A field method to estimate the uncertainty of RTK measurements

Abstract

The expected accuracies obtainable with Network Real-Time Kinematic (NRTK) measurements are of interest to surveyors working on construction projects. This study introduces an NRTK-based free stationing method called RUFRIS (Real Time Updated Free Station) which is independent from physically marked points. Integration of total station distance and direction observations with NRTK measurements enables uncertainty estimation of both total station and surveyed NRTK points. In Sweden, NRTK is conducted using the national network of permanent reference stations with different densifications (10, 35, 70 km). This paper investigates the applicability of the RUFRIS-method to estimate the uncertainty of NRTK measurements in the field.

Keywords:

• Network RTK
• GNSS measurements
• Total station survey
• RUFRIS method
• Uncertainty estimation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amin Alizadeh-Khameneh

Amin Alizadeh-Khameneh has joined the WSP Group in 2016. He defended his PhD at the Division of Geodesy and Satellite Positioning at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where he focused on the optimal design and optimisation of the geodetic GNSS-based networks.

Milan Horemuž

Milan Horemuž is associate professor in geodesy at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where he has been working since 1996. He received his PhD degree in geodesy at the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava in 1996. His research and teaching are in area of precise satellite positioning and its combination with other sensors, geodetic surveying, and laser scanning.

Johan Vium Andersson

Johan Vium Andersson has been working at WSP since 1994. He has been involved in developing the concept of PA-NRTK since the start of 2005. He got his PhD at the Division of Geodesy at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 2008. He has a focus on the practical application of geodesy and research interest in the area of geodetic surveying, geodetic infrastructure, satellite positioning and InSAR.

Sara Wahlund

Sara Wahlund has received her M. Sc. in Civil Engineering with a major in Surveying at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2002 and has since then worked with practical applications of GNSS surveying. Sara joined WSP in 2011 and has been involved in establishing several PA-NRTK projects as a consultant for Trafikverket.

Lars Jämtnäs

Lars Jämtnäs has received his M. Sc. in physical geography and surveying. He is currently working as a geodesist at Lantmäteriet (The Swedish mapping, cadastral and land registration authority), focusing on best practice guidelines for geodetic surveying and cadastral mapping.