Signal Obstructions at GNSS Stations: Benefits From Multi-GNSS Observations

The current accuracy of IGS products, few centimeter level, requires amongst other things that the location for GNSS antennas are nearly optimal for GNSS observations. This includes a low multipath environment and little to no signal obstructions. However, this is not guaranteed for every station especially in urban areas and mountainous regions. As some applications such as GNSS for sea level studies or to monitor landslides require GNSS antennas to be installed at a specific site, it is clear that the environment might not be favourable for GNSS observations. In this study, we investigate the effect of signal obstructions on station positions, specifically the height component, based on simulated obstruction scenarios using a modified Bernese GNSS Software version 5.2 (BSW52). The behaviours of different obstruction scenarios and the impact of multi-GNSS (GPS+GLONASS for now) observations for both clear and obstructed stations are discussed.