GNSS Positioning Techniques - 14.8 | 14. GNSS Survey | Geo Informatics
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14.8 - GNSS Positioning Techniques

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Absolute Positioning

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, let's start with Absolute Positioning. It’s the first technique we look at. Who can tell me how many receivers are used for this method?

Student 2
Student 2

I think it uses just one receiver?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! Absolute Positioning involves only one receiver, providing locations with an accuracy of about 5 to 10 meters. It's often used for general navigation. Can anyone explain why this might not be suitable for precise surveying?

Student 3
Student 3

Because it doesn’t give very accurate positions? Surveying needs much more precision.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It's mainly for navigation purposes, not for tasks that require high precision. Great job, everyone!

Differential Positioning

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s move on to Differential Positioning. Can someone tell me how this technique improves accuracy?

Student 1
Student 1

It uses a base station to provide corrections, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct, Student_1! By comparing the signals from a stationary base station, we can correct errors in the mobile receiver’s data, achieving accuracy of about 1 meter or better. Why do you think this is important for surveying?

Student 4
Student 4

Because many surveys need more detailed measurements, like building placements?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Differential Positioning is essential in areas where precise data is crucial for tasks like laying out buildings.

RTK Positioning

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Next up, we have Real-Time Kinematic positioning. Who wants to explain how RTK achieves its high accuracy?

Student 3
Student 3

RTK provides corrections in real-time, right? Using a base and rover system?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! This method allows centimeter-level accuracy almost instantaneously. Why is this useful?

Student 2
Student 2

It’s useful for things like construction where precise positioning is necessary.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! RTK is particularly useful in construction, agriculture, and anywhere precise layouts are critical.

PPP Positioning

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Lastly, let’s talk about Precise Point Positioning or PPP. Can anyone summarize how this technique differs from the others?

Student 4
Student 4

It uses just one receiver but needs long observation times and good satellite information?

Teacher
Teacher

Right! PPP is a global solution that allows single-receiver use but requires high-quality satellite data. Why might that be advantageous?

Student 1
Student 1

Because it doesn’t rely on a base station, which might not always be available?

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent point! This gives it more flexibility for remote regions where base stations aren’t feasible.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

GNSS positioning techniques include several methods, each with varying accuracy and application suited for different surveying needs.

Standard

The GNSS positioning techniques encompass Absolute Positioning, Differential Positioning, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), and Precise Point Positioning (PPP), each serving unique purposes in navigation and surveying based on accuracy requirements. These techniques provide solutions ranging from basic navigation to precise surveying applications.

Detailed

GNSS Positioning Techniques

GNSS offers various positioning techniques that are tailored to meet different accuracy requirements and use cases. The main techniques include:

  • Absolute Positioning: This technique utilizes a single GNSS receiver for positioning. It provides accuracy of approximately 5 to 10 meters, making it suitable for general navigation purposes.
  • Differential Positioning: By employing a base station to correct the signals received by a mobile receiver, this technique enhances accuracy to about 1 meter or better. This method is widely used to improve positioning in surveying contexts where precision is crucial.
  • Real-Time Kinematic (RTK): RTK positioning offers centimeter-level accuracy in real-time. It operates by quickly applying corrections from a base station to the moving receiver, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision.
  • Precise Point Positioning (PPP): PPP provides global, single-receiver positioning with high precision, though it demands longer observation times and access to accurate satellite products. It is suitable for extensive surveys where reference stations might not be available.

These techniques play a vital role in modern GNSS applications, enabling a variety of tasks from routine navigation to complex surveying operations.

Youtube Videos

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04.Basics of Differential GNSS Positioning (Introduction to GNSS Positioning by Topcon University)
04.Basics of Differential GNSS Positioning (Introduction to GNSS Positioning by Topcon University)
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What is Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)? | Understanding GPS and Augmentation Systems
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How GPS Works | How GNSS Receivers Determine Your Location Using Satellite Signals
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D1S4 Cliff Mugnier Introduction to GNSS

Audio Book

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Absolute Positioning

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• Uses only one receiver.
• Accuracy: ~5–10 meters.
• Suitable for navigation, not for precise surveying.

Detailed Explanation

Absolute positioning refers to a GNSS technique that utilizes a single receiver to determine the user's location. It achieves an accuracy of about 5 to 10 meters. This method is effective for navigation purposes, such as for vehicles or personal use, but it is not suitable for applications that require high precision, such as engineering surveys or mapping.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine using a smartphone GPS app to find your way to a restaurant. The location it shows you is approximate, within a range of 5 to 10 meters. This is similar to absolute positioning, ideal for everyday navigation, but not accurate enough if you were trying to pinpoint the exact corner of a building for construction.

Differential Positioning

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• Uses a base station to provide corrections.
• Increases accuracy to ~1 meter or better.

Detailed Explanation

Differential positioning improves the precision of GNSS measurements by using a base station at a known location. The base station calculates its position using GNSS signals and then sends any necessary corrections to mobile receivers. As a result, the accuracy of the positioning can be enhanced to about 1 meter or even better, making this technique suitable for more demanding surveying tasks.

Examples & Analogies

Think of differential positioning like correcting a friend who is giving you directions but is slightly off. If your friend knows their exact location, they can provide you with the most accurate directions, making your journey much easier and more precise.

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)

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• Provides centimeter-level accuracy in real-time using corrections.

Detailed Explanation

RTK, or Real-Time Kinematic positioning, is an advanced GNSS technique that offers extremely high accuracy, often reaching centimeter-level precision. This is achieved by using a base station that constantly communicates with a moving receiver (rover), providing real-time corrections as the rover collects data. This method is widely used in applications needing high precision, such as construction, agriculture, and surveying.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a drone flying over a farm to map the land. If it uses RTK, it can create incredibly detailed maps down to the centimeter. This is like having an artist who can draw every detail in your portrait accurately—each brushstroke matters, and precision is crucial.

PPP (Precise Point Positioning)

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• Global, single-receiver solution with high precision.
• Requires long observation time and accurate satellite products.

Detailed Explanation

Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is a GNSS method that allows a single receiver to calculate its position with high accuracy anywhere in the world. Unlike differential positioning, it doesn't rely on a local base station. Instead, it requires longer observation times and relies on high-quality satellite data. This method is particularly useful in remote areas where base stations are not available.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a global traveler with a reliable GPS watch. They can figure out their exact location on a mountain without any nearby reference points. It’s like finding your way with only a map and compass after studying the landscape for a while—slow but very exact.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Absolute Positioning: A single-receiver GNSS method suitable for navigation with moderate accuracy.

  • Differential Positioning: Technique using base station corrections to achieve higher positioning accuracy.

  • RTK Positioning: High-accuracy real-time positioning utilizing base and rover setups.

  • PPP: A global positioning method with high precision but requires longer observation times.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Using Absolute Positioning for general navigation in vehicles like cars or boats.

  • Differential Positioning employed in surveying to lay out building foundations accurately.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For navigation, don’t despair, use Absolute with just one pair.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Picture a lone sailor in a vast ocean, at times he needs to know his way. He uses Absolute Positioning on clear days but switches to Differential when he needs to stay.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • AR-PD-RK-PPP: Absolute, Relative, Precisive (RTK), Point Precision.

🎯 Super Acronyms

AP - Absolute Positioning, DP - Differential Positioning, RTK - Real-Time Kinematic, PPP - Precise Point Positioning.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Absolute Positioning

    Definition:

    A GNSS positioning technique using one receiver, providing accuracy of about 5-10 meters, suitable for navigation.

  • Term: Differential Positioning

    Definition:

    A GNSS technique that employs a base station to correct the signals received by a mobile unit, improving accuracy to around 1 meter.

  • Term: RealTime Kinematic (RTK)

    Definition:

    A positioning technique providing high accuracy in real-time, using base-rover setups for centimeter-level details.

  • Term: Precise Point Positioning (PPP)

    Definition:

    A method for global, single-receiver positioning with high precision derived from long observation times and accurate satellite products.