Towards a Precise Multi-GNSS Positioning System Enhanced for the Asia–Pacific Region

In June 2011, Trimble introduced the CenterPoint RTX service providing a real-time global centimeter level GNSS positioning service. The correction data stream is generated from the precise GNSS orbit and clock information derived from the Trimble world-wide CenterPoint RTX tracking network and delivered through L-band satellite links and Internet to support high precision real time applications in a number of high accuracy markets like precision agriculture, survey and construction. While the system initially was introduced supporting GPS and GLONASS satellites, developments have led to the inclusion of the QZSS satellite in early 2012. The paper describes the current status of the Trimble CenterPoint RTX system, its setup and its current performance. Special emphasis is put on the evaluation of the possibility to include BeiDou/Compass satellites. The authors have started to research the ability to integrate BeiDou/Compass into the RTX system. First results on the achievable orbit and clock quality for BeiDou/Compass satellites are presented when using the Trimble NetR9 receivers in the CenterPoint RTX tracking network.