
In the first article of this series on real-time GNSS positioning (POB November 2010), we looked at checking your RT gear before proceeding with field work--the first of NOAA’s seven C’s covering best methods for RT positioning. In this article, we’ll cover the second C: Communication between the base reference station--from a real-time network server or user setup--and rover.
All high-precision RT work is differentially based at this time. That means your rover will obtain its position as a differential Cartesian X, Y, Z vector from the coordinates at a base position referenced on the Earth-centered, Earth-fixed (ECEF) WGS 84 datum of the GPS system (and transformed PZ 90.02 Russian Federation datum used for the Glonass [GLN] constellation). From this ECEF X, Y, Z coordinate, we may derive local coordinates such as NAD 83 latitude, longitude and ellipsoid height using established transformation parameters and ultimately provide local projected plane coordinates, such as in our State Plane Coordinate System or in a user-adopted low distortion projection (LDP). Such transformations may be done in your GNSS unit or data collector by selecting the desired output or back at your office using various software packages. A robust communication link is needed to acquire the corrections to the observables at the base (as in single-base methodology) or interpolated to a position near the rover (as in RTN solutions).


Examples
of external low power spread spectrum radio modems. Images courtesy of Pacific
Crest Inc.

Free
Wave Technologies Inc.
Wireless data modems (such as cell phones)are typically CDMA, GSM and GPRS (see the list of acronyms below) communication formats using TCP/IP over cellular provider networks. SIM cards can be used inside a data collector or cell phone, or an external data modem can be set up for connections. A monthly fee is charged and varies by data usage and cellular carrier. This format is used for extended range single-base RT and especially for RTN communication. It is recommended the user obtain a static IP address rather than a dynamic IP address solution from the carrier. If communication formats or “rules” are in place at a base or RTN server, the consistent static address will remain “in the loop” and allow the data packets to find the rover rather than changing with every reboot or break in communication. Additionally, no one else will be using your static rover address, and it will remain robust and exclusively available, assuming internet connectivity. In good cell coverage areas, this is the most bang for the buck, because it allows ranges of more than 25 miles from a base.

An
external CDMA/GPRS modem. Image courtesy of Sierra Wireless.

An
example of the base station and rover equipment necessary for a typical UHF
radio setup.
For UHF radio communication, always keep the base radio battery fully charged. Reduced battery power means reduced communication range. Many RT users set up their base stations with a lawn tractor battery because it provides extended power time for the radio while being more portable than a car or truck lead acid battery and at a reduced cost. The best power on the block would be a deep cell marine battery−great power for a long time and fully rechargeable (but very heavy). As stated in the first column, remember to raise the base radio antenna as high as possible (but below 25 feet if not using a low-loss cable).

For single-base RT, don’t leave the base site before you have a robust communication link established. However, don’t get too close to the base when initializing and starting the radio communication. Keep the rover about 30 meters away, if possible. Furthermore, having the rover too close to the base when initializing can be a problem when using Bluetooth between the data collector and the base receiver or rover receiver. Make sure the Bluetooth is connected to the correct receiver.

An
example of an internal SIM card for a data collector or cell phone.
As many of you know, the configuration and startup of communication for RT can be challenging and was not addressed here due to the unique requirements of each manufacturer. Regardless of the general nature of this information, I hope to hear from some of you about your experiences as we move through the series of articles. In the next “C,” for “conditions,” we will look at multipath, space weather, tropospheric conditions, satellite availability, using Glonass and other topics that make us better RT data providers.
Communication Acronyms
CDMA: Code Division Multiple AccessGSM: Global System for Mobile Communication
GPRS: General Packet Radio Service
IP: Internet Protocol
SIM: Subscriber Identity Module
TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
UHF: Ultra High Frequency (FCC 300 MHz to 3 GHz)
VHF: Very High Frequency (FCC 30 MHZ to 300 MHz)