A Comparative Evaluation of Various RTK Systems' Performance Under Operational Conditions

K. Radzeviciute, N. Kjorsvik, O. Ovstedal, J.G.G. Svendsen

Abstract:	Real Time Kinematic (RTK) techniques are now widely used for land surveying applications, and most GNSS receiver manufacturers offer commercial RTK systems. A recurring question, however, concerns the precision and reliability of different RTK systems. The potential for improved efficiency by using of RTK is already well established, and the survey community strongly desires to be able to capitalise on these advantages. In order to use RTK to carry out tasks like cadastral surveys, knowledge of precision and reliability under different conditions is essential. This paper presents results from a dedicated test of three different RTK systems. The test was held with the aim of investigating the ability and time taken to fix carrier phase ambiguities, precision and reliability of estimated coordinates with fixed carrier phase ambiguities, the effect of distance from the base station, and the sensitivity to various degrees of site obstructions. The RTK measurements were carried out on five points with known coordinates and with different characteristics regarding signal obstruction. Each RTK system was operated in an automated mode for one hour at each rover station. For each RTK system two reference receivers continuously transmitted correction data using cellular phones as their communication links. The reference receivers were at a distance of approximately 1 km and 9 km to the rover receiver. The analysis of the RTK observations indicates that there appear to be differences between the three RTK systems regarding the ability and time to fix carrier phase ambiguities, the precision of estimated coordinates with fixed carrier phase ambiguities, and their sensitivity to site obstructions.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS/GNSS 2003) September 9 - 12, 2003 Oregon Convention Center Portland, OR
Pages:	748 - 754
Cite this article:	Radzeviciute, K., Kjorsvik, N., Ovstedal, O., Svendsen, J.G.G., "A Comparative Evaluation of Various RTK Systems' Performance Under Operational Conditions," Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS/GNSS 2003), Portland, OR, September 2003, pp. 748-754.
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