GPS and other navigation satellite systems are a must-have for most of the world today. But some say these devices in our cars and on our smartphones are performing below their potential. In the western Chinese city of Xi'an those at the 13th meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems are working to make navigation systems better. As CGTN's Ning Hong shows us, it all starts with collaboration among the biggest global players.

As far as global navigation satellite systems have come, experts say they can serve people even better. Industry leaders who gathered together in Xi'an are trying to improve the compatibility and interpretability of the world's four current major systems. United States' GPS, Russia's GLONASS, Europe's GALILEO and China's BeiDou system are being evaluated alongside two regional systems from Japan and India.

LUC ST-PIERRE, CHIEF SPACE APPLICATIONS SECTION, UN OFFICE FOR OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS "If we look at the needs of developing countries for example, it is essential that these providers work together, not only so that their systems could talk to each other, but to eventually ensure that everywhere on the planet you will be able to access a precise signal that is regular."

China is now building its BDS-3. It just launched its first GEO BeiDou satellite on November 1st.

NING HONG XI'AN, SHAANXI PROVINCE "The Global Navigation Satellite systems are a major part of basic space infrastructure, which plays an increasingly important role in human activities. China being one of the countries to join the club is working to help more countries have better access to the service."

This 13th meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems in Xi'an also gained the praise of Chinese president Xi Jinping. In a congratulatory letter, Xi says China will share its development achievements of BeiDou system with the world, including providing services to Belt and Road countries.

YANG CHANGFENG, CHIEF DESIGNER BEIDOU SYSTEM "The BDS-3 will provide more precise positioning service, and international search and rescue services."

LUC ST-PIERRE, CHIEF SPACE APPLICATIONS SECTION, UN OFFICE FOR OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS "You are already serving a lot of professional communities in different areas of economy development, so this is essential. And the possibility to apply to translate them in other environments in other countries, and for us the Untied Nations, that is what we want to see."

More than 400 delegates at the meeting are looking at developing more innovative GNSS applications in sectors like smart docks, automatic driving, agriculture and disaster reduction. The meeting runs through Friday, Ning Hong, CGTN, Shannxi Province.