FGCS GPS Airborne Kinematic Test: Logistics and Aerotriangulation Results

Pamela J. Fromhertz

Abstract:	Since 1983 the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) Instrument Working Group has conducted numerous static and rapid-static tests of Global Positioning System (GP S) receivers and software. On October 16, 1995, the FGCS conducted its first Airborne Kinematic Test. Although this test was prompted by the advantages and extensive use of GPS in photogrammetry, the results have many implications for kinematic GPS. The FGCS tested the Ashtech Z-12, Leica SR399E, and Trimble 4000 SSi dual-frequency receivers simultaneously over the Madison County Camera Calibration Test Range, near Springlield, Ohio. Dual-frequency-carrier-phase data were collected differentially at 1- second intervals. Data were collected simultaneously for the three receivers both in the aircraft and on the ground at a common reference antenna. Two flights were flown; 1) a block of photography to test GPS :photogrammetric capabilities and 2) a single flight line to test the manufacturers receiver and software on-the-fly (OTF) capabilities. Each manufacturer’s GPS solution at the time of exposure was integrated into an aerotriangulation adjustment computed b:y the program GPS-Assisted Phototriangulation Package (GAPP), which provided a measure of how well each manuIacturer’s solution fit with ground control surveyed independently with GPS. Results demonstrated that the manufacturer’s equipment and software met their specifications. This paper will focus on the logistics of the test and the aerotriangulation results.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1997 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 14 - 16, 1997 Loews Santa Monica Hotel Santa Monica, CA
Pages:	931 - 934
Cite this article:	Fromhertz, Pamela J., "FGCS GPS Airborne Kinematic Test: Logistics and Aerotriangulation Results," Proceedings of the 1997 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Santa Monica, CA, January 1997, pp. 931-934.
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