GNSS Base Station

A GNSSGNSSGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the umbrella term for satellite-based positioning systems that provide a... base station is a permanently or temporarily installed satellite navigation receiver positioned at a survey-grade known coordinate. By continuously observing GNSS signals and comparing calculated positions with its established coordinates, the base station computes real-time corrections that account for satellite orbit errors, clock offsets, and atmospheric delays. These corrections are transmitted to mobile rover receivers to achieve centimeter-level positioning through RTK or DGPS techniques. Types and deploymentBase stations range from temporary tripod-mounted setups used for individual survey projects to permanent installations with robust antennas, redundant power supplies, and continuous internet connectivity. Permanent base stations often contribute to CORS networks, sharing corrections with multiple users simultaneously via NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol). Key considerationsBase station placement requires a stable monument, clear sky visibility above 10-15 degrees elevation, and minimal multipath from nearby reflective surfaces. The accuracy of all rover measurements depends on the base station's coordinate quality and the baseline distance to the rover, with optimal results typically achieved within 10-20 kilometers. GNSS base stations are the backbone of precision positioning infrastructure. Whether deployed for a single survey or operating permanently as part of a correction network, they provide the reference measurements that transform standard GNSS into a centimeter-level positioning tool.