Low-Cost GNSS and Real-Time PPP: Assessing the Precision of the u-blox ZED-F9P for Kinematic Monitoring Applications

With the availability of low-cost, mass-market dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, standalone processing methods such as Precise Point Positioning (PPP) are no longer restricted to geodetic-grade equipment only. However, with cheaper equipment, data quality is expected degrade. This same principle also affects low-cost antennas, which usually suffer from poorer multipath mitigation and higher antenna noise compared their counterparts. work assesses a particular piece for real-time PPP high-rate dynamic monitoring applications, strong-motion seismology. We assembled u-blox ZED-F9P chip in small light-weight logger. observational static experiments—which processed under kinematic conditions—we assess precision stability displacement estimates. tested impact different multi-band types, including geodetic medium-grade helical-type (JAVAD GrAnt-G3T), well helical (Ardusimple AS-ANT2B-CAL) patch-type (u-blox ANN-MB) antenna. Besides tests assessment precision, ground movements simulated robot arm. For cross-validation, we collected measurements JAVAD SIGMA G3T receiver. In terms cross-compare results three dual-frequency, solutions: (1) an ambiguity-float solution using Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) open-source software, (2) AR (ambiguity-resolved) raPPPid software TU Vienna, (3) PPP-RTK PointPerfect positioning service. show that, even it possible obtain one centimeter. conclude that these devices provide excellent basis densification existing networks, needed seismology earthquake-early-warning.