Title: Continuously Operating Reference Stations CORS
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2Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)
- Overview of Height Modernization Project
- Definition of CORS
- Different uses of CORS
- CORS Datum
3Alabama Height Modernization
- Funding from Congress for Alabama sponsored by
Congressman Cramer - Program managed by Department of Commerce NOAA
- NGS - Alabama Department of Revenue is grant recipient
- Surveying Tasks Delegated to Alabama Department
of Transportation
4What is Height Modernization?
Wisconsin Height Modernization Project
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6Height Modernization Activities assigned to ALDOT
- GPS Surveys using procedures from NOS NGS 58 59
2 cm repeatable elevations from GPS. - First and Second Order Leveling to support NOS
NGS 58 59 Surveys and to restore and verify
lines throughout the state. - CORS Establish a state-wide CORS network to
serve as the National Spatial Reference System
(NSRS) for the state in the future and to provide
data for monitoring crustal motion See
Louisiana and NOS 50 4-D Positioning
7GPS
- GPS projects are performed using the NOS NGS 58
59 procedures to obtain 2 cm heights. - Primary Base Network A Order Horizontal and
vertical marks observed on a 40 to 50 kilometer
grid. Three 5 ½ hour sessions. - Secondary Base Surveys in 9 areas of the state.
Observations are complete and data is being
processed. Final processing will be completed
when leveling is completed. New and existing
marks observed on a 12 to 15 kilometer grid.
Emphasis on vertical component and 2 cm
repeatability on GPS elevations. - Local Base Surveys Basically the same
procedures as the Secondary Base Surveys on a 4
to 6 kilometer grid. - Re-establish Azimuth mark for A Order project
Back azimuth or mate was not observed and has
resulted in azimuth errors on the ground.
Preliminary planning is underway to re-establish
all of the azimuth mates to the new A order marks.
82003
92006
10Goals
- Primary Base Network Horizontal and vertical
marks established on a 40 to 50 kilometer grid.
Attempt was made during reconnaissance to utilize
as many benchmarks as possible. Leveling
projects will place elevations on the remaining
marks so that each A order mark has a first or
second order elevation. These marks will be the
foundation for the NOS NGS 58 59 surveys.
Leveling began in May 2005 in Southeast Alabama
(Dothan area). - More good elevations on good GPS Marks better
Geoid Model. Once leveling is complete to the
Primary Marks, we will request that NGS define a
new Geoid Model for Alabama. - Better Geoid Model Better GPS elevations
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12Leveling Objectives
- Put good NAVD 88 Heights on good Horizontal Marks
observed with GPS - Place good NAVD 88 Heights on CORS Antenna
Reference Plane or ARP. - Extend Leveling to areas with poor/non-existent
benchmarks.
13Reconnaissance shows that up to 2/3 of Benchmarks
are destroyed or cannot be found!
14Leveling Projects to support Primary and
Secondary GPS Projects
- 44 miles Monroe, Clarke Escambia
- 20 miles Dallas, Lowndes
- 48 miles Marion, Franklin
- 10 miles Lawrence, Limestone
- 15 miles Talladega, Clay
- 34 miles Elmore, Montgomery
- 14 miles Macon
- 30 miles Coffee, Geneva, Henry
- 85 miles Remaining Primary Marks
- 340 miles total
15Leveling Projects to CORS stations
- Second Order Class I leveling to the Antenna
Reference Plane (ARP) of the CORS - Field work is complete for Huntsville, Tuscumbia,
Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and Troy - Preliminary planning underway for Alex City,
Montgomery, Dothan, and Mobile. - Establish NAVD 88 Orthometric Elevations at each
CORS station.
16CORS
- Continuously Operating Reference Stations CORS
- Permanently mounted dual frequency GPS receivers
connected to a recording device and operates 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year with
the raw data available via the internet and Real
Time corrections available via wireless cell
modem, radio signal, or both.
17- The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a set of
satellites that enable you to determine your
position anyplace on earth, 24-hours a day
regardless of the weather - The system consists of 24 operational satellites
and four non-operational spare satellites
orbiting 12,000 miles above the earth - The satellites are arranged so that several
satellites are always in view from any point on
earth. - The Global Positioning System (GPS) is based on
the Department of Defense NAVigation Satellite
Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) satellites. - The service is free and is provided 24 hours a
day world wide. - GLObal NAvigation Satellite Systems (GLONASS) is
provided by the Russian Federation - European Galileo system is currently being
developed and will add a third set of satellites.
18GPS Space Segment
- 24 Operational satellites (28 on orbit)
- Six orbital planes at an altitude of 12,600
statute miles - Satellites are spaced in orbit so that a minimum
of five satellites will be in view to users
worldwide - Each satellite completes an orbit once every 12
hours and will pass over head twice a day.
19Global Positioning SystemGPS
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21Uncorrected GPS
- Hand held receivers
- Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) systems
- Lap Top based computer systems
- Uses code (L1) information
- Does not need base station or corrections
- Accuracies between 6 and 11 meters
22 GPS Modernization Plan
Block III
Block IIR-M, IIF
Block IIA/IIR
- III IIF capabilities
- Improved civil signal (L1C)
- Increased accuracy (4.8-1.2m)
- Evaluating integrity improvements
- Navigation surety for military
- Increased A/J power (20 dB)
- IIR-M IIA/IIR capabilities
- 2nd civil signal (L2C)
- New military code
- Flex A/J power (7dB)
- IIF IIR-M capability plus
- 3rd civil signal (L5)
- IIA / IIR Basic GPS
- C/A civil signal (L1C/A)
- Std Service, 16-24m SEP
- Precise Service, 16m SEP
- L1 L2 P(Y) nav
23Basic Civil Positioning Before May 2000
100 m
GPS I, GPS II A, GPS II R
- C/A Code on L1
- Selective Availability On
24Basic Civil Positioning Now
6-11 m
GPS II R
- C/A Code on L1
- Selective Availability Off
25Basic Civil Positioning By 2009
3-5 m
GPS II R(M)
- C/A Code on L1
- Civil Code on L2
26Basic Civil Positioning By 2014
Better resistance to interference
1-3 m
GPS II F
- C/A Code on L1
- Civil Code on L2
- New Code on L5
27Basic Civil Positioning 2018
?
GPS III Full Operational Capability
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29Differential or Static GPS Surveys
- Dual frequency GPS receiver tracks CA code,
carrier and L1, L2 - Needs minimum of five satellites for
initialization, then four - Must have one or more base stations occupying
known positions - 1-2 centimeters IF proper procedures are followed.
30Why CORS?
- One Base Station for an area can serve many
projects - Reduced personnel and equipment costs
- Consistent coordinate datum
- CORS will eventually be National Spatial
Reference System (NSRS)
31CORS Group
- Alabama Society of Professional Land Surveyors -
ASPLS - Geospatial Training and Application Center GTAC
- Troy University Geomatics Program
- GPS users in the First, Second, and Fifth
Divisions
32Why would ALDOT maintain the CORS Network?
- Secure facilities throughout the state.
- Long term commitment to maintain sites.
- Each facility has generator back-up power in the
event of outages - Each facility has a T1 line for data transmission
- Each Division has IT personnel to assist in the
maintenance of the stations. - CORS network could be easily absorbed by ALDOT at
a lower cost.
33Objectives for a CORS Network
- Short Term
- Improve coverage for Static GPS Work
- Leveling to establish NAVD 88 Orthometric Heights
at the Antennae Reference Plane (ARP) - Long Term
- State-wide coverage at 70 km spacing - Sufficient
Density to allow network corrections - Real-Time corrections made available to
Geo-Spatial Community - Improved GPS Elevations
34- Phase I
- Evaluate Hardware, Software, installation methods
- Install 4 stations in urban areas.
- Install 1 station in vicinity of tide gauge at
Dauphin Island - Provide real-time, single base-line solutions via
internet - Phase II
- Add 6 (GG) CORS stations (2 were installed in
October) - Develop partnerships with County Government to
establish Co-op CORS - Continue leveling efforts to establish NAVD 88
Heights to the ARP - Phase III - VI
- Continue to add 4 to 6 stations a year
- Develop partnerships with County Government to
establish CO-OP CORS and build redundancy in the
system. - Implement network solutions when sufficient
density is reached.
35NGS CORS Guidelines
- GOALS
- Improve quality of CORS data
- Focus attention on CORS meta-data requirements
more detailed Site Logs and Photos
Selected Items Team established to evaluate
new sites more rigorously before
including them into the CORS network
Encourage more stable sites Avoid
multipath-prone sites Radomes not
recommended except Track all satellites
regardless of their health status Track
satellites to lower elevation angles Provide
suite of photos for each site
36Challenges of Implementing CORS
- Site selection
- - Must be a stable site with no obstructions
above 5 degrees - - Must be within 30 meters of adequate network
and power connections - - Long term survivability trees will grow and
possibly obstruct antenna. Possible building
additions/renovations must be considered.
37Grangeville Idaho
Michigan DOT Towers
Tower Design
38Challenges of Implementing CORS
- Monument Design
- - The ideal monument requires a large clear
area with no possibility of future obstructions. - - Easy to establish NAVD 88 Elevation at ARP
- - Roof-top mounts have proven to be very stable
and get the antenna above most obstructions. - - Can be difficult to establish NAVD 88
Elevation to the roof. - - The Louisiana network utilizes roof mounts.
One site was lost during Hurricane Katrina
39Tuscaloosa AL50
40Birmingham AL30Roof mount at 3rd Division
Troy AL70Roof mount at 7th
Division Office
Tuscumbia AL20Roof mount at 2nd
Division Office
Montgomery AL60Roof mount at 6th
Division Office
41Not picturedHuntsville GTAC Roof MountAuburn
ALAU Roof Mount
Mobile AL90 - ProposedRoof mount at East
Tunnel Office
Dauphin Island ALDI Roof
mount at Sea Lab
Alexander City AL40Roof mount at
4th Division Office
42Choke Ring vs. Geodetic Antenna
- Choke ring has typically been thought of as a
more robust antenna. - Recent evaluation of the GPS data at several
sites has shown that the Radome can cause errors
in the position if not properly calibrated. - New Geodetic-quality Antenna shows near choke
ring quality Time will tell.
43Challenges of Implementing CORS
- Data Communication
- Reliable data connection to provide raw RINEX
files from the receiver to the NGS FTP site for
static processing as a minimum. - Ideally we need to provide an adequate data
connection to send raw data from antenna to main
server in Montgomery, calculate corrections, and
sent back out to the internet fast enough to be
used for real time corrections in the field.
44Data transmission methods back to the Rover
- Pac-Crest Radio
- 35 watt high wattage, high heat.
- Requires FCC License.
- Typically a four mile radius based on terrain.
- Higher cost per unit up front, but lower long
term costs. - Possibly get the antenna higher to provide larger
coverage area? - Cell modem
- Low front end cost for equipment
- Monthly cell bills for unlimited minutes add up.
- Poor and spotty coverage in rural areas.
- Wait for coverage to catch up?
- 900 MHZ
- Lower wattage less heat
- Requires line of sight to repeaters and rovers
- Other?
- High Frequency band-width with high wattage
transmitter (and high cost)? More difficult to
obtain FCC licensing. - WI-MAX?
45User Issues
- Each user will have to evaluate the areas where
the majority of their work will be performed to
determine which cell provider gives the best
coverage. - Each user will have to evaluate existing
equipment to determine upgrades necessary to
communicate with CORS Server. - Vendors are eager to work with surveyors to
upgrade existing equipment or sell new equipment.
46Louisiana
- System of benchmarks has been deemed unreliable
- Transfer NAVD 88 orthometric heights to CORS ARP
- Allow CORS network to serve as the vertical
control for areas of subsidence - Extent of subsidence into Alabama is unknown at
this time. Project is being planned to determine
the extent of the subsidence along the Gulf Coast.
47Tidal Gauges Dauphin Island
1968 NOAA Gauge
USACE Gauge
- Tide Gauges are tied to the Tidal Benchmarks.
Each site has several marks in close proximity to
the gauge. - Establish First or Second Order NAVD
88 Height at the Tidal Benchmark to provide an
accurate tie to Tidal Datum. - Establish NAVD 88
Height at the CORS ARP
Tidal Benchmark
48Dauphin Island CORS Site
- Finding a suitable site
- Limited access to structures with suitable
horizon and stability. - Providing adequate power and data communication.
- Design and build a mount to reasonably withstand
weather and corrosion. - Close proximity to Tidal Benchmarks and First
Order NAVD 88 Benchmarks.
49Dauphin Island CORS Site Data and Power
considerations
- Computer Network at Sea Lab is not reliable in
good weather. - - Look at the possibility of using cell modem to
transmit the data back to the server? - - perform on-site testing with the equipment to
ensure there is sufficient cell coverage and data
transmission speed. - Power is susceptible to bad weather.
- - Provide battery back up to cover power
outages. - - Prepare to install solar panels and batteries
at this or any site in the event of catastrophic
power loss.
50Existing Level Lines
51- Time series at fort Morgan CORS prior to 2005
HARN project
52Latest Velocity rates from Fort Morgan CORS after
2005 HARN Project
53Southeast CORS Network May 2005
54- Alabama CORS October, 2006
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56Benefits of a CORS Network
- Data files archived for post-processing of static
GPS work Survey and Engineering Control Work - Real-Time corrections supplied to collectors of
geo-spatial data GIS systems - Precision Agriculture machine guide
- Construction machine guide
- Emergency response
- Navigation
- Air-Borne GPS
- Monitor possible crustal motion throughout the
State - Eliminates need for Base Station at remote
locations - Reduced equipment costs
- Consistent positions
- Future vertical control network
- Satisfy most positioning needs that require
centimeter level accuracy!
57Aerial Mapping, photography, and Digital Terrain
Models
- Good horizontal and vertical control is REQUIRED
to obtain ACCURATE Digital Ortho Photographs and
Digital Terrain Models
58Basis or Foundation for an ACCURATE GIS
59LAND SURVEYING
60SAFETY / FLOODING
- Flood Stage Predictions
- and Measurements
61- Remote Sensed Imagery
- Instrumented Farm Implements
- Crop yield monitoring equipment
- Light Bar and Auto-Steer guidance systems
- Results in increased crop yields, reduced
production costs, and reduced runoff of
fertilizer and topsoil
62HIGHWAYS / TRANSPORTATION
- Better Decision making for Route Location,
Roadway Maintenance and Improvements
63Uses of CORS Data
- Static Post Processed using OPUS or Vendors
software - Real-Time corrections transmitted directly to the
rover in the field.
64Static GPS
- Raw data is collected at the receiver for two
hours or more observing two sessions on each mark - Data from CORS sites are downloaded and
post-processed with the vendors software
65Static GPS using OPUS
- Raw data is collected at the receiver for no less
than one hour OPUS still prefers two hours of
data. - Raw data is sent to On-line Positioning User
Service OPUS. - Solution is emailed back to the user usually in
less than five minutes. - Option has recently been added for the user to
select the base stations to use for the
processing. - NGS is working on routines that will process
fast-static sessions and single frequency
sessions. - There are also plans for an OPUS database that
would contain all of the OPUS solutions. This
data would be retrievable in much the same way a
conventional data sheet is retrieved. - NGS is working towards supporting all available
satellite signals.
66OPUS On line Positional User Service
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73How Does OPUS Compute Position?
3 separate baselines computed 3 separate
positions averaged
74Looking Forward
- NGS is Developing OPUS-RS (rapid static) that
will enable users to obtain positional
coordinates with cm-level accuracy using only 15
minutes of GPS carrier phase data. - NGS is developing OPUS-DB (OPUS DataBase) which
will allow users to submit GPS data files,
observation log, photos, and description. These
marks will be made available much the same way a
datasheet is obtained via internet. - NGS is exploring the use of NTRIP to stream GPS
data from selected CORS via the Internet. - Equipment manufacturers have released new
receivers capable of receiving GLONASS, Galileo,
L2C, and L5.
75CORS 96 vs. NAD 83/92
- Comparisons of OPUS positions against published
positions led ALDOT to believe that there is up
to a 5 cm shift between the CORS 96 and 83/92. - Prior to the HARN observation, NGS stated that
the 07 adjustment would adjust the 83/92 Datum,
which are the positions currently in the
database, to the CORS Datum. - The processing for the HARN Observation indicate
that all of the existing A and B order marks
observed fell within the Network Accuracy limits
of 5 cm, therefore, no adjustments were made to
the existing A and B order positions. - The CORS positions and the existing A and B order
positions were held as fixed for the HARN project.
762003
772006
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80Problems
- New A Order positions have been posted to the NGS
database. - - 32-6 in Greene County shifted by 2 decimeters
(0.66 feet). - - The azimuth to back-sight mate changed by
0-00-50! - - 2007 Adjustment should correct this?
- - Use the back sight mates to the new A order
stations with caution!
81Disclaimers
- ALDOT does not guarantee ANY position computed
from the CORS sites! It is the surveyors
responsibility to ensure all field and office
procedures have been followed to ensure the data
is correct. - NGS will establish the position of the CORS and
it will be checked daily. - Tuscumbia, Tuscaloosa, Troy, and Birmingham are
running now with temporary positions established
by the vendor. NGS will provide positions after
inclusion into the National CORS program. - It is the surveyors responsibility to verify any
position computed or calculated with any CORS
station. - Repeat Observations the best way to verify a
position is to repeat the session under a
different satellite constellation a minimum of
four hours separation between the end of the
first session and the beginning of the repeat
session. - To obtain 2 cm vertical, see NOS NGS 58 59.
82Disclaimers
- ALDOTs first priority is the collection of data
to meet the requirements for the National CORS
program. - ALDOT will attempt to maintain a continuous,
un-interrupted flow of data, BUT we cannot
guarantee it. - A web site will be established that will report
the condition of the sites and a schedule of
proposed maintenance or down time to the site. A
link will be provided on the ASPLS web page to
this site as soon as its available.
83CORS Sites
- Existing Public Sites
- GTAC Huntsville Space and Rocket Center
- ALAU City of Auburn
- ALDOT Sites to be posted as National CORS by
November 06. - AL20 Tuscumbia Second Division Office.
- AL30 Birmingham Third Division Office.
- AL50 Tuscaloosa Fifth Division Office.
- AL70 Troy Seventh Division Office.
- ALDOT Sites under construction awaiting
approval from NGS. - ALDI Dauphin Island Operational by November,
2006. - AL60 Montgomery Operational on October 6, 2006.
- AL40 Alexander City Operational on October 12,
2006. - Proposed Sites
- AL90 Mobile East Tunnel Office Begin install on
October 23, 2006. - AL12 Gadsden Begin install on October 30, 2006.
- AL52 Chilton County no install date determined
at this time.
84- We are requesting that each user register with
us to obtain IP address and port numbers so that
we can build a contact list of active users. - Notification of proposed work or downtime at the
sites. - Notification of any changes to the system that
may affect use. - Notification of new sites.
- Attempt to get an idea about the number of users
for future justification of funds. - Establish contact lists for forums, educational
opportunities, or input from the surveying
community.
85Requested Information
- Send an email to russellj_at_dot.state.al.us. In
the email message, please provide the following. - Name, address, phone number
- Type equipment (GPS, GLONASS)
- How will you use the system Static? RTK?
- Number of users
- List of areas you typically work in.
86Questions?
87Project Control on Location Surveys
88Location Section
- GPS used to establish horizontal control set at
one to two mile interval along project corridor. - Conventional Traverse between GPS pairs to
establish control at approximately 1000
intervals. - Conventional leveling from First or Second Order
benchmarks through GPS and traverse marks to
bring vertical control into the project.
89Benefits
- Solid foundation of horizontal and vertical marks
to support the project from corridor study
through construction. - Ability to utilize mapping, photography, and GIS
data from any source as long as it is in a known
datum. - Eliminated physical ties between projects.
- Eliminate Coordinate Equations
- If project control is destroyed in any phase of
work it can easily be restored. Control points
are never Lost.
90Establishing Project Control
- Search database for horizontal and vertical marks
in the area.
91- Datasheet shows the mark name, lat/long,
horizontal/vertical order designations
92- Latest NGS Datasheets show coordinates in meters
in the appropriate zone - Recently began showing Combined Scale Factors
- This area has a ratio of 1 part in 20,000 grid
vs. ground distances.
93- Datasheet shows the type monument, stamping,
satellite visibility, and recovery history.
94- Datasheet shows recovery history from initial
monumentation to the latest recovery notes.
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98Static GPS Observations
- 18 Rebar w/ cap stamped with point number and
year set - Set in an area with a good horizon for satellite
visibility - Set 4 to 6 underground to avoid damage by
mowers and other hazards
99Numbering Schemes
- 1 County number with letter designation for
marks established with GPS. - 2 Project specific point number with year for
marks established with total station.
100Description Writing
- New mark is worthless unless properly described
- Odometer log with ties to mile posts
- Measurements to obvious objects around each point
101GPS Observations
- Leica 1200 Survey Grade Receivers
- 1 hour 15 min sessions
- Observation logs
- Each new mark is occupied twice
- Side ties are occupied three times
- Enough over-kill to avoid any return trips or
errors.
102Leveling
- Once marks are set Crew splits up and three men
begin leveling while the other make the
observations. - Every new mark is leveled through
- Leica DNA 03 First Order level
- Third Order Elevations established on each mark
- Begin and end on Second Order, Class II Benchmark
or better
103Traverse
- After GPS observations are complete, remaining
crew members begin conventional traverse through
project. - Marks are set at 1200 intervals
- Leica TCA 2003 0.5 electronic theodolite with
a 1mm 1ppm distance meter - Servo driven with Automatic Target Recognition
- Angle is turned five times
- Distance is taken five times each direction for a
total of 10 distances per leg
104Computation
- Azimuths from GPS positions are used for
beginning and ending azimuths - Software means horizontal and vertical angles
- Distances are meaned manually (software will not
currently do this) - Traverse is computed using an old Geodimeter
program which computes azimuth closure and closes
the angles before giving error of closure - Calculates Combined Scale Factor for each leg of
the traverse and reduces the horizontal ground
distance to a grid distance.
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107Fast Static GPS Observations
- Not part of a control survey
- Post-processed and computed in the same way
static observations are processed - Used for DTM Topo Survey
- Two base stations on known marks collecting data
- Rovers collect 10 to 15 minutes of data based on
satellite geometry
108Real-Time GPS Observations
- Not part of a control survey
- Provides position and elevation as soon as the
point is recorded - Used for DTM or Topo operations
- Generates ASCII file
- For best solution, a Site Calibration should be
performed ?
109Real-Time Data Collection
- Rover collects data independently of base
- CORS will replace the base and the cell modem
will replace the 35 watt radio link.
110Site Calibration
- Base Station is set on Project Control with good
horizon - Using the rover, collect 3 minutes of data on
each project control with suitable horizon - Coordinates for each point are entered into
collector - Collect data on points within and around the
project
111Site Calibration
- After data is collected, software will produce a
list of the points with the RMSE for each point - Points with larger RMSE may be removed
- Be careful not to remove the endpoints and that
you are not relying on midpoints within the
project - Software will calculate a coordinate system for
the project, name it, and store the system - Coordinate system can be transferred between
receivers
112Site Calibration
- Time consuming work at the beginning of the
project to establish localization to the project - Most accurate and reliable method to use
real-time - Performed once on each project
- Calibration files are stored and saved for future
work
113Real Time GPS Observations
- Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy limits can be
pre-set - Normally use 0.05 ft for hard surfaces and 0.1 ft
for ground shots - Each rover can work independent of everything
except the radio or cell link - Does not require line of sight or communication
with instrument man - Does not go under tree canopy very well.
114P4
P1
P2
P5
P3
P6
115P4
P1
P2
P5
B9999-1
B9999-2
P3
P6
116Issue to be Resolved
- Is Accuracy of single base-line RTK solution
comparable to Site Calibration? - Users must evaluate the data and results.
117Questions?