GPS geodetic receivers - A status update report

The NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR GPS) is developed by the Department of Defense (DOD). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been very interested in the development of geodetic receivers capable of centimeter-level geodesy. The present investigation is concerned with the status of development of the GPS geodetic receivers. Three systems under development are at this point capable of doing subcentimeter geodesy. Of these systems, the 'Macrometer' system has been tested in both good weather and bad (including heavy rain), in severe multipath environments, and in reduced signal environments. In case of the 'Series', efforts have been temporarily diverted to other applications. The 'Geostar' is a few months behind schedule. NASA and NOAA have tentatively agreed to conduct an intercomparison of the three systems in August 1983.