7.1.1 Introduction
The results of GPS surveying are only obtained after extensive processing
of the recorded data. The general characteristics of carrier phase data
processing in support of GPS surveying applications are:
- The extensive use of Least Squares estimation
procedures to process the recorded GPS data.
- The determination of three-dimensional coordinates
with respect to a geocentric Cartesian coordinate system.
- The datum for GPS results is influenced
by both the relative mode of GPS baseline determination, and the reference
system in which any fixed (or known) geodetic quantities such as station
coordinates, or the satellite orbits, are expressed.
- A GPS survey is built up in stages, by
combining individual survey sessions into a complete campaign. The results
may then be integrated into a previously surveyed network.
- The baseline computations begin after the data from several GPS receivers
are physically brought together. There are
several steps involved, and the degree of sophistication of the computer
processing software is primarily a function of the final accuracy sought.
Each of these is briefly described in the following sections. A more detailed
treatment of specific details of GPS data processing and aspects of final
result presentation is given in the following chapters. Chapter
7 and Chapter 8 are concerned with
"Static GPS Baseline Processing" because a baseline is the smallest
element of a GPS adjustment: the determination of the relative position
of one receiver with respect to another receiver, both having collected
data in a coordinated manner over an observation session of finite length.
Back To Chapter 7 Contents
/ Next Topic
© Chris Rizos, SNAP-UNSW, 1999