Multi-GNSS Single-Difference Baseline Processing at NGS with newly developed M-PAGES software

The U.S. National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has historically processed dual-frequency GPS observations in a double-differenced mode using the legacy software called the Program for the Adjustment of GPS Ephemerides (PAGES). As part of NGS’ modernization efforts, a new software suite named M-PAGES (i.e., Multi-GNSS PAGES) is being developed to replace PAGES. M-PAGES consists of a suite of C++ and Python libraries, programs, and scripts built to process observations from all GNSS constellations. The M-PAGES team has developed a single-difference baseline processing strategy that is suitable for multi-GNSS. This approach avoids the difficulty of forming double-differences across systems or frequencies, which may inhibit integer ambiguity resolution. The M-PAGES suite is expected to deploy to NGS’ Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) later this year. Here, we present the processing strategy being implemented along with a performance evaluation from sample baseline solutions obtained from data collected within the NOAA CORS Network.