological sciences, helping researchers better understand the movements of bird populations. In addition, the researchers are working to develop two more projects after the success of the two already mentioned, all of them using satellite-based positioning technologies. GalileoRescue a joint initiative of the United Nations and the European Commission that provides near real-time natural disaster alerts around the world as well as tools to facilitate response coordination and GalileoActive, a new service for mountaineers and other outdoor hikers. It is a web and iPhone-based weather forecasting service that tells people what to expect at their precise location and it also allows them to communicate with other service users in nearby areas.

All of pilot services have been validated with real customers representing key target markets. The researchers believe that looking at feasibility and market potential, there is a keen interest in these new GNSS enabled service applications for weather-related businesses. Furthermore, GalileoCast is also an example of focused R&D led by SMEs.