Using the information from reference station networks: a novel approach conforming to RTCM V2.3 and future V3.0

In applications requiring centimeter accuracy, single baseline positioning methods are being superseded by those methods using information from permanent reference station networks. The well-known advantages afforded by reference station arrays include improved modeling of the remaining tropospheric, ionospheric and orbit biases. Methods and concepts show the improvements in performance and reliability in some closed system approaches. Standardization discussions underway within RTCM target the interoperability between reference station systems and roving receivers from various manufacturers. One obstacle in the discussion, and therefore in later interoperability issues, is the creation and proper description of the models used for deriving the biases noted above. This difficulty has to be mitigated and will vanish with time, but this interoperability is needed urgently. This paper details a different approach to utilize and distribute the information from permanent reference station networks in RTCM Version 2.3 compatible message types. Throughput calculations show their efficiency.