Ashtech RTZ, Real-Time Kinematic GPS with OTF Initialization

Ashtech announces the RTZ real time Kinematic system. This product essentially combines the world leading ASHTECH Z-12 receiver with the leading PNAV post-processing program to provide “in the box” real time solutions that equal the post-processed solutions achievable with Z- 12 and PNAV. This system is the heart of an ever growing number of “vertical” applications such as GPSTopo (a topographical mapping system), SEISMARK (a seismic survey stake out system) and MINE SURVEYOR ( a survey system optimized for open pit mines. The system is also being used for OEM applications requiring real-time centimeter accuracy. We wish to make two main points in this paper: 1. Z- 12 quality is the key to the success of this product. 2. Time to Fix is not an adequate quality indicator for “On the Fly” integer ambiguity resolving systems. We suggest a better indicator and show its use for the RTZ product.