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GPS/VRS positioning using atmospheric modeling

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Abstract

Real-time dense GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) networks have recently become available in many countries. They allow centimeter-level positioning accuracy using a network-based strategy. When such networks are unavailable, alternative methods are needed to achieve accurate positioning. We present an alternative approach implemented in Brazil to realize network-based positioning and the VRS (Virtual Reference Station) concept. We do not resolve integer ambiguities between reference stations but derive the network corrections from external atmospheric models. The method was tested using the São Paulo State Network of Brazil, where the reference stations are about 200 km apart. Accuracy on the level of decimeters was achieved, which is suitable for many applications in Brazil. The description of the method, results and an analysis is presented.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank FAPESP for financial support provided to the first author (post-doctoral scholarship, 2008/06499-9 process) and to the Thematic Project (2006/04008-2 process). Thanks to Dr. Paulo de Oliveira Camargo and PhD student Claudinei Rodrigues de Aguiar of UNESP for providing the Mod-Ion Model. Thanks to Dr. Luiz Fernando Sapucci, from CPTEC/INPE for providing PNT data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. São Paulo State University—UNESP- Brazil, Roberto Simonsen, 305, São Paulo, SP, 19060-900, Brazil

    Daniele Barroca Marra Alves & João Francisco Galera Monico

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  1. Daniele Barroca Marra Alves
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  2. João Francisco Galera Monico
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Correspondence to Daniele Barroca Marra Alves.

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Alves, D.B.M., Monico, J.F.G. GPS/VRS positioning using atmospheric modeling. GPS Solut 15, 253–261 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-010-0187-3

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