RINEXAV: GNSS global network selection open-source software based on qualitative analysis of RINEX files

Abstract

The determination of global geodetic parameters using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations requires using a global, evenly distributed network of stations. The homogeneous distribution of stations is crucial for deriving Earth rotation parameters, coordinates of Earth's center of mass, orbit determination, and the realization of the International Terrestrial Reference Systems. It is necessary to select the most representative group of stations, providing GNSS observations of the best quality, i.e. taking into account the factors, such as the number of observations, measured signal-to-noise ratio, or signal multipath indicator. This paper provides a description of the open-source software RINEXAV to select and optimize the GNSS station network based on the qualitative analysis of RINEX files. The provided software allows users to maximize the number of observations based on specified criteria, maintain the uniform distribution of stations, and automatically select the most suitable stations from among those available. To accomplish this, the software uses multi-criteria decision-making and clustering methods. The paper provides the description, use and impact of the RINEXAV software in geosciences.