Accuracy comparison of real-time GNSS positioning solutions: Case study of Mid-North Anatolia

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and augmentation services have enabled positioning solutions to be developed with new computations, methods, and algorithms day-by-day. In recent years, Real Time Extended (RTX) technology has emerged as one of the state-of-the-art satellite technologies that provide real-time position information with innovative positioning algorithms that eliminate some of the existing disadvantages of RTK and PPP techniques. This technology enables users to obtain three-dimensional, cm-level positioning accuracy in short convergence time, using only one dual-frequency GNSS receiver. In this study, the positioning performance, and convergence time of RTX technology was tested on a 280 km long route in the Mid-North Anatolia region. Static sessions were performed at 14 test points, set at 20 km intervals along this route. The positioning performance of RTX technology was compared with the positioning performance of the single-baseline RTK and network RTK techniques. The results show that the convergence time of the RTX technology is between 15 and 50 min. After the convergence time, RTX provides 2 cm position and 4 cm height accuracy, on average. RTX technology has a significant advantage in that it offers a global solution as compared to the single baseline RTK and network RTK techniques, which provide a regional and a network-based solution, respectively. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.