An open source A-GNSS reference server

Thomas S. Yan, Peter Mumford, Andrew Dempster, Chris Rizos, Manosh Fernando, Nam Hoang
[ Link to PSU.edu ]

Assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS) devices (clients) require a source for providing the assistance data that enable positioning in a wide variety of environments, particularly areas of weak signal strength. This paper introduces an Open Source GNSS Reference Server (OSGRS) and the “GRIP” interface protocol (GNSS Reference Interface Protocol). The OSGRS is an Open Source Java application that provides data for Assisted-GNSS clients. The OSGRS and GRIP will support researchers in developing A-GNSS algorithms with minimal investment and it will facilitate commercial operators in getting a reference server up and running quickly to test their AGNSS client before investing heavily in a commercial service. In this paper, the design and implementation of the OSGRS and GRIP is discussed along with how it is being used at the University of New South Wales.