Reliable single-epoch ambiguity resolution for short baselines using combined GPS/BeiDou system

GNSS single-epoch real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning depends on correct ambiguity resolution. If the number of observed satellites in a single epoch is insufficient, which often happens with a standalone GNSS system, the ambiguity resolution is difficult to achieve. China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has been providing continuous passive positioning, navigation and timing services since December 27, 2012, covering China and the surrounding area. This new system will increase the number of satellites in view and will have a significant effect on successful ambiguity resolution. Since the BeiDou system is similar to GPS, the procedure of data processing is easier than that for the Russian GLONASS system. We briefly introduce the time and the coordinate system of BeiDou and also the BeiDou satellite visibility in China, followed by the discussion on the combined GPS/BeiDou single-epoch algorithm. Experiments were conducted and are presented here, in which the GPS/BeiDou dual-frequency static data were collected in Wuhan with the baseline distance varying from 5 to 13 km, and processed in separate and combined modes. The results indicate that, compared to a standalone GPS or BeiDou system, the combined GNSS system can increase the successful ambiguity fixing rate for single epochs and can also improve the precision of short baselines determination.     

Triple-frequency carrier ambiguity resolution for Beidou navigation satellite system

The Chinese Beidou system, also known as Compass, has entered its trial operational stage and can already provide services for triple-frequency users. Using triple-frequency signals is expected to be of great benefit for ambiguity resolution. Based on error characteristic analysis of the Beidou frequencies, we introduce the procedure of selecting the best combinations of triple-frequency signals. The geometry-based model and geometry-free model of triple-frequency signals are presented. Three triple-frequency carrier ambiguity resolution (TCAR) methods are described, which include the cascading rounding method, the stepwise AR method and the modified stepwise AR method. In order to evaluate the performance of these methods, observations from baselines of various lengths were collected using Beidou triple-frequency receivers and were processed epoch-by-epoch using the three methods. The same observation data were also processed in a dual-frequency mode for comparison. The results show that, compared to the dual-frequency based solution, the single epoch ambiguity resolution success rate with triple frequency improved nearly 30 % for the short baselines (<20 km) and 100 % for the mid-length baselines (20–50 km) using the proposed modified stepwise AR method.