Improved analysis strategy and accessibility of the SIRGAS reference frame

Abstract

The SIRGAS reference system is at present realized by the SIRGAS Continuously Operating Network (SIRGAS-CON) composed by about 200 stations distributed over Latin America and the Caribbean. SIRGAS member countries are improving their national reference frames by installing continuously operating GPS stations, which have to be consistently integrated into the continental network. As the number of these stations is rapidly increasing, the analysis strategy of the SIRGAS-CON network is based on two hierarchy levels: a) A core network with homogeneous continental coverage and stable site locations ensures the long-term stability of the reference frame. This network is processed by DGFI (Germany) as the IGS RNAAC SIR. b) Several densification sub-networks (corresponding to the national reference networks) improve the accessibility to the reference frame in the individual countries. Currently, the SIRGAS-CON stations are classified in three densification sub-networks (a southern, a middle, and a northern one), which are processed by the SIRGAS Local Processing Centres CIMA (Argentina), IBGE (Brazil), and IGAC (Colombia). These four Processing Centres deliver loosely constrained weekly solutions for the assigned sub-networks, which are integrated in a unified solution by the SIRGAS Combination Centres (DGFI and IBGE). The main SIRGAS products are: loosely constrained weekly solutions in SINEX format for further combinations of the network, weekly positions aligned to the ITRF as reference for GPS positioning in Latin America; and multi-year solutions (positions + velocities) for practical and scientific applications requiring time-dependent coordinates. This paper describes the analysis of the SIRGAS-CON network as the current realization of the SIRGAS reference system, its quality and consistency, as well as the planned activities to continue improving this reference frame. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.