Testing of Homogeneity of Coordinates of Various Permanent GNSS Reference Stations Networks of the Republic of Serbia According to the Common Requirements for Proving Competence

Sensors (Basel). 2022 Oct 16;22(20):7867. doi: 10.3390/s22207867.

Abstract

The validity of the results obtained within different permanent GNSS reference station networks (GNSS Network) must be periodically controlled using criteria that are generally known from statistical analyzes or prescribed by International Standards. Procedures for evaluating the uncertainty of measurements are defined in accordance with the purpose of the GNSS Network. The authors of this paper want to point out the need to establish requirements for periodical and systematical control of GNSS coordinates within the same permanent GNSS Network and control of GNSS coordinates between different permanent GNSS Networks measured on the same/unique point on the ground. This paper presents control procedures for three permanent GNSS reference station Networks established and operating in the Republic of Serbia. Special attention is on the analysis of data consistency within one permanent GNSS Network and the mutual consistency of GNSS data between different networks. The paper aims to promote reliance on the different GNSS Networks and contains suggestions on how GNSS Networks may prove that they are performing competently and that they can provide valid results for field measurements. Particularly highlighted is the need to plan and implement measures related to increasing the effectiveness of the GNSS system, achieving improved results, and preventing negative effects while performing field measurements. The paper presents the results for comparison, selected according to the rules for creating a Digital Cadastral Map features, i.e., points, lines, and polygon. The results for comparing point features are the GNSS coordinates. The results for comparing line features are the lengths of the line, i.e., distances, and the results for comparing polygon features are the areas of the polygons.

Keywords: GNSS RTK measurements; GNSS network comparison; assigned value; metrological traceability; metrological uncertainty; permanent GNSS stations network; requirements for competence and performance; sources of uncertainty.

MeSH terms

  • Geographic Information Systems*
  • Serbia

Grants and funding

The research was conducted using the equipment and resources of the Association Transverzala Belgrade.