5 Common GNSS Receiver Errors and How to Minimize Them

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers are essential for determining an object’s location, velocity, and time. However, GNSS receivers can have errors that affect the accuracy of their location data. Here are five common GNSS receiver errors and how to minimize them.

Atmospheric Errors

Atmospheric errors happen when radio signals from GNSS satellites pass through the earth’s atmosphere. This can cause signals to delay or refract, leading to errors in the receiver’s position. To minimize this error, use a receiver that corrects atmospheric effects or use multiple GNSS systems to cancel out the atmospheric error.

Multipath Errors

Multipath errors occur when signals from satellites bounce off reflective surfaces, such as buildings or trees, before reaching the receiver. This can cause the receiver to receive multiple signals, resulting in errors in location data. To minimize this error, use an antenna designed to reduce the effects of multipath or ensure that the receiver is in an area with minimal obstructions.

Receiver Clock Errors

Receiver clock errors occur because GNSS satellites and the receiver have slightly different clocks. This can cause errors in the time measurements used to determine the receiver’s position. To minimize this error, use a receiver with a high-quality clock that synchronizes with the satellite clocks.

Satellite Ephemeris Errors

Satellite ephemeris errors happen when data that describes the satellite orbit is not accurately known or transmitted to the receiver. This can result in errors in location data. To minimize this error, use a receiver that can use multiple satellite systems or a receiver that can receive up-to-date ephemeris data.

Signal Obstruction

Signal obstruction occurs when the receiver is in an area where radio signals from the satellites are blocked or weakened, such as in a tunnel or underground. This can result in errors in location data. To minimize this error, ensure that the receiver has an unobstructed view of the sky and use multiple GNSS systems that provide signals from different angles.

In conclusion, GNSS receiver errors can affect location data accuracy. However, you can minimize these errors by using a receiver that corrects atmospheric effects, an antenna designed to reduce the effects of multipath, a receiver with a high-quality clock, a receiver that uses multiple satellite systems, ensuring an unobstructed view of the sky, and using up-to-date ephemeris data. By following these steps, you can minimize GNSS receiver errors and obtain accurate location data.