The impact of errors in predicted GPS orbits on zenith troposphere delay estimation

The impact of precise GPS ephemeris errors on estimated zenith tropospheric delays (ZTD) is studied for applications in meteorology. First, the status of IGS ultra-rapid orbit prediction is presented and specific problems are outlined. Second, a simplified analytical solution of the impact of ephemeris errors on estimated ZTDs is presented. Two widely used methods are studied—the precise point positioning technique (PPP) and the double-difference network approach. A simulation experiment is additionally conducted for the network approach to assess the capability of ephemeris error compensation by the ambiguities. An example of marginal requirements for ephemeris accuracy is presented, assuming the compensation by ZTD only and admitting the error of 1 cm in ZTD. The requirement for the maximum orbit error 1 cm for radial and 8 cm for tangential position components using PPP approach, versus 217 cm (radial) and 19 cm (tangential) using network solution. Furthermore, an assessment of possible compensations of ephemeris errors by other estimated parameters was considered. In radial orbit position, an error of a few meters can be still absorbed by satellite clocks (96%) and phase ambiguities (96%) even for the PPP technique. A tangential orbit position error up to 16 cm for PPP and 38 cm for network solutions should not bias ZTD by more than 1 cm, but any bigger error could, in general. The error impact on ZTD in such cases depends on the compensation ability of ambiguities and clocks (PPP).