Key Operational Requirements

Base Station Overview #

A base station is a stationary GNSS receiver, typically located at a known and/or surveyed position, used in post-processing to utilize DGNSS workflows to mitigate errors and correct rover’s trajectory gathered during the mission.

Base Station Setup Location #

For optimal performance, the base station must have an unobstructed sky view at least 30 degrees above the horizon. This ensures that the base station can receive signals from GNSS satellites without interference. Obstacles such as buildings, trees, vehicles, people, or other objects can block or reflect satellite signals, leading to inaccuracies in data collection.

When choosing a location for the base station, consider the following guidelines:

• Height and Placement: Position the base station on a stable, elevated platform if possible. This helps to avoid potential obstructions that are closer to the ground.
• Environment: Select an open area away from dense urban environments or forests where tall structures and dense foliage could obstruct the sky view.
• Weather Considerations: Consider weather elements like heavy rain or snow, which might temporarily affect signal quality.
• Permanent and temporary Structures: Ensure that permanent and temporary structures like buildings, towers, scaffoldings or billboards do not encroach on the 30-degree sky view.

Using Public Base Station Services #

When using a public base station service like NOAA CORS ( Continuously Operating Reference Stations), ensure that the base station is no more than 40 kilometers away from the mission location to avoid data quality loss.

The distance between your base station and the payload should be minimized, and the base station should remain stationary during recording for the best data results.