New dual-platform, CORS-friendly base station software for Ashtech GPS receivers simplifies the task of logging, pre-processing and managing raw GPS data.

William Giel, LS, Milford, Conn., developed ZBSS, a base station management software package specifically designed for running a GPS Cooperative-Continuously Operating Reference Station (Coop-CORS) with an Ashtech receiver. The software is compact and capable of running on either Windows or Linux. Users of Ashtech hardware will find this program to be a turnkey software solution for setting up a Coop-CORS, or any 24/7 system that records, archives, and optionally publishes rinex data.

Features:

• Dual-platform compatible, ZBSS runs on Linux or Windows.
• Can run as an automatic service, either platform.
• Configure ZBSS quickly and easily with the graphical configuration wizard, or use a text editor with ZBSS's XML configuration file on windowless servers.
• One-click directory structures, CORS or Ashtech-style.
• Lowercase or Uppercase file naming.
• Dual and/or Single Frequency data output.
• Performs Rinex conversion using the industry standard TEQC pre-processor.
• Integrated ZIP compression, either platform.
• Integrated FTP client, uploads session files to an FTP or website for public access. Queues files if necessary and retries automatically when FTP is down.
• Integrated SMTP emailer, sends alerts and daily log to a designated administrator/operator.
• Optionally purge old data on the FTP/Webserver if your site has a storage quota.
• Remote status monitor, check up on your base station through your web browser over a local network or the Internet.

GPS base stations provide a record of continuous GPS observations at a known reference point, and in many cases make the data available to the public. Other GPS users can combine this data with their own observations when post-processing to increase the accuracy and reliability of their work. Coop-CORS is a program managed by National Geodetic Survey (NGS) to facilitate obtaining data from participating stations.

Source: William Giel, Feb. 16, 2004

Links

• ZBSS GPS Base Station Software for Ashtech Receivers