A combined method for GPS ambiguity resolution with single frequency receivers : application for ship berthing

Abstract

In this research, GPS phase ambiguity resolution for single-frequency receivers was investigated for the berthing of a large merchant ship. The use of cheaper single-frequency receivers would be of great interest to the shipping industries. Two different algorithms for ambiguity resolution were investigated and compared. Combined algorithms that take advantage of both approaches were developed and validated through field tests on land and at sea. The quality of the positioning solution was also verified through field tests using a total station that has an automatic tracking function. The difference (root-mean-square [RMS] values) between GPS and the automated total station was ±6 cm for horizontal position and ±2 cm for height determination in a moving environment for short baselines of up to 1 km. GPS with an on-the-fly approach has the potential to be used for a ship berthing system.