High-precision positioning remains a crucial element in modern technology, particularly as urbanization continues to accelerate globally. The increasing density of buildings and infrastructure in cities creates significant barriers for conventional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), especially in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) applications. Signal blockages, multipath interference, and various distortions caused by metropolitan environments impede the effectiveness of traditional positioning methods. For professionals relying on accurate location data—from autonomous vehicles to public safety systems—these limitations are unacceptable.
Efforts to overcome these obstacles have historically included alternative technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but they often fall short due to inadequate range and signal reliability. Now, with the advent of 5G technology, there exists a more promising avenue. The fifth-generation mobile network boasts unparalleled speed, bandwidth capacity, and a higher density of microcell deployments, making it an ideal supplement for GNSS systems in urban contexts. As 5G networks proliferate, their integration with GNSS presents a new paradigm in enhancing positioning accuracy in challenging environments.
A notable development in this domain comes from researchers at Tsinghua University, who have devised a pioneering RTK system that incorporates the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) with 5G technology. Their findings, published on August 26, 2024, in the journal Satellite Navigation, unveil a system that employs advanced methodologies, including the extended Kalman filter and effective ambiguity resolution techniques. This integration of 5G observations with satellite data has shown an impressive reduction in positioning errors.
The research highlights the system’s efficacy by utilizing gain factors to measure the performance of float solutions and Ambiguity Dilution of Precision (ADOP). Strikingly, the introduction of 5G demonstrated a 48% reduction in spatial errors when utilizing Full Ambiguity Resolution (FAR) mode. In scenarios requiring Partial Ambiguity Resolution (PAR), improvements remained significant at 18.8%. These statistics underscore the capacity of 5G-enhanced systems to significantly ameliorate the repercussions of urban signal obstructions.
Dr. Tengfei Wang, a lead researcher on the project, emphasizes that this integration substantially boosts not only signal integrity but also overall satellite visibility in urban settings. By tackling historic challenges related to positioning technologies, the newly developed RTK system lays the groundwork for a wave of improvements in urban navigation systems. Applications span various fields, including smart city developments, where reliable positioning is needed to support autonomous transport, emergency response initiatives, and enhanced urban infrastructures.
As 5G networks become commonplace, this hybrid positioning solution offers a scalable model that can adapt to the specific demands of diverse urban environments. Future investigations will be pivotal in understanding how this system performs in dynamic, real-world applications, paving the way for innovations that elevate the standards of accuracy and reliability in urban positioning. In essence, the merger of 5G and BDS RTK not only addresses existing challenges but also heralds an era of enhanced navigation solutions in complex city landscapes.