Orion - High Precision GPS Software

High Precision GPS Processing

Software lies at the heart of every high-precision satellite positioning system. This is because high-precision GPS is not like the handheld or vehicle-based single-point navigation system. High-precision GPS (providing cm-level or better positioning repeatability at intervals of seconds to hours) requires the simultaneous analysis of data from multiple satellites and receivers (typically two and two, respectively) to reduce or eliminate noise sources to enable a convergence in which critical positioning parameters can be resolved. While some high-precision processing is enabled by receiver-based firmware (RTK), that requires a greater investment in field equipment (wireless and power) and the virtual elimination of raw measurements as a GPS network product.

In contrast, we bring the raw measurements into the computer for processing and archiving. We believe this is the optimal approach because it focuses on:

Treating the raw measurement data as a primary network product. Access to raw measurements allows multi-processing and re-processing.
Access to buffered measurement data enables the use of static processing in which data are processed over finite time periods (typically 15 minute to 24-hour intervals, depending on the application) to improve positioning precision. Having the measurements, plus the time to use them, permits the use of algorithms that can better model parameters to derive the highest precision results.
Minimizing the investment in per-station hardware by eliminating the additional communications and power infastructure required to support firmware-based position monitoring. This extends budgets.

Though this may all seem to be a minor consideration, it pre-determines the structure and capabilities of the InteTrak software.