Precise Estimation of Residual Tropospheric Delays in a Spatial GPS Network

JiHong Zhang

Abstract:	A new method to predict the residual tropospheric delay on GPS carrier phase observables using the redundant measurements available in a network of reference stations is described and tested. The prediction method is based on a least-squares criteria and enables one to predict the residual tropospheric delay remaining after a standard model has been applied to the data. Two cases are analyzed, namely a first case when the delay is required for an existing satellite at a new point within the network and a second case when the delay is required for a new satellite. For both cases, the prediction is based on the double difference carrier measurements made on existing satellites at the network reference stations. Tests conducted using data collected in a network of 11 reference stations in Norway show an improvement of 30% to 60% in the double difference carrier residuals. This improvement is important to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the integer ambiguity resolution process for regional differential GPS network users.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999) September 14 - 17, 1999 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1391 - 1400
Cite this article:	Zhang, JiHong, "Precise Estimation of Residual Tropospheric Delays in a Spatial GPS Network," Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999), Nashville, TN, September 1999, pp. 1391-1400.
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