Assessing IGS Network and Free Web-based Online GPS Services Accuracy with Session-duration Variation

Background

The objective of this research was to evaluate online Post-Processing Services (PPSs) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) software in order to determine the significance of space geodesy techniques in assessing accurate coordinates for mega projects worldwide.

Methods

Principally, literature in the field of space geodesy techniques was assembled and scrutinized. Trimble R4 was utilized to observe 4 ground surfaces (i.e., asphalt, grass, sand and concrete), in Al-Azhar University, throughout 5 Session-Durations “SD” (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hr.). The observed results were processed by TBC (i.e., It utilizes the International GNSS Service “IGS” network) and by 3 online services (i.e., Trimble Center Point RTX, AUSPOS and CSRS-PPP). Results were obtained, contrasted, and analyzed.

Results

The IGS results were compared in terms of SD, where it was clear that, regardless of surface type, SD has an insignificant influence on Easting, as Northing, but has an influence on elevation accuracy, especially for the 2hr-SD. In addition, the 3 online software services were contrasted against IGS results in terms of the different SDs, where it was clear that, regardless of the surface type, AUSPOS, CSRS-PPP and Trimble-RTX accuracies were arranged in ascending order, the 3hr-SD achieved accurate Easting so as Northing; while IGS 5hr-SD provided optimal elevation accuracy.

Conclusion

Accordingly, the research recommended that GNSS users make informed decisions according to the accuracy requirements due to time constraints while establishing data processing strategies to designate strengths and weaknesses of processing and to optimize GNSS data processing applications.