Internet-based GPS VRS RTK Positioning with a Multiple Reference Station Network

Abstract

Abstract. Multiple reference station networks have been established for high precision applications in many countries worldwide. However, real-time application is still a difficult task in practice. Virtual reference station (VRS) concept is an efficient method of transmitting corrections to the network users for RTK positioning. Today's challenge for VRS RTK positioning lies in adapting advance wireless communication technologies for real time corrections. With the availability of GPRS technology, an Internet-based VRS RTK positioning infrastructure via GPRS has been developed and tested. This paper discusses the VRS data delivery mechanism, and gives an overview on VRS data generation for RTK positioning. Field test results are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. The results demonstrate that Internet-based VRS RTK positioning can be achieved to better than 4 centimeters accuracy in horizontal position. Height accuracy is in the range of 1 to 6 centimeters.