Examining the Accuracy of Network RTK and Long Base RTK Methods with Repetitive Measurements

Abstract

Real-time kinematic (RTK) technique is important for mapping applications requiring short measure time, the distance between rover and base station, and high accuracy. There are several RTK methods used today such as the traditional RTK, long base RTK (LBRTK), network RTK (NRTK), and precise point positioning RTK (PPP-RTK). NRTK and LBRTK are popular with the advantage of the distance, the time, and accuracy. In the present study, the NRTK and LBRTK measurements were compared in terms of accuracy and distance in a test network with 6 sites that was established between 5 and 60 km. Repetitive NRTK and LBRTK measurements were performed on 6 different days in 2015-2017-2018 and additionally 4 campaigns of repetitive static measurements were carried out in this test network. The results of NRTK and LBRTK methods were examined and compared with all relevant aspects by considering the results of the static measurements as real coordinates. The study results showed that the LBRTK and NRTK methods yielded similar results at base lengths up to 40 km with the differences less than 3 cm horizontally and 4 cm vertically.