Advantages and Drawbacks of the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) Technique for Earthquake, Tsunami Prediction and Monitoring

M.D. Laínez Samper, M.M. Romay Merino

Abstract:	Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is a relatively new high precision positioning technique providing centimetre-level error. PPP processes dual-frequency pseudorange and carrier-phase measurements from a single user receiver, using detailed physical models and precise GNSS orbit & clock products calculated beforehand. PPP is different from other precise-positioning approaches like RTK in the sense that no reference stations are needed for obtaining the positioning solution. Another advantage of PPP is that since the GNSS orbit & clock products are global, the PPP solutions are global as well. PPP can be applied at post-processing level and also in real-time applications, provided that real-time input orbit and clock data are available. The accurate performances of the PPP technique are considered to be an excellent starting point for starting the analysis of the PPP technique adequacy for different geodetic applications, such as for the early detection and characterisation of seismic ground motion and sea level variation, which are basic elements in the real-time earthquake and tsunami detection and monitoring, and the associated disaster mitigation. Having quick information about the ground movement during the earthquake in the vicinity of the fault is vital in order to foresee the consequences and generate timely alerts if necessary. PPP can help the early detection of seismic events, and thus contribute to the mitigation of the potential subsequent disaster consequences. This paper is aimed at assessing the feasibility of using PPP for monitoring catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The aim of our work is getting to understand how the PPP technique could help improving the early detection and characterisation of seismic motion, understanding its limitations, trying to set the basis for the definition of innovative warning and mitigation strategies.
Published in:	Proceedings of the ION 2013 Pacific PNT Meeting April 23 - 25, 2013 Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa Honolulu, Hawaii
Pages:	9 - 26
Cite this article:	Samper, M.D. Laínez, Merino, M.M. Romay, "Advantages and Drawbacks of the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) Technique for Earthquake, Tsunami Prediction and Monitoring," Proceedings of the ION 2013 Pacific PNT Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 2013, pp. 9-26.
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