Enhanced multi-GNSS precise point positioning based on ERA5 precipitation water vapor information

Abstract

For a rapid retrieval of zenith wet delay (ZWD) and multi-global navigation satellite system (GNSS) precise point positioning (PPP) enhancement, a lightweight ZWD retrieval model was constructed by combining ground-based GNSS observations and precipitable water vapor (PWV) data provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA5). The proposed model can rapidly produce ZWD without relying on the meteorological profile parameters. The proposed ZWD retrieval model achieved an RMSE and STD of 1.74 cm, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The enhanced performance of PWV-generated ZWD in GNSS PPP was tested in this study. The results showed that the ZWD constraint in GNSS PPP mainly affects the convergence time of the standard PPP solution, with the most significant effect in the U-direction. The PPP convergence time can be shortened by a maximum of 43%, with an average reduction of 24% for the eight sites over the four seasons. In the PPP-ambiguity resolution solution, the time to first fix (TTFF) was shorter for all sites with ZWD enhancement than for those without ZWD enhancement. The TTFF of the eight sites was significantly shortened in all four seasons, with an average improvement of 31%. The ZWD retrieval method based on the ERA5 PWV proposed in this study can quickly generate ZWD with high accuracy and resolution over a large area and significantly enhance GNSS PPP. The methodology proposed in this study is valuable for utilizing multi-source PWV-generated ZWD services for GNSS PPP enhancement.