A Performance Analysis of Sparse GNSS CORS Networks for Real Time Centimetric Level Positioning: A Case Study in Victoria, Australia

C. Gordini, A.N. Kealy, P.M. Grgich, M. Hale

Abstract:	Real time kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques are now commonly adopted to achieve centimetric level positioning accuracy. The classic RTK methodology allows for an operational distance between the reference stations (RS) and the user of up to 10-15 kilometres (ICSM, 2004), due to the correlation of some GNSS errors with distance. By adopting a Network RTK (NRTK) VRS approach, this operational range can be extended to 40-70 kilometres according to the recommendation from the author of GPSNetTM software (Trimble Navigation Limited, 2001). As a result, regional networks of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) are now being routinely established as the primary infrastructure to support user needs for real-time, centimetre level positioning. For many countries, the cost involved in establishing the required density of CORS sites for nationwide NRTK coverage is fully justified. However, for countries like Australia, with large areal extents and widely spaced population distributions, a nationwide NRTK coverage is not economically viable. In such instances available resources are only able to support the establishment of sparse CORS networks over wide areas in combination with higher density sub-networks in locations that fully justify the investment. This paper presents an evaluation of commercially available NRTK technologies. In particular, this paper describes the sparse GPS CORS network (GPSnet™) established in Victoria, Australia, the procedures adopted in evaluating its performance and the practical results obtained.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 19th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2006) September 26 - 29, 2006 Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX
Pages:	1196 - 1207
Cite this article:	Gordini, C., Kealy, A.N., Grgich, P.M., Hale, M., "A Performance Analysis of Sparse GNSS CORS Networks for Real Time Centimetric Level Positioning: A Case Study in Victoria, Australia," Proceedings of the 19th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2006), Fort Worth, TX, September 2006, pp. 1196-1207.
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