Impact of multi-GNSS satellite coverage on 3D position estimates and
reference frame definition
Abstract
Continuous evolution of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
provides the opportunity of using observations from multi-GNSS
constellations for geodetic applications. It is a well-known fact that
the use of multi-GNSS observations improves the robustness and
reliability of the position estimates while providing enhanced spatial
coverage due to increased number of available satellites. The combined
use of the ground-based observations from GPS and GLONASS, for example,
significantly adds to the coverage in both azimuth and elevation of the
ground-based stations. The aim of this study is, firstly, to assess the
geographical variations in the improvement (of position estimates)
offered by the use of multi-GNSS observations, and secondly, to assess
implications of multi-GNSS position estimates for improvements and
robustness of the terrestrial reference frame. A GPS-only
double-differenced positioning solution for a global network of stations
will be used as a reference in this study. Furthermore, two precise
point positioning (PPP) solutions i.e. one with GPS-only and one with
GPS+GLONASS observations, will be computed and compared to the reference
solution. To study the geographical variation, the differences between
the simulated and reference North/East/Up components will be analyzed as
a function of latitude. Eventually, the various positioning solutions
will be analyzed in terms of their application in terrestrial reference
frame definition.