SKPOS®

News from SKPOS – 1st half of 2023

In April, the service management software was upgraded to the latest version, which brought several changes:

• On mountpoint SKPOS_CM_32, corrections are sent in RTCM 3.4 MSM5 format. Don't worry, the new correction format is fully compatible with the original RTCM 3.2 MSM5.
• On mountpoint SKPOS_CM_32_MSM7, corrections are sent in RTCM 3.4 MSM7 format. Again, don't worry, the new correction format is fully compatible with the original RTCM 3.2 MSM7.
• Thanks to the new "Bypassed Satellites" function, 4 more satellites on average are sent in the network solution, the vast majority of which are BeiDou satellites. In addition, the DOP parameters (HDOP, VDOP, PDOP) have also been improved. The results are based on a test 24-hour RTK measurement, deliberately performed in significantly deteriorated conditions (coverage of trees and buildings in the surroundings).
  
  
  

  Number of satellites during a test 24-hour RTK measurement in the new version of the control software (green colour) and the old one (red colour)

SKPOS servers were migrated to the new server infrastructure. We replaced the distributed environment with the so-called "single server" solution, and we are very happy that we managed to do it without any downtime.

The network of reference stations has grown by one new station in Spišské Vlachy (SPVL), making it significantly denser in this location. The expected date of its involvement in the network solution is June/July 2023.

Distance of locations from reference stations. The location in Spišské Vlachy marked with a green arrow

The reference stations in Nitra (NTRA) and in Jaslovské Bohunice (JASL) were moved from the roof to pillar stabilization. We are providing this stabilization change because pillar stabilization fulfils the criteria for geodynamics research, and we can mount InSAR passive reflectors on the pillar. The expected dates of their involvement in the network solution are June/July 2023.

Reference station in Nitra (left) and Jaslovské Bohunice (right)

In 2020, the 25th cycle of solar activity began, the peak of which is predicted for 2025. Increased solar activity can cause you problems with fixation, especially during lunch hours.

Solar activity (blue colour) and predicted values (red colour). Source: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression

We have crossed the threshold of 2800 registered users. We have doubled in size over the last 5 years. If growth continues at the same pace, we will cross the 3,000 active users mark at the end of the year.

Number of active users

There are already over 300 of us on Facebook. If you are not following us yet and are interested in various behind-the-scenes information, do not hesitate to visit us.