A reference station is a fixed, high-precision location with a GNSS receiver and antenna that collects positioning data. It improves accuracy in surveying, navigation, and construction. The station detects errors in satellite signals like clock discrepancies, atmospheric delays, and multipath interference. It provides real-time correction data to users through 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.
How does a reference station operate?
A reference station tracks signals from multiple satellites and compares the received data with its precisely known position to detect signal errors. It then calculates real-time corrections and transmits them to mobile users via radio, internet, or satellite links.
These corrections enhance positioning accuracy in various applications, including land surveying, marine navigation, autonomous vehicles in agriculture and construction, and aviation and defense.
By playing a key role in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Differential GNSS (DGNSS) systems, reference stations significantly reduce errors and improve positioning accuracy down to the centimeter level.
