Abstract
In this study we examine the performance of a network real-time kinematic (NRTK) positioning service at high latitudes (≈ 70 deg N). The NRTK used is the Norwegian national positioning service ”CPOS”.
To test the performance, 6 geodetic quality receivers were deployed at various distances from the network receivers and used to collect positioning data for most of the year 2021. This test network is located in the night-time auroral oval region during normal conditions. Statistics are presented showing variation in performance as a function of the distance to the nearest NRTK receiver and as a function of the time-of-day.
Performance is found to be significantly degraded during night-time, with approximately ten-fold increases of the occurrence of large positioning errors and considerable increases in the time-to-fix. The distance from the network receivers was also found to be a factor for substantial performance degradation.
The cause of the observed degradations are likely small-scale ionospheric density structures in the auroral oval region. Small-scale TEC gradients are regularly observed in the region, which is a challenge for the interpolation performed in the NRTK system.
To test the performance, 6 geodetic quality receivers were deployed at various distances from the network receivers and used to collect positioning data for most of the year 2021. This test network is located in the night-time auroral oval region during normal conditions. Statistics are presented showing variation in performance as a function of the distance to the nearest NRTK receiver and as a function of the time-of-day.
Performance is found to be significantly degraded during night-time, with approximately ten-fold increases of the occurrence of large positioning errors and considerable increases in the time-to-fix. The distance from the network receivers was also found to be a factor for substantial performance degradation.
The cause of the observed degradations are likely small-scale ionospheric density structures in the auroral oval region. Small-scale TEC gradients are regularly observed in the region, which is a challenge for the interpolation performed in the NRTK system.