Quality-controlled positioning for seismic operations

Paul Boughton
What is our position? GNSS positioning systems provide seismic users with a  precision ranging from a few metres down to decimeter levels.  But how do they know whether it is accurate and reliable?

For seismic operations, it requires high-integrity QC data so that users have confidence that generated positions meet specifications. Veripos has implemented a format using different output telegrams containing pertinent statistical information, allowing operators to quickly validate accuracies.

Message formats are typically designed to meet recognised standards or guidelines while remaining user-compatible with a wide range of seismic systems.  Among guidelines adopted by many leading seismic operators are those established by the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) incorporating sets of test statistics and quality measures for Differential GNSS positioning.

The challenge for the future is to ensure that QC data remains valid for the evolution in satellite navigation and modernisation of the GPS and GLONASS constellations and upcoming inclusion of the European Galileo and Chinese Compass systems. These developments will lead to more accurate and reliable positioning while demanding optimum QC standards for user verification.

Enquiry details

Veripos is based in East Tullos, Aberdeen, Scotland. www.veripos.com

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