We are testing a self-developed software ProGeoNet for positioning moving objects using virtual base station (VRS) technology

Precise real–time positioning is necessary in a wide range of tasks, from geodetic, topographic, and surveying operations to agricultural work, construction, and localization of facilities in production processes. In these areas, an accuracy of 1-2 cm is often required to obtain coordinates, value is achievable using both optical geodetic instruments and using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GLONASS, GPS, Galileo, BeiDou. Both of these methods have their limitations. When using GNSS, such limitations include signal distortion due to interference and atmospheric conditions, as well as shading and re-reflection from buildings, terrain elements, moving objects, etc.

One of GNSS technologies of high-precision positioning is RTK (Real Time Kinematic), which allows achieving coordinate accuracy of the order of 1-2 cm. At the same time, accuracy decreases when moving away from a base station, and for effective operation of a system, the distance to it should be within 30 kilometers according to Trimble's recommendations.

VRS (Virtual Reference Station) technology, which is an evolution of a multibase processing approach, allows expanding scope of RTK applications. This technology uses data from several base stations, when areal parameters of tropospheric and ionospheric fields on the earth's surface are calculated on a server, thereby eliminating an error associated with distance from a base station. Three base stations are sufficient for this system to operate on areal surfaces. Mutual distance of base stations may be up to 150 km. Thus, a service covering, for example, the entire territory of Moscow within the Moscow ring road can be deployed based on only four stations located along borders of the Moscow Region. At the same time, RTK positioning accuracy is achieved. Two base stations are sufficient to provide a linear coverage area.

ProGeoNet software running in a cloud also allows monitoring quality of base stations in continuous operation mode, which is important for their timely maintenance and maintaining an accuracy of transmitted data. It should be noted that the ProGeoNet software is compatible with base stations and receivers developed not only by "NIIMA "Progress" JSC, but also by leading global manufacturers such as Leica Geosystems, Trimble, Topcon, Javad. This software product is included in the Unified Register of Russian Programs for Electronic Computers and Databases.

For more than four months, the ProGeoNet software has been in test operation in stationary mode at facilities in Moscow, Moscow Region, Krasnodar Territory and Urals. Currently, over 200 base stations are connected to the service.

Currently, "NIIMA "Progress" JSC has started testing software for implementation of VRS technology for positioning a car moving along public roads in the Moscow Region.

Test results showed a more than twofold increase in a number of fixed solutions obtained in RTK mode when using a VRS connection. It is expected that, if the testing is successful, a use of the VRS solution from "NIIMA "Progress" JSC for precise positioning of moving objects in operation mode will be able to begin in the middle of 2026.

This solution may be of interest not only to operators providing positioning services to their customers, but also to organizations using precise positioning systems for their own needs, such as oil producing, refining, transportation companies and corporations. An important advantage of the "NIIMA "Progress" JSC complex is that entire hardware and software included are completely domestic developments, and a data processing cloud may be deployed within customers' own servers, which ensures that there is no data leakage.

A number of operators providing positioning services for geodetic, topographic, and surveying operations have already become interested in the solution. Negotiations with enterprises of the oil, gas and other industries are also underway on a deployment of the VRS service based on solutions by "NIIMA "Progress" JSC.