Permanent GNSS networks
Permanent GNSS stations form the modern-day reference points for positioning and surveying. GNSS receivers located at several thousand stations throughout the world permanently receive signals from the available navigation satellites. The networks are divided into various categories according to their importance.
International GNSS Service (IGS)
At the international level, approximately 100 institutions are involved in providing GNSS data for various applications within the scope of the IGS. This includes making the data of the permanent GNSS stations available and generating useful products such as orbit data, earth rotation parameters, etc., for highly precise applications.
Permanent EUREF Network (EPN)
In Europe, the GPS reference network EUREF functions as a uniform reference system ETRS89 with its respective reference frame. EPN is a permanent GNSS network, comprising around 200 automatic stations. It permanently monitors the quality of EUREF and provides data in real-time. swisstopo processes a sub-network of EPN, the results of which are generated on a daily basis. Through this international cooperation, the countries of Europe are able to define their networks within a compatible reference frame.
Zimmerwald permanent station
Switzerland is integrated into the international (IGS) and European (EPN) permanent networks via its Zimmerwald station. In the long-term, therefore, the compatibility of the Swiss network with the European and international networks is assured to a degree of accuracy in the centimetre range.
Switzerland's automated GNSS network (AGNES)
AGNES comprises 30 permanently operating GNSS stations. Its data are primarily used for actively providing users with the new reference frame, LV95, and for maintaining the latter at all times with a high degree of accuracy. For this purpose, the data are processed daily, and sometimes even hourly. This allows the detection of possible interferences and station changes, e.g. due to tectonic movements.
swisstopo maintains the swipos positioning service for real-time applications.
The results of the analyses, plus details relating to the AGNES stations, are presented via an external monitoring system (in English only).
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Geodesy and Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying