Configuration of Global Navigation Satellite System Infrastructure

Real-time centimetre-level precise positioning from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is critical for activities including:

Real-time centimetre-level precise positioning can be achieved using real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS. This approach uses a single receiver and a network of continuously operating GNSS reference stations (CORS).
 
But existing CORS networks often use simple regular spacing or clustering around cities. Often there is little consideration of weather, climate and topography. These variables can influence the GNSS tropospheric delay which is a significant positional error that prevents homogeneous RTK accuracy attainment (1).
 
Network operators often say that they can achieve cm accuracy. But we have generated evidence that accuracy is often closer to 3-5 cm.

We have developed a framework to evaluate and enhance GNSS infrastructure. The framework accounts for both topography variations and the spatial-temporal variations of atmospheric water vapour.

Our novel methodology utilises two algorithms to determine optimal base station spacing:

Using our approach, we can advise GNSS network operators on how to improve their existing network. We can also to advise on the optimum set up of new networks using the smallest number of stations required to produce genuine cm-level accuracy in real time.

Currently planners locate stations as evenly as possible across their geographic region. But this is not always the best option. We have demonstrated that fewer stations can be used when located using the Newcastle network optimisation methodology.