Performance of network RTK correction techniques (FKP, MAC and VRS) under limited sky view condition

Abstract

In recent years, the continuously operating reference station - Turkey (CORS-TR) system has been widely used in engineering and cadastral work in Turkey due to ease of use, low cost, and national legislative requirements. In this study, long-term Network RTK (Real-time Kinematic) data were collected under 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees and 40 degrees satellite views using a different approach from previous work. In order to evaluate the positioning performance of the system, the measurements were undertaken at different elevation angles (open, partially blocked and extremely blocked) and by considering three different correction techniques (FKP, VRS and MAC), and the results were evaluated in terms of repeatability. From the analysis of the data, it was understood that the performances of the three correction techniques were generally similar, and even in the case of a limited satellite view, the errors remained below 7 cm in all three techniques. However, when the 2D and 3D components were analyzed together, VRS technique showed better results than the other two techniques.