Variance-Covariance Modeling of Atmospheric Errors for Satellite-Based Network Positioning

R. S. Radovanovic, N. El-Sheimy, and W. F. Teskey

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	This paper investigates the problem of variance-covariance modeling of atmospheric errors for the purposes of improving the accuracy of positioning using global navigation satellite systems, as well as improving estimates of the accuracy of such positioning. A method of modeling all variances and cross-correlations among observations made in a network of positioning receivers is presented. This is done by generating a theoretical model of covariance behavior based on the physical nature of tropospheric and ionospheric errors, respectively, and then using data observed at a network of reference receivers to derive key parameters of the theoretical model. The applicability of this method is demonstrated for a network of 10 receivers with a total extent of 250 km. It is shown that proper modeling of covariances improves positioning accuracy an average of 22 percent.
Published in:	NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 51, Number 2
Pages:	161 - 170
Cite this article:	Radovanovic, R. S., El-Sheimy, N., Teskey, W. F., "Variance-Covariance Modeling of Atmospheric Errors for Satellite-Based Network Positioning", NAVIGATION: Journal of The Institute of Navigation, Vol. 51, No. 2, Summer 2004, pp. 161-170.
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