The accuracy estimation of GPS/GNSS antennas calibration of phase centre and its variations

1Zhalilo, AA, 2Zhelanov, AA, 3Shelkovenkov, DA, 4Shokalo, VM
1Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine; Kharkіv National University of Radio Electronics of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv,Ukraine
2Kharkіv National University of Radio Electronics of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
3Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Main Astronomical Observatory NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
4Kharkіv National University of Radio Electronics of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv Ukraine
Kosm. nauka tehnol. 2008, 14 ;(4):39-52
https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2008.04.039
Publication Language: Russian
Abstract: 
A relatively simple method for verification of GPS/GNSS antenna phase characteristics in concrete environment of operation is proposed. The method assumes the use of one closely located reference base station with precision coordinates of antenna mean phase centre (MPC) and accurate phase centre variations (PCV) calibration. The method allows us to carry out a quality estimation of antenna phase characteristics and their influence on the accuracy of positioning without use of the expensive specialized equipment. We present the results of verification of the used phase calibrations of antennas GPS-600LB, GPS-702 (NovAtel Inc., Canada) for the station SURE (KhNURE) antenna site. It is obtained an acceptable fit (at a level of 1 to 1.5 mm) of the estimations of MPC displacement with the values of Geo++ GmbH company (Germany) which were obtained using specialized robots. The series of experimental researches which was carried out with the use of GPS/GNSS antennas of a geodetic grade allowed one to estimate the quality of used phase corrections and their influence on the accuracy of horizontal and vertical coordinates, and also to increase the accuracy of the SURE station antenna position. Some methodical recommendations on installation of antenna sites, the monitoring and verification of phase calibrations of GPS/GNSS station antennas for positioning at millimetre accuracy level are given.
Keywords: GPS/GNSS station, phase calibrations, positioning
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