GNSS PPP
What is GNSS PPP?
PPP, or Precise Point Positioning, is a GNSS technique that gives very high accuracy (down to a few centimeters) — just like RTK — but without needing a nearby base station.
Instead, PPP uses very precise satellite data sent from global reference networks to correct your position.
How GNSS PPP Works (Step by Step)
Satellites send signals Just like regular GNSS, many satellites orbit the Earth and broadcast signals with their position and time information.
Your receiver collects data A GNSS receiver (for example, a professional surveying receiver or a scientific instrument) picks up those signals from multiple satellites at once.
Global reference stations analyze everything Around the world, hundreds of very stable reference stations continuously track all GNSS satellites. Using this data, special processing centers calculate:
Precise satellite orbits (where each satellite really is)
Precise satellite clock corrections (the exact timing of their signals)
Biases and atmospheric effects
Corrections are sent to your receiver These precise corrections are shared over the internet or through satellite services. Your receiver downloads or receives them in real time or after recording data.
Your receiver refines its position The receiver applies these global corrections to the signals it recorded. It then uses advanced math to fix tiny timing and phase errors, giving a very accurate absolute position — often within a few centimeters.
Key Features of PPP
No local base station needed — it works anywhere on Earth.
Very accurate, but it takes time for the solution to “converge” (usually 10–30 minutes).
Uses global corrections, not local ones.
Ideal for remote or global applications, like satellites, ships, or scientific monitoring stations.
Real-Life Uses
Geoscience and tectonic studies: Tracking movements of the Earth’s crust.
Offshore navigation: Positioning ships and oil platforms far from land.
Aviation: High-precision flight paths.
Surveying in remote areas: Where no RTK base stations exist.
In Short
GNSS PPP gives you very precise positions anywhere in the world — without needing a local helper station like in RTK. It works by applying ultra-accurate corrections from global monitoring networks to your satellite data, giving you centimeter-level accuracy after a short wait.
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