Yunbin Yuan

Bio: Yunbin Yuan is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: GNSS applications & Global Positioning System. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 120 publications receiving 2383 citations. Previous affiliations of Yunbin Yuan include University of Copenhagen.

Determination of differential code biases with multi-GNSS observations

Abstract: In order to better understand the differential code biases (DCBs) of global navigation satellite system, the IGGDCB method is extended to estimate the intra- and inter-frequency biases of the global positioning system (GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS), and Galileo based on observations collected by the multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX) of the international GNSS service (IGS). In the approach of IGGDCB, the local ionospheric total electronic content is modeled with generalized triangular series (GTS) function rather than using a global ionosphere model or a priori ionospheric information. The DCB estimated by the IGGDCB method is compared with the DCB products from the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) and German Aerospace Center (DLR), as well as the broadcast timing group delay (TGD) parameters over a 2-year span (2013 and 2014). The results indicate that GPS and GLONASS intra-frequency biases obtained in this work show the same precision levels as those estimated by DLR (about 0.1 and 0.2–0.4 ns for the two constellations, respectively, with respect to the products of CODE). The precision levels of IGGDCB-based inter-frequency biases estimated over the 24-month period are about 0.29 ns for GPS, 0.56 ns for GLONASS, 0.36 ns for BDS, and 0.24 ns for Galileo, respectively. Here, the accuracies of GPS and GLONASS biases are assessed relative to the products of CODE, while those of BDS and Galileo are compared with the estimates of DLR. In addition, the monthly stability indices of IGGDCB-based DCBs are 0.11 (GPS), 0.18 (GLONASS), 0.17 (BDS), and 0.14 (Galileo) ns for the individual constellation.

Consistency of seven different GNSS global ionospheric mapping techniques during one solar cycle

Abstract: In the context of the International GNSS Service (IGS), several IGS Ionosphere Associated Analysis Centers have developed different techniques to provide global ionospheric maps (GIMs) of vertical total electron content (VTEC) since 1998. In this paper we present a comparison of the performances of all the GIMs created in the frame of IGS. Indeed we compare the classical ones (for the ionospheric analysis centers CODE, ESA/ESOC, JPL and UPC) with the new ones (NRCAN, CAS, WHU). To assess the quality of them in fair and completely independent ways, two assessment methods are used: a direct comparison to altimeter data (VTEC-altimeter) and to the difference of slant total electron content (STEC) observed in independent ground reference stations (dSTEC-GPS). The main conclusion of this study, performed during one solar cycle, is the consistency of the results between so many different GIM techniques and implementations.

Two-step method for the determination of the differential code biases of COMPASS satellites

Abstract: The differential code bias (DCB) in satellites of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) should be precisely corrected when designing certain applications, such as ionospheric remote sensing, precise point positioning, and time transfer. In the case of COMPASS system, the data used for estimating DCB are currently only available from a very limited number of global monitoring stations. However, the current GPS/GLONASS satellite DCB estimation methods generally require a large amount of geographically well-dis- tributed data for modeling the global ionospheric vertical total electron content (TEC) and are not particularly suitable for current COMPASS use. Moreover, some satellites with unstable DCB (i.e., relatively large scatter) may affect other satellite DCB estimates through the zero-mean reference that is currently imposed on all satellites. In order to overcome the inadequacy of data sources and to reduce the impact of unsta- ble DCB, a new approach, designated IGGDCB, is developed for COMPASS satellite DCB determination. IGG stands for the Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, which is located in Wuhan, China. In IGGDCB, the ionospheric vertical TEC of each individual station is independently modeled by a gener- alized triangular series function, and the satellite DCB refer- ence is selected using an iterative DCB elimination process. By comparing GPS satellite DCB estimates calculated by the IGGDCB approach based on only a handful (e.g., seven) of tracking stations against that calculated by the currently existing methods based on hundreds of tracking stations, we are able to demonstrate that the accuracies of the IGGDCB- based DCB estimates perform at the level of about 0.13 and 0.10 ns during periods of high (2001) and low (2009) solar activity, respectively. The iterative method for DCB reference selection is verified by statistical tests that take into account the day-to-day scatter and the duration that the satellites have spent in orbit. The results show that the impact of satellites with unstable DCB can be considerably reduced using the IGGDCB method. It is also confirmed that IGGDCB is not only specifically valid for COMPASS but also for all other GNSS.

SHPTS: towards a new method for generating precise global ionospheric TEC map based on spherical harmonic and generalized trigonometric series functions

Abstract: To take maximum advantage of the increasing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) data to improve the accuracy and resolution of global ionospheric TEC map (GIM), an approach, named Spherical Harmonic plus generalized Trigonometric Series functions (SHPTS), is proposed by integrating the spherical harmonic and the generalized trigonometric series functions on global and local scales, respectively. The SHPTS-based GIM from January 1st, 2001 to December 31st, 2011 (about one solar cycle) is validated by the ionospheric TEC from raw global GPS data, the GIM released by the current Ionospheric Associate Analysis Center (IAAC), the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite and the DORIS. The present results show that the SHPTS-based GIM over the area where no real data are available has the same accuracy level (approximately 2–6 TECu) to that released by the current IAAC. However, the ionospheric TEC in the SHPTS-based GIM over the area covered by real data is more accurate (approximately 1.5 TECu) than that of the GIM (approximately 3.0 TECu) released by the current IAAC. The external accuracy of the SHPTS-based GIM validated by the TOPEX/Poseidon and DORIS is approximately 2.5–5.5 and 1.5–4.5 TECu, respectively. In particular, the SHPTS-based GIM is the best or almost the best ranked, along with those of JPL and UPC, when they are compared with TOPEX/Poseidon measurements, and the best (in addition to UPC) when they are validated with DORIS data. With the increase in the number of GNSS satellites and contributing stations, the performance of the SHPTS-based GIM can be further improved. The SHPTS-based GIM routinely calculated using global GPS, GLONASS and BDS data will be found at the website http://www.gipp.org.cn.

Multi-GNSS precise point positioning (MGPPP) using raw observations

Abstract: A joint-processing model for multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BDS and GALILEO) precise point positioning (PPP) is proposed, in which raw code and phase observations are used. In the proposed model, inter-system biases (ISBs) and GLONASS code inter-frequency biases (IFBs) are carefully considered, among which GLONASS code IFBs are modeled as a linear function of frequency numbers. To get the full rank function model, the unknowns are re-parameterized and the estimable slant ionospheric delays and ISBs/IFBs are derived and estimated simultaneously. One month of data in April, 2015 from 32 stations of the International GNSS Service (IGS) Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) tracking network have been used to validate the proposed model. Preliminary results show that RMS values of the positioning errors (with respect to external double-difference solutions) for static/kinematic solutions (four systems) are 6.2 mm/2.1 cm (north), 6.0 mm/2.2 cm (east) and 9.3 mm/4.9 cm (up). One-day stabilities of the estimated ISBs described by STD values are 0.36 and 0.38 ns, for GLONASS and BDS, respectively. Significant ISB jumps are identified between adjacent days for all stations, which are caused by the different satellite clock datums in different days and for different systems. Unlike ISBs, the estimated GLONASS code IFBs are quite stable for all stations, with an average STD of 0.04 ns over a month. Single-difference experiment of short baseline shows that PPP ionospheric delays are more precise than traditional leveling ionospheric delays.

Basic performance and future developments of BeiDou global navigation satellite system

Abstract: The core performance elements of global navigation satellite system include availability, continuity, integrity and accuracy, all of which are particularly important for the developing BeiDou global navigation satellite system (BDS-3). This paper describes the basic performance of BDS-3 and suggests some methods to improve the positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service. The precision of the BDS-3 post-processing orbit can reach centimeter level, the average satellite clock offset uncertainty of 18 medium circular orbit satellites is 1.55 ns and the average signal-in-space ranging error is approximately 0.474 m. The future possible improvements for the BeiDou navigation system are also discussed. It is suggested to increase the orbital inclination of the inclined geostationary orbit (IGSO) satellites to improve the PNT service in the Arctic region. The IGSO satellite can perform part of the geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite’s functions to solve the southern occlusion problem of the GEO satellite service in the northern hemisphere (namely the “south wall effect”). The space-borne inertial navigation system could be used to realize continuous orbit determination during satellite maneuver. In addition, high-accuracy space-borne hydrogen clock or cesium clock can be used to maintain the time system in the autonomous navigation mode, and stability of spatial datum. Furthermore, the ionospheric delay correction model of BDS-3 for all signals should be unified to avoid user confusion and improve positioning accuracy. Finally, to overcome the vulnerability of satellite navigation system, the comprehensive and resilient PNT infrastructures are proposed for the future seamless PNT services.

Contribution of the Compass satellite navigation system to global PNT users

Abstract: As one of the four global satellite navigation systems, Compass not only enhances satellite visibility and availability for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) for users in China and the surrounding areas, but also improves PNT precision for global users. The improvements in satellite visibility and the dilution of precision are analyzed under GNSS compatibility and interoperation conditions. The contribution of the Compass satellite navigation system to global users, especially the benefits that users can acquire from the combination of Compass, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation systems, is analyzed using simulation data.

Determination of differential code biases with multi-GNSS observations

Abstract: In order to better understand the differential code biases (DCBs) of global navigation satellite system, the IGGDCB method is extended to estimate the intra- and inter-frequency biases of the global positioning system (GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS), and Galileo based on observations collected by the multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX) of the international GNSS service (IGS). In the approach of IGGDCB, the local ionospheric total electronic content is modeled with generalized triangular series (GTS) function rather than using a global ionosphere model or a priori ionospheric information. The DCB estimated by the IGGDCB method is compared with the DCB products from the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) and German Aerospace Center (DLR), as well as the broadcast timing group delay (TGD) parameters over a 2-year span (2013 and 2014). The results indicate that GPS and GLONASS intra-frequency biases obtained in this work show the same precision levels as those estimated by DLR (about 0.1 and 0.2–0.4 ns for the two constellations, respectively, with respect to the products of CODE). The precision levels of IGGDCB-based inter-frequency biases estimated over the 24-month period are about 0.29 ns for GPS, 0.56 ns for GLONASS, 0.36 ns for BDS, and 0.24 ns for Galileo, respectively. Here, the accuracies of GPS and GLONASS biases are assessed relative to the products of CODE, while those of BDS and Galileo are compared with the estimates of DLR. In addition, the monthly stability indices of IGGDCB-based DCBs are 0.11 (GPS), 0.18 (GLONASS), 0.17 (BDS), and 0.14 (Galileo) ns for the individual constellation.