Real-Time Service (RTS)

The International GNSS Service (IGS) has ensured the availability of open access, high-quality GNSS data products since 1994. These products enable access to the definitive global reference frame for scientific, educational, and commercial applications – a tremendous benefit to the public.

Through the Real-time Service (RTS), the IGS extends its capability to support applications requiring real-time access to IGS products. The RTS is a GNSS service providing access to real-time precise products such as orbit and clock corrections, code and phase biases, which can be used as a substitute for ultra-rapid products in real-time applications. Hence, it enables precise point positioning (PPP) and related applications, such as time synchronization and disaster monitoring, at worldwide scales. The RTS is based on the IGS global infrastructure of network stations, data centers and analysis centers that provide world standard high-precision GNSS data products.

The RTS is offered as a multi-GNSS operational service. Its multi-GNSS products include a number of individual AC solutions as well as two multi-GNSS combination streams.

This service is made possible through partnerships with a large number of organizations. Support is provided by more than 160 station operators and multiple data centers, and analysis centers around the world.

The Real-Time Analysis Centre Coordinator (RTACC) is from the German Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). BKG also generates multi-GNSS combination solutions and provides resources for solution monitoring.

The RTS is operated by the IGS as a public service. Users are offered open and readily available access through subscription.

For more information

• The IGS Real Time Service. GNSS 2017 – DVW-Seminar Kompetenz für die Zukunft, Potsdam, February 2017.
• “Coming Soon: The IGS Real-time Service,” June 2012 GPS World Article describes IGS Real-time Service in concept
• The statement ” Why is IGS Involved in Real-time GNSS?” describes the IGS rationale for offering a Real-time Service
• Standards relating to RTS
  • RTCM Standards
  • IGS SSR Standard
• Information about the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2020 (ITRF2020)
• Information about NTRIP Protocol (BKG)
• PPP-WIZARD demonstrator is a ‘proof of concept’ of the zero-difference ambiguity resolution method developed in the orbit determination service at CNES
• PPP with Regional Augmentation development at GFZ