Before the Test

The sponsor will provide the following:
 

Formal letter to the FGCS Secretariat requesting the test (8-10 weeks before the test date.)  Be sure to explain why a new FGCS test is required.  Include a brochure or list of features (especially new advancements) and accuracy specifications for new equipment.

Proposal for observation schedule (dates/times, session lengths, and stations observed.) See the FGCS web site for a recommended observation schedule.  FGCS may modify the proposed schedule as necessary.

Point-of-Contact information (name, phone, e-mail) for project planning.

List of other civilian personnel involved, with names, SSNs, and nationalities  (for station access passes.)

FGCS will provide the following:

Approval for the test, with a planned observing scenario.

Arrangements for access to stations located on government facilities.

During the Test

The sponsor will provide the following:

Five sets (plus spares) of calibrated GPS equipment: receiver, antenna, tripod (fixed-height tripods are recommended,) power supply, psychrometer, barometer, observer, and vehicle.

Data downloading and processing facilities.

FGCS will provide the following:
 

On-site personnel to monitor field operations and data processing.

Calibrated fixed-height tripods, psychrometers, and barometers for loan, if any are available.

To-reach station descriptions and static and kinematic observation field logs.

Observed CORS GPS data in RINEX2 format.

Precise GPS satellite ephemerides in SP3 format.

Data Deliverables

The sponsor will provide the following:

• Software- Two copies, with keys and documentation.
• Project Report- Summary of activities and results.
• Data Files (produced separately for each survey mode tested:)
• Field Logs-  Completed originals, reviewed for accuracy and clarity, with any problems highlighted.
• Raw Data-  All raw data files, in receiver format and RINEX2 format.
• Ancillary Data-  e.g. precise ephemerides files, if used. Provide source information for any ancillary data.
• Processed Data-  All significant processing input and output files.
• Bluebook Data-  A-File, B-File, and G-File for all observed baselines.
• Optional Data- If desired for comparison, produce the following station and baseline information:
• Coordinate Data-  (e.g., Adjusted latitudes, longitudes, and ellipsoidal &/or orthometric heights with accuracy estimates)
• Baseline Data-  (e.g., Length, azimuth, Northing,  Easting, and Up distances, with accuracy estimates)
• Any other significant positional parameters available.

FGCS will provide the following:
 
• Preliminary analysis of the survey data.
• FGCS letter stating preliminary findings.
• Reprocessing of RINEX data with NGS software.
• Detailed analysis of the survey data.
• FGCS report stating detailed findings.

Processing Guidelines

• Baselines are defined as mark to mark, not antenna to antenna, except for CORS stations.
• Produce bluebook files for all of the observed baselines. (For a session with n stations observed, # baselines = (n*(n-1))/2)
• The following (optional) additions to the sponsor's report are recommended:
• Coordinates from a minimally constrained adjustment of static data (hold station GORF fixed)
• Coordinates from a constrained adjustment of static data (hold GORF, ASTW, and ATHY fixed)
• Loop closure analysis and comparison of repeated baselines.
• Comparison of bluebook and coordinate data with FGCS standards.

Public Meeting

At the end of the test, the sponsor and FGCS will present their preliminary results at a public meeting held at NGS headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Contact the FGCS Test coordinator with space and audiovisual requirements.

Recommended Observation Schedule

 *Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Testing:  [map]

 *Post-processed Kinematic (PPK) Testing: [map]

For more information, contact the Chair, Instrument Work Group [an error occurred while processing this directive]