Accuracy of GNSS RTK/NRTK height difference measurement

The absolute error of ellipsoidal heights that may be achieved from Real-Time Kinematic/Network Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems (RTK/NRTK GNSS) measurements varies between 3 and 5 cm. Although the vertical root mean square (RMS) error reported by receivers generally has smaller values, it can only be treated as a measure of the precision of the obtained results. Nowadays, real-time GNSS measurements are commonly used to implement surveys with increased accuracy. In some cases, it may be of concern to determine the height difference with real-time techniques than the height itself. The use of height difference may be applicable when a point with a known height is available. This offers the possibility of transferring the known height to a distant point using GNSS technology instead of geometric leveling, which is more labor-intensive. The aim of the study was to verify if achieving accuracy better than 2 cm in ellipsoidal height difference using RTK/NRTK GNSS is possible, providing special conditions of measurement. In this paper, the results of research consisting of RTK/NRTK measurement of specific points with fixed heights in various terrain conditions are presented. A single GNSS reference station was used as a base station to determine ellipsoidal height in RTK mode and Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) for measurements in NRTK mode. Comparison of the ellipsoidal height difference to the results of precise leveling allows us to determine ellipsoidal height measurement errors. The measurements were carried out in open terrain, with the covered horizon (under trees) and in urbanized areas (high buildings). The method proposed by the authors in this paper does not require knowledge of the quasi-geoid model, neither normal correction to obtain measurement results.