ELAASTIC · Project

European Location-as-a-Service Platform for Commercial Tracking and Navigation

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elaastic-h2020.eu

Imagine your phone or delivery tracker figures out where it is by combining signals from GPS, European satellites (Galileo), WiFi, and cell towers — all at once, picking whichever source is most accurate at that moment. ELAASTIC built a European cloud platform that does exactly this, packaging precise location into a simple service that any app developer or fleet manager can plug into. Think of it as a European alternative to relying on Google or Apple for location data. The goal was to give European businesses their own independent, high-accuracy positioning engine they can actually trust and control.

By the numbers

Global location technology partners in consortium

Countries represented (CA, DE, FR, IT)

Operational service versions delivered (V1 and V2)

Total project deliverables

100%

Industry partner ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Businesses running location-dependent services — from fleet tracking to emergency response to IoT device management — are overwhelmingly dependent on US-controlled positioning infrastructure (Google, Apple). This creates a data sovereignty risk and limits access to Europe's own high-accuracy Galileo satellite signals. Companies need a reliable, European-owned location service that combines multiple positioning technologies into one simple platform they can plug into.

The solution

What was built

The project built a commercial-grade "Location As A Service" cloud platform that fuses Galileo, EGNOS, GPS, WiFi, and Cell-ID signals into unified positioning. Two operational service versions (V1 and V2) were delivered across 7 total deliverables, compliant with OMA SUPL 2.0 industry standards, with APIs for application developers and support for eCall/E112 emergency services.

Audience

Who needs this

Logistics companies needing reliable indoor/outdoor fleet positioning across EuropeEmergency call center operators deploying eCall and E112 location servicesIoT platform providers seeking European-owned device tracking infrastructureNavigation app developers wanting Galileo-optimized positioning APIsSmart city solution providers requiring multi-source location data

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Logistics & Fleet Management

mid-size

Target: Mid-size logistics companies running cross-border delivery fleets

If you are a logistics company dealing with unreliable GPS tracking in dense urban areas or indoor loading docks — this project developed a location platform that combines Galileo satellite signals with WiFi and Cell-ID to deliver more consistent positioning. The service was built to industry standard OMA SUPL 2.0, meaning it can plug into existing fleet management systems. With 5 major location technology partners behind it, the platform was designed for commercial-grade reliability across 4 countries.

Emergency Services & Public Safety

enterprise

Target: National emergency call centers and eCall service providers

If you are an emergency services provider struggling with inaccurate caller location data — this project built an end-to-end location service specifically designed to support eCall and E112 deployment. The platform fuses multiple positioning technologies (Galileo, EGNOS, WiFi, Cell-ID) to improve location accuracy when it matters most. Two operational versions of the service were delivered and tested, built by a consortium of 5 industry leaders including Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space.

IoT & Machine-to-Machine Services

any

Target: IoT platform providers and connected device manufacturers

If you are an IoT company needing reliable device positioning without depending on US-controlled location infrastructure — this project created a European-owned Location-as-a-Service platform targeting the M2M market specifically. The service provides an API that application developers can integrate to get Galileo-enhanced positioning. Built by 5 global leaders in location technology across 4 countries, it was designed from day one for commercial operation, not just research.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to use this location service?

The project was designed as a commercial 'Location As A Service' platform, implying a subscription or usage-based pricing model. Specific pricing is not available in the project data. Contact the coordinator (Telespazio France) for commercial terms.

Can this scale to handle millions of location requests?

The platform was built by 5 major industry players — including Telespazio, ST-Microelectronics, and Thales Alenia Space — all with global-scale infrastructure experience. The service went through 2 operational versions (V1 and V2), suggesting iterative scaling. The architecture was designed for worldwide service delivery.

Who owns the IP and can I license the technology?

The consortium consists of 5 private companies across 4 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Canada). IP is likely shared among these partners under Horizon 2020 rules. Licensing inquiries should be directed to the coordinator, Telespazio France SAS.

Does this comply with European telecom and location standards?

Yes — the project explicitly states compliance with OMA SUPL 2.0, the industry standard for location services. The team also committed to contributing to extending these standards. The platform supports eCall and E112 deployment, indicating alignment with EU emergency location regulations.

How long would integration take for an existing app or service?

The project delivered an API-style service opening specifically designed for application developers to 'rapidly take benefit of Galileo.' Two service versions were released during the 18-month project. Based on available project data, the platform was built for straightforward integration using existing industry standards.

Is this still operational after the project ended in 2016?

The consortium made a 'true commitment to operate a commercial location service as developed during the course of the project.' However, the project closed in June 2016 and current operational status is not confirmed in the data. Direct inquiry to Telespazio France is recommended.

What makes this different from using Google or Apple location services?

ELAASTIC was explicitly built as a European-owned alternative, independent of US corporations. It uniquely optimizes for Galileo and EGNOS satellite signals while combining them with WiFi and Cell-ID. This gives European companies data sovereignty over their location infrastructure.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a purely industrial consortium — 5 private companies from 4 countries with zero universities or research institutes, which is unusual and signals strong commercial intent. The coordinator, Telespazio France (a Leonardo/Thales joint venture), brings satellite operations expertise. ST-Microelectronics handles the chipset layer, Thales Alenia Space covers satellite infrastructure, Rx Networks (Canada) provides positioning technology, and Novero (Germany) adds connectivity hardware. With 1 SME in the mix and all partners being established location technology players, this consortium was assembled to build and operate a real service, not to publish papers. For a business buyer, this means the technology was developed by companies that understand commercial deployment constraints.

TELESPAZIO FRANCE SASCoordinator · FR
THALES ALENIA SPACE FRANCE SASparticipant · FR
STMICROELECTRONICS SRLparticipant · IT

How to reach the team

Telespazio France SAS (France) — reach out via their corporate website or use SciTransfer's matchmaking service for a warm introduction to the project team.

Order a report on this consortium See TELESPAZIO FRANCE SAS profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how this European location platform could strengthen your fleet tracking, IoT positioning, or emergency services? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the Telespazio-led team and provide a tailored briefing on integration options.

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