Accuracy and precision of network-based RTK techniques as a function of baseline distance and occupation time

Abstract

Turkey established the TUSAGA-AKTIF CORS Network in May 2009. Network software and central server were updated in 2016. With this update, GLONASS message type was determined for Flachen Korrektur Parameter (FKP), Master Auxiliary Concept (MAC) and Virtual Reference Station (VRS) network-based real time kinematic (NRTK) techniques. A 64 bit central server and the Trimble Pivot Platform network software were also acquired with this update. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been a comprehensive accuracy and precision test of the new system yet. In this paper, we aimed to create empirical accuracy and precision model of FKP, MAC and VRS NRTK techniques of the updated system as a function of baseline distance and occupation time. It is intended that surveyors can perform mission planning according to the requirements of accuracy and precision using these models. Seven test points and two check points were chosen to conduct the experiment. The baseline lengths with respect to the closest continuously operating reference stations (CORS) station were determined as 5-20-40-50 km approximately. Three thousand epochs with 2-s sampling interval were obtained for northing, easting and ellipsoidal height coordinate components of NRTK techniques at each point. Assumed true coordinates of each test point were determined by static survey using the GAMIT/GLOBK scientific software. In terms of accuracy and precision, our results show that empirical accuracy model depends only on the occupation time while empirical precision model depends on both the baseline length with respect to the closest CORS station and the occupation time for each NRTK technique. The results indicate that estimated accuracy and precision models can be safely used for mission planning purposes.