The Multi GNSS Experiment (MGEX) was initiated by the IGS in 2012. In MGEX all available signals of the new GNSS satellites are analysed. Currently, seven IGS analysis centers generate consistent and precise orbits and clock corrections of the new satellites (Montenbruck et al. 2017). As one of these seven analysis centers, GFZ processes all satellites of the global navigation satellite systems GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS in near real time and in post processing (Deng et al. 2016). Currently our combined analysis contains nearly 90 satellites, for the first time, providing the worldwide public user community with unified satellite orbits and clock parameters (Fig 1).
By combining the different GNSS, accuracy and availability in positioning are increased in comparison with the respective single GNSS. Satellite signals are often disrupted in difficult measuring environments (e.g. in urban canyons). By use of multi GNSS the number of available signals increases and the user can chose the best signal combination. In addition the combination of different systems increases the amount of time for uninterrupted signal reception in difficult environments (cities, forests, mountain regions) that is vital for navigation tasks. In GNSS-based atmosphere sounding the increased number of signals increases the spatial resolution of water vapor observations.
Products are available via the FTP servers of GFZ and MGEX:
ftp://ftp.gfz-potsdam.de/GNSS/products/mgex/
References
Deng, Z.; Fritsche, M.; Nischan, T.; Bradke, M. (2016): Multi-GNSS Ultra Rapid Orbit-, Clock- & EOP Product Series, GFZ Data Services, DOI:10.5880/GFZ.1.1.2016.003.
Montenbruck, O.; Steigenberger, P.; Prange, L.; Deng, Z.; Zhao, Q.; Perosanz, F.; Romero, I.; Noll, C.; Stürze, A.; Weber, G.; Schmid, R.; MacLeod, K.; Schaer, S. (2017): The Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) of the International GNSS Service (IGS) – Achievements, prospects and challenges. In: Advances in Space Research, 59(2017)7, 1671 – 1697, DOI:10.1016/j.asr.2017.01.011.
