Real-time deformation monitoring by a wireless network of low-cost GPS

Abstract

AbstractMonitoring small size area deformations calls forincreasingly precise data with greater space and time resolution.To this aim, a GPS data processing method designedfor wireless networks of mono-frequency GPS receiversis proposed. The different steps of the method areexplained: the GPS processing is first detailed with the designof parametric and stochastic models, their inversionby an extended Kalman filter and the mitigation of themain errors: multipath. A parsimonious radio data transferprotocol is then proposed. It allows a real-time positioningthanks to a wireless transfer of GPS carrier phasesdata from receivers to a processing computer. Finally themethod is tested on a network of mono-frequency receiversdeveloped by the French National Mapping Agency (IGN).Tests prove its ability for real-time positioning with a fifteenreceivers network, and a precision under the centimeterlevel is reached.