POSITIONING ACCURACIES – CORRECTION SIGNALS AND SERVICES
Autonomous Positioning: When no external correction data are supplied to a GNSS receiver, it positions itself in the so called “Autonomous” positioning mode with position accuracies given in the table below.
Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS): The Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) is based on GNSS measurements from accurately-located reference stations deployed across a continent. The differential corrections and integrity messages are broadcast over a continent using geostationary satellites as an augmentation or overlay of the original GNSS message. Systems in place delivering corrections at no cost for sub-meter positioning, examples are:
If the receiver is located in the terrestrial footprint of a SBAS satellite system, better than Autonomous position accuracies can be achieved, refer to table below.
Accuracies and integrities above that obtainable from Autonomous positioning require a source of differential corrections. Trimble offers various correction solutions for your applications. Choosing the best solution will depend on a number of factors including:
GNSS RTK Base: For smaller or local projects (<30 KM radius) requiring accuracies in the 1 centimeter level a dedicated Trimble RTK Base Station may be the optimum solution. This is the classical way to do RTK with virtually instant initialization.
GNSS RTK Rovers: Full Rover RTK accuracies are typically 1cm horizontal / 2cm vertical. Trimble also offers RTK rovers that operate at lower accuracy levels. For example at lower prices RTK rovers that operate at 30cm, 10cm or 5cm are available.
Alternatively, Trimble Positioning Services offers a wide range of easy-to-use GNSS correction services that remove the complexity and cost of operating base station infrastructure.
VRS Now: Trimble VRS Now is a Network RTK service delivered via the internet. It provides instant access to RTK positions using a network of permanent, continuously operating reference stations. *VRS Now requires internet connection at the rover.
Trimble RTX: Trimble RTX is a GNSS correction service that offers customers a variety of correction accuracy levels. Corrections are broadcasted to receivers via satellite or IP, making Trimble RTX a convenient way to obtain GNSS corrections anywhere, anytime.
Initialization (Convergence): This is the process of calculating your position to a desired accuracy level. When a receiver’s position reaches full accuracy then it is considered to be fully initialized.
Correction Source Descriptions and Comparison Table
| GNSS Correction Source | GNSS Precision | Initialization | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimble GNSS RTK Base Station | Horizontal 0.8cm + 1ppm* Vertical 1.5cm + 1ppm | < 8 seconds | UHF, Cellular, WiFi |
| Trimble VRS Now™ | Horizontal 0.8cm + 0.5ppm Vertical 1.5cm + 0.5ppm | < 8 seconds | Internet, Cellular, Regional |
| CenterPoint® RTX (Fast) | Horizontal < 2cm Vertical < 5cm | < 1 minute | Geostationary Satellite, Internet. In certain defined geographic areas |
| CenterPoint® RTX (Standard) | Horizontal < 2cm Vertical < 5cm | < 3** or 15 minutes | Geostationary Satellite, Internet. |
| FieldPoint RTX™ | Horizontal 10cm Vertical 20cm | < 3** or 15 minutes | Geostationary Satellite, Internet |
| RangePoint® RTX | Horizontal 30cm | < 3** or 15 minutes | Geostationary Satellite, Internet |
| DGNSS | Horizontal 30cm + 1ppm Vertical 50cm (1.6′) + 1ppm | N/A | UHF, Cellular, WiFi |
| SBAS | Horizontal < 50cm Vertical < 85cm | N/A | Geostationary Satellite |
| Autonomous | Horizontal < 100cm Vertical < 150cm | N/A | Direct Satellite Signals |
All Precision values 1 sigma
Performance based on repeatable in field measurements. Achievable accuracy and initialization time may vary based on type and capability of receiver and antenna, user’s geographic location and atmospheric activity, scintillation levels, GNSS constellation health and availability, and level of multipath including obstructions such as large trees and buildings.
* ppm means 1 part per million of the distance to the local base station, i.e. 1mm per 1km distance from the Base Station
** <3 mins for Trimble ProPoint receivers