Accessing the new SIRGAS2000 reference frame through a modernized Brazilian Active Control Network

Abstract

Since the beginning of its establishment, in December of 1996, the Brazilian Network for Continuous Monitoring of GPS - RBMC has been playing the role as the fundamental geodetic frame in the country, providing users with a direct connection to the Brazilian Geodetic System- SGB. This role has become more relevant with the adoption of the new geodetic system, SIRGAS2000, as of February 25, 2005. In this paper, the current RBMC status is presented, as well as the expansion and modernization plans for its structure, functionality and services to be provided to users. RBMC currently works in postmission mode, where users are able to freely download from the Internet data collected by each of its 19 stations 24 hours after the observations are collected. The modernization plans specify, in a first step, the network expansion with six additional stations in the Amazon region, including the reactivation of Manaus station, and the connection of all stations to the lnternet, to support real time transfer of 1 Hz data to the control center, in Rio de Janeiro. When available at the control center, the data will support WADGPS (Wide Area Differential GPS) corrections to be transmitted, in real time, to users in Brazil and surrounding areas. This new service is under development based on a cooperation signed at the end of 2004 with the University of New Brunswick, supported by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency. It is estimated that users will be able to achieve a horizontal accuracy around 0.5 m (1-σ) in static and kinematic positioning. The expected accuracy for dual frequency receiver users is even better. The availability of the WADGPS service- at no costwill allow users to tie to the new SIRGAS2000 system in a more rapid and transparent way in positioning and navigation applications, it should be emphasized that support to post-mission static positioning will continue to be provided to users interested in higher accuracy levels. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.