Various methods are used to collect high precision differential GPS data. The particular method used depends on several factors, including survey objectives, desired precision, available equipment, and field logistics. Higher precision typically requires a more rigorous field methodology and longer occupation times. The following table shows the features of the most common GPS survey methods:

Continuous stations are included for comparison. For campaign-style data collection they typically serve as pre-existing base stations.

Static surveys are the standard campaign data collection method for crustal deformation surveys, and typically involve occupying each point for several days to get the highest possible accuracy.

Rapid static surveys are static surveys with just enough survey time at each point to be able to resolve the carrier phase integer ambiguity. A rule of thumb is to collect data for a minimum of 10 minutes per point, and add one minute of occupation time per kilometer of baseline length over 10 kilometers. For example, on an eight-kilometer baseline collect at least 10 minutes of data, and on a 28-kilometer baseline collect at least 28 minutes of data.

Kinematic surveys rely on continuous tracking to resolve the integer ambiguity. The receiver/antenna may be moving during the surveys, but continuous lock on the satellite signals must be maintained. Since the data processing software is able to both resolve the ambiguity and track the antenna motion, fixed-integer solutions are obtained nearly instantaneously.

Code differential surveys rely only on the code data to determine a differential solution. Simultaneous data collection between the base and rover receiver is still required, but there is no requirement to maintain continuous lock on the carrier phase since the phase data is not used. As a result, this method is extremely robust, but relatively coarse. For sub-meter accuracy, a rule of thumb is to collect data for five minutes per point, and add one minute of occupation time per five kilometers of baseline length over 10 kilometers. For example, on an eight-kilometer baseline collect at least five minutes of data, and on a 108-kilometer baseline collect at least 25 minutes of data.

Point positioning uses only data from a single receiver to determine its coordinates. The collected data are averaged, and longer occupations significantly increase the accuracy. This method is very coarse, but sometimes it is the only way to determine base station coordinates while in the field. Although these coordinates may be off by about a meter, it is close enough to allow the computation of precise baselines while at a remote field location. When better network accuracy is desired, the base coordinates must be re-computed when back from the field.

Last modified Thursday, 17-Nov-2005 03:57:00 UTC