A reference station is a fixed, high-precision location equipped with a GNSS receiver and antenna that collects positioning data to improve accuracy in applications like surveying, navigation, and construction. It works by detecting errors in satellite signals—such as clock discrepancies, atmospheric delays, and multipath interference—and providing real-time correction data to users, typically via radio, cellular, or internet communication. This enables highly accurate positioning, crucial for activities that require detailed measurements. The corrections shared by the station significantly enhance the precision of GNSS systems, especially in fields requiring centimeter-level accuracy.
Applications of reference stations include surveying, mapping, precision farming, and supporting autonomous navigation for vehicles, ships, and aircraft. They also play a key role in scientific research, such as monitoring tectonic movements or atmospheric conditions. By providing real-time corrections, reference stations enable systems like RTK positioning, which allows users to achieve far higher accuracy than standard GNSS systems.
