Study the capabilities of RTK Multi GNSS under forest canopy in regions of Indonesia

Abstract

For more than two decade, the position on the earth can be precisely determined “real-time” in the order of few centimeters by Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Method. Nevertheless, few limitations are still recognized such as degradation of accuracy against limited satellite visibilities (e.g. heavy satellite obstructions from forest canopy). It usually takes time to resolve the ambiguities or even in many occasion resulted in failure. Fortunately since recent years to the future seems more satellite systems beside GPS and GLONASS are being launched such as BEIDOU, GALILEO, QZSS, etc. It means that more satellite will be existed above the sky. The term GNSS has changed into Multi GNSS. This Multi GNSS is theoretically adding the value to previous GNSS System like GPS; problems of limited satellite visibilities (e.g. under forest canopy) to the position accuracy perhaps will reduce. Within this paper we try to do study the capabilities of RTK Multi GNSS under forest canopy in Indonesia. We observed by RTK in the forest areas which have canopy of 40 to 90 percent. As conclusion we found improvement in positioning result of even area of very limited satellite visibilities.