Collaborative positioning with GNSS as a technique for global high-precision positioning in real time

Abstract The development of precise real-time positioning systems for global and continuous navigation is crucial for a wide range of applications. However, current GNSS-based methods fail to meet the demands of modern users for real-time navigation, as they have limitations in terms of range and data transmission. The RTK and N-RTK techniques, while efficacy in certain scenarios, are limited by their range and require substantial data transfer. On the other hand, this problem does not exist in Precise Point Positioning (PPP). However, the process of Ambiguity Resolution (AR) poses significant challenges for real-time applications. Despite these challenges, post-processing solutions are generally less problematic than real-time solutions. PPP-AR, with its various implementations, allows for a fixed solution in both static and kinematic modes, and its potential real-time application in precise positioning presents more practical and significant use cases. This paper explores the technique of a collaborative positioning approach that combines PPP-AR with RTK, aiming to overcome the limitations of high-precision real-time coordinate determination methods. The proposed approach is designed to enhance the capabilities of existing technologies in this field. This technology can contribute to the establishment of a novel, highly accurate dynamic ground-based infrastructure. Pseudo-kinematic experiments showed a level of accuracy of 10–20 cm for each coordinate regardless of the distance between receivers during real-time operation. The findings and analysis provided herein offer valuable insights and essential in demonstrating a prospective approach to integrating two precise techniques. This implementation has significant potential for advanced business solutions requiring real-time coordinate determination.