GNSS Science Colloquium Comes to Montréal in 2026
International researchers, geodesists and satellite navigation specialists will gather in Montréal this October for a major scientific forum examining the future of global navigation satellite systems,. . .
International researchers, geodesists and satellite navigation specialists will gather in Montréal this October for a major scientific forum examining the future of global navigation satellite systems, positioning, navigation and timing. The10th International Colloquium on Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of GNSSwill take place October 7–9, 2026, atÉcole de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)in Montréal, Quebec. Chaired by theEuropean Space Agencyand ÉTS, the colloquium will bring together members of the international scientific and technology communities working with Global Navigation Satellite Systems, or GNSS. The gathering focuses on the science behind satellite navigation systems such as Galileo, GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou. While these systems are best known for supporting everyday navigation, the research presented at the colloquium reaches far beyond finding a route from one place to another. Why the event matters to geomaticsFor Canada’s geomatics community, the colloquium addresses technologies and scientific disciplines that underpin modern surveying, mapping, positioning and Earth observation. Theconference topicsinclude geodesy, geophysics, Earth sciences, reference frames, precise orbit determination, time and frequency systems, remote sensing, atmospheric sounding, GNSS reflectometry, and optical and quantum technologies for positioning, navigation and timing. The program will also explore the use of navigation technologies for lunar and other space applications, demonstrating how GNSS science is expanding beyond traditional positioning on or near the Earth’s surface. These areas of research have practical implications across the geospatial profession. Advances in satellite navigation science contribute to more accurate surveying and mapping, improved monitoring of environmental change, stronger geodetic reference systems, and more resilient positioning and timing services for transportation, communications and critical infrastructure. Bringing international GNSS science to MontréalHosting the colloquium in Montréal gives Canadian researchers, professionals and students an opportunity to connect directly with scientists, engineers, space agencies and institutions helping shape the next generation of GNSS and positioning, navigation and timing technologies. The event will be particularly relevant to geodesists, land surveyors, positioning specialists, Earth observation researchers, aerospace engineers, geophysicists, academics and students working in geomatics and related fields. As geodesy and geospatial information become increasingly recognized as foundational national infrastructure, the scientific work behind GNSS will continue to influence how Canada measures, maps, monitors and manages its territory. Event details10th International Colloquium on Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of GNSSOctober 7–9, 2026École de technologie supérieure, Montréal, QuebecVisit theofficial event websitefor program, venue and registration information.