Analysis of the contribution of the multi-GNSS to long-distance RTK

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can provide users a fast, cost-effective, and reliable positioning service. With Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) method, it has become a practical tool for real-time positioning in many engineering applications. However, the accuracy of RTK method depends on the base distance between the reference station and the rover due to the orbital error and atmospheric errors. In classical RTK, while a reliable accuracy can obtain for short baseline length, the accuracy decreases for long baseline lengths. The effect of baseline length can be mitigated by using the Network RTK technique. Nevertheless, the accuracy highly depends on the nearest reference station. With the new emerging satellite systems such as GALILEO and BEIDOU, it has been possible to perform multi-GNSS RTK surveying. In this study, the contribution of multi-GNSS to long-distance RTK is examined. For this purpose, a field test is conducted on an approximately 80 km baseline using different satellite combinations. The results are examined regarding the accuracy.