Automatic near real-time processing of GPS-data: GFZ

Automatic near real-time processing of GPS-data

The demand for high accuracy requires the use of high grade, geodetic GPS measurement equipment, but also a careful processing of the GPS raw-data. A fast availability of GPS-based products can only be achieved through an automated data processing system. An automatic system for the processing of GPS-data was developed within the project GITEWS and integrated into the Indonesian tsunami early warning center (INATEWS) in Jakarta (figure 1). This system is in operation since end of 2008.

The image shows a block diagram with the components of the system for the automatic processing of GPS-data, inclusive the GTS-function for the automatic determination of displacement vectors. The component functions are listed in the blocks. The data flows between them are symbolized by arrows. — Figure 1: Design of the system for the automatic processing of GPS-data (inclusive GTS-function, for the automatic determination of displacement vectors) *(C. Falck, GFZ)*

One component of the new developed system is a web-based, graphical user interface (Web-GUI) that allows an easy to handle monitoring of GPS-networks and the automatic GPS processing system itself. With the help of this Web-GUI the proper function of all system components as well as a possible performance reduction becomes visible for the staff at the early warning center (figure 2) and also from other locations with Internet access at any time.

The image shows the workplace of the GPS-experts at the Indonesian tsunami early warning center in Jakarta with a collage of screen contents from the three left of in total six visible computer monitors. These show the latest results of the automatic determination of co-seismic displacements (Ground Tracking System) on a map, the status of the automatic GPS data processing system and the GPS-station network performance over the last 24 hours, displayed by color-coded bars. — Figure 2: Workplace of the GPS-experts at the Indonesian tsunami early warning center in Jakarta; In this example the three leftmost screens show the latest results of the automatic determination of co-seismic displacements (Ground Tracking System), the status of the automatic GPS data processing system and the GPS-station network performance over the last 24 hours. *(C. Falck, GFZ)*

Reference: Falck, C., Ramatschi, M., Subarya, C., Bartsch, M., Merx, A., Hoeberechts, J., Schmidt, G. (2010): Near real-time GPS applications for tsunami early warning systems. - Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS), 10, 2, p. 181-189.