Precise Point Positioning Model Using Triple GNSS Constellations: GPS, Galileo and BeiDou

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akram Afifi ◽  
Ahmed El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Time Service ◽  
System Bias ◽  
Point Positioning

AbstractThis paper introduces a comparison between dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) post-processing model, which combines the observations of three different GNSS constellations, namely GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou and real-time PPP model. A drawback of a single GNSS system such as GPS, however, is the availability of sufficient number of visible satellites in urban areas. Combining GNSS observations offers more visible satellites to users, which in turn is expected to enhance the satellite geometry and the overall positioning solution. However, combining several GNSS observables introduces additional biases, which require rigorous modelling, including the GNSS time offsets and hardware delays. In this paper, a GNSS post-processing PPPP model is developed using ionosphere-free linear combination. The additional biases of the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou combination are accounted for through the introduction of a new unknown parameter, which is identified as the inter-system bias, in the PPP mathematical model. Natural Resources Canada’s GPSPace PPP software is modified to enable a combined GPS / Galileo / BeiDou PPP solution and to handle the newly inter-system bias. A total of four data sets at four IGS stations are processed to verify the developed PPP model. Precise satellite orbit and clock products from the IGS-MGEX network are used to correct of the GPS, Galileo and BeiDou measurements. For the real-time PPP model the corrections of the satellites orbit and clock are obtained through the international GNSS service (IGS) real-time service (RTS). GPS and Galileo Observations are used for the GNSS RTS-IGS PPP model as the RTS-IGS satellite products are not available for BeiDou satellites. This paper provides the GNSS RTS-IGS PPP model using different satellite clock corrections namely: IGS01, IGC01, IGS01, and IGS03. All PPP models results of convergence time and positioning precision are compared to the traditional GPS-only PPP model. It is shown that combining GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou observations in a PPP model reduces the convergence time by 25 % compared with the GPS-only PPP model.

scholarly journals Precise Point Positioning Using Triple GNSS Constellations in Various Modes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akram Afifi ◽  
Ahmed El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Linear Combination ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Satellite Orbit ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Reference Satellite ◽  
Point Positioning

This paper introduces a new dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) model, which combines the observations from three different global navigation satellite system (GNSS) constellations, namely GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Combining measurements from different GNSS systems introduces additional biases, including inter-system bias and hardware delays, which require rigorous modelling. Our model is based on the un-differenced and between-satellite single-difference (BSSD) linear combinations. BSSD linear combination cancels out some receiver-related biases, including receiver clock error and non-zero initial phase bias of the receiver oscillator. Forming the BSSD linear combination requires a reference satellite, which can be selected from any of the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou systems. In this paper three BSSD scenarios are tested; each considers a reference satellite from a different GNSS constellation. Natural Resources Canada’s GPSPace PPP software is modified to enable a combined GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou PPP solution and to handle the newly introduced biases. A total of four data sets collected at four different IGS stations are processed to verify the developed PPP model. Precise satellite orbit and clock products from the International GNSS Service Multi-GNSS Experiment (IGS-MGEX) network are used to correct the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou measurements in the post-processing PPP mode. A real-time PPP solution is also obtained, which is referred to as RT-PPP in the sequel, through the use of the IGS real-time service (RTS) for satellite orbit and clock corrections. However, only GPS and Galileo observations are used for the RT-PPP solution, as the RTS-IGS satellite products are not presently available for BeiDou system. All post-processed and real-time PPP solutions are compared with the traditional un-differenced GPS-only counterparts. It is shown that combining the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou observations in the post-processing mode improves the PPP convergence time by 25% compared with the GPS-only counterpart, regardless of the linear combination used. The use of BSSD linear combination improves the precision of the estimated positioning parameters by about 25% in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution. Additionally, the solution convergence time is reduced to 10 minutes for the BSSD model, which represents about 50% reduction, in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution. The GNSS RT-PPP solution, on the other hand, shows a similar convergence time and precision to the GPS-only counterpart.

scholarly journals Precise Point Positioning Using Triple GNSS Constellations in Various Modes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akram Afifi ◽  
Ahmed El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Linear Combination ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Satellite Orbit ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Reference Satellite ◽  
Point Positioning

This paper introduces a new dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) model, which combines the observations from three different global navigation satellite system (GNSS) constellations, namely GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Combining measurements from different GNSS systems introduces additional biases, including inter-system bias and hardware delays, which require rigorous modelling. Our model is based on the un-differenced and between-satellite single-difference (BSSD) linear combinations. BSSD linear combination cancels out some receiver-related biases, including receiver clock error and non-zero initial phase bias of the receiver oscillator. Forming the BSSD linear combination requires a reference satellite, which can be selected from any of the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou systems. In this paper three BSSD scenarios are tested; each considers a reference satellite from a different GNSS constellation. Natural Resources Canada’s GPSPace PPP software is modified to enable a combined GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou PPP solution and to handle the newly introduced biases. A total of four data sets collected at four different IGS stations are processed to verify the developed PPP model. Precise satellite orbit and clock products from the International GNSS Service Multi-GNSS Experiment (IGS-MGEX) network are used to correct the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou measurements in the post-processing PPP mode. A real-time PPP solution is also obtained, which is referred to as RT-PPP in the sequel, through the use of the IGS real-time service (RTS) for satellite orbit and clock corrections. However, only GPS and Galileo observations are used for the RT-PPP solution, as the RTS-IGS satellite products are not presently available for BeiDou system. All post-processed and real-time PPP solutions are compared with the traditional un-differenced GPS-only counterparts. It is shown that combining the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou observations in the post-processing mode improves the PPP convergence time by 25% compared with the GPS-only counterpart, regardless of the linear combination used. The use of BSSD linear combination improves the precision of the estimated positioning parameters by about 25% in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution. Additionally, the solution convergence time is reduced to 10 minutes for the BSSD model, which represents about 50% reduction, in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution. The GNSS RT-PPP solution, on the other hand, shows a similar convergence time and precision to the GPS-only counterpart.

scholarly journals Analysis on the Potential Performance of GPS and Galileo Precise Point Positioning using Simulated Real-Time Products

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Basile ◽  
Terry Moore ◽  
Chris Hill
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Binary Offset Carrier ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Point Positioning ◽  
The Impact

With the evolving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) landscape, the International GNSS Service (IGS) has started the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) to produce precise products for new generation systems. Various analysis centres are working on the estimation of precise orbits, clocks and bias for Galileo, Beidou and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) satellites. However, at the moment these products can only be used for post-processing applications. Indeed, the IGS Real-Time service only broadcasts Global Positioning System (GPS) and Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) corrections. In this research, a simulator of multi-GNSS observations and real-time precise products has been developed to analyse the performance of GPS-only, Galileo-only and GPS plus Galileo Precise Point Positioning (PPP). The error models in the simulated orbits and clocks were based on the difference between the GPS Real-Time and the Final products. Multiple scenarios were analysed, considering different signals combined in the Ionosphere Free linear combination. Results in a simulated open area environment show better performance of the Galileo-only case over the GPS-only case. Indeed, up 33% and 29% of improvement, respectively, in the accuracy level and convergence time can be observed when using the full Galileo constellation compared to GPS. The dual constellation case provides good improvements, in particular in the convergence time (47% faster than GPS). This paper will also consider the impact of different linear combinations of the Galileo signals, and the potential of the E5 Alternative Binary Offset Carrier (AltBOC) signal. Even though it is significantly more precise than E5a, the PPP performance obtained with the Galileo E1-E5a combination is either better or similar to the one with Galileo E1-E5. The reason for this inconsistency was found in the use of the ionosphere free combination with E1. Finally, alternative methods of ionosphere error mitigation are considered in order to ensure the best possible positioning performance from the Galileo E5 signal in multi-frequency PPP.

scholarly journals Enhanced model for precise point positioning with single and dual frequency GPS/Galileo observables

2014 ◽  
Vol XL-2 ◽  
pp. 173-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Afifi ◽  
A. El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Estimation Model ◽  
Solution Convergence ◽  
Satellite Geometry ◽  
System Bias ◽  
Point Positioning ◽  
Time Offset

This paper introduces a newly developed model for both single and dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP), which combines GPS and Galileo observables. As is well known, a drawback of a single GNSS system is the availability of sufficient number of visible satellites in urban areas. Combining GPS and Galileo systems offers more visible satellites to users, which is expected to enhance the satellite geometry and the overall positioning solution. However, combining GPS and Galileo observables introduces additional biases which require rigorous modelling, including the GPS to Galileo time offset (GGTO) and the inter-system bias. This research introduces a new ionosphere-free linear combination model for GPS/Galileo PPP, which accounts for the additional errors and biases. An additional unknown is introduced in the least-squares estimation model to account for the additional biases of the GPS/Galileo PPP solution. It is shown that a sub-decimeter level positioning accuracy and 20% reduction in the solution convergence time can be achieved with the newly developed GPS/Galileo PPP model.

Single-Frequency Precise Point Positioning Using Multi-Constellation GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou

GEOMATICA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abd Rabbou ◽  
Ahmed El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Single Frequency ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Positioning Accuracy ◽  
Point Positioning ◽  
Beidou Satellites ◽  
Gnss Observations

Single-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) presents a cost-effective positioning technique for a large number of users. However, it possesses low positioning accuracy and convergence time compared with the dual-frequency PPP. Single-frequency PPP commonly employs GPS satellite systems that suffer from poor satellite geometry, especially in dense urban areas. We develop a new single-frequency PPP model that combines the observations of current GNSS constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou. The MGEX IGS final precise products are utilized to account for the orbital and clock errors, while the IGS final global ionospheric maps (GIM) model is used to correct for the ionospheric delay. The GNSS inter-system biases are treated as additional unknowns in the estimation process. The con tri bution of the additional GNSS observations to single-frequency PPP is assessed through solution comparison with its traditional GPS-only counterpart. Various GNSS combinations are considered in the assessment, including GPS/GLONASS, GPS/Galileo, GPS/BeiDou and all-constellation GNSS. It is shown that the additional GNSS observations enhance the PPP solution accuracy and convergence time in comparison with the tra di tional GPS-only solution. Except for stations with a sufficient number of tracked BeiDou satellites, both Galileo and BeiDou have marginal effects on the positioning accuracy due to their limited number of satel lites. However, for stations with a sufficient number of visible BeiDou satellites, an average of 40% PPP accuracy improvement is obtained. The major contribution to the PPP accuracy enhancement is obtained from GLONASS satellite observations.

scholarly journals Ambiguity of Residual Constraint-Based Precise Point Positioning with Partial Ambiguity Resolution under No Real-Time Network Corrections Using Real Global Positioning System (GPS) Data

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 3220
Author(s):  
Honglei Qin ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
Li Cong ◽  
Xia Xue
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Ambiguity Resolution ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Partial Ambiguity Resolution ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Point Positioning

Although precise point positioning (PPP) is a well-established and promising technique with the use of precise satellite orbit and clock products, it costs a long convergence time to reach a centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The PPP with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) technique can improve convergence performance by resolving ambiguities after separating the fractional cycle bias (FCB). Now the FCB estimation is mainly realized by the regional or global operating reference station network. However, it does not work well in the areas where network resources are scarce. The contribution of this paper is to realize an ambiguity residual constraint-based PPP with partial ambiguity resolution (PPP-PARC) under no real-time network corrections to speed up the convergence, especially when the performance of the float solution is poor. More specifically, the update strategy of FCB estimation in a stand-alone receiver is proposed to realize the PPP-PAR. Thereafter, the solving process of FCB in a stand-alone receiver is summarized. Meanwhile, the influencing factors of the ambiguity success rate in the PPP-PAR without network corrections are analyzed. Meanwhile, the ambiguity residual constraint is added to adapt the particularity of the partial ambiguity-fixing without network corrections. Moreover, the positioning experiments with raw observation data at the Global Positioning System (GPS) globally distributed reference stations are conducted to determine the ambiguity residual threshold for post-processing and real-time scenarios. Finally, the positioning performance was verified by 22 GPS reference stations. The results show that convergence time is reduced by 15.8% and 26.4% in post-processing and real-time scenarios, respectively, when the float solution is unstable, compared with PPP using a float solution. However, if the float solution is stable, the PPP-PARC method has performance similar to the float solution. The method shows the significance of the PPP-PARC for future PPP applications in areas where network resource is deficient.

scholarly journals Precise Point Positioning Using World’s First Dual-Frequency GPS/GALILEO Smartphone

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelsatar Elmezayen ◽  
Ahmed El-Rabbany
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Reference Station ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Short Baseline ◽  
Positioning Accuracy ◽  
Point Positioning

The release of the world’s first dual-frequency GPS/Galileo smartphone, Xiaomi mi 8, in 2018 provides an opportunity for high-precision positioning using ultra low-cost sensors. In this research, the GNSS precise point positioning (PPP) accuracy of the Xiaomi mi 8 smartphone is tested in post-processing and real-time modes. Raw dual-frequency observations are collected over two different time windows from both of the Xiaomi mi 8 smartphone and a Trimble R9 geodetic-quality GNSS receiver using a short baseline, due to the lack of a nearby reference station to the observation site. The data sets are first processed in differential modes using Trimble business center (TBC) software in order to provide the reference positioning solution for both of the geodetic receiver and the smartphone. An in-house PPP software is then used to process the collected data in both of post-processing and real-time modes. Precise ephemeris obtained from the multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX) is used for post-processing PPP, while the new NAVCAST real-time GNSS service, Germany, is used for real-time PPP. Additionally, the real-time PPP solution is assessed in both of static and kinematic modes. It is shown that the dual-frequency GNSS smartphone is capable of achieving decimeter-level positioning accuracy, in both of post-processing and real-time PPP modes, respectively. Meter-level positioning accuracy is achieved in the kinematic mode.

scholarly journals Precise Point Positioning Using the Regional BeiDou Navigation Satellite Constellation

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aigong Xu ◽  
Zongqiu Xu ◽  
Xinchao Xu ◽  
Huizhong Zhu ◽  
Xin Sui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Precise Point Positioning ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Convergence Time ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Satellite Orbits ◽  
Navigation Satellite ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Point Positioning

On 27 December 2012 it was announced officially that the Chinese Navigation Satellite System BeiDou (BDS) was able to provide operational services over the Asia-Pacific region. The quality of BDS observations was confirmed as comparable with those of GPS, and relative positioning in static and kinematic modes were also demonstrated to be very promising. As Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technology is widely recognized as a method of precise positioning service, especially in real-time, in this contribution we concentrate on the PPP performance using BDS data only. BDS PPP in static, kinematic and simulated real-time kinematic mode is carried out for a regional network with six stations equipped with GPS- and BDS-capable receivers, using precise satellite orbits and clocks estimated from a global BDS tracking network. To validate the derived positions and trajectories, they are compared to the daily PPP solution using GPS data. The assessment confirms that the performance of BDS PPP is very comparable with GPS in terms of both convergence time and accuracy.

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