Analysing the positional accuracy of GNSS multi-tracks obtained from VGI sources to generate improved 3D mean axes

Abstract

The sharing of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracks on the Internet is increasing enormously. Every day a great number of users capture routes using different devices and share these data. Individually these tracks present a poor positional accuracy because these devices obtain positions with accuracy of about 5-10 metres. In addition, they are usually captured for navigation and not for surveying. However, we can take advantage of the great quantity of tracks of the same linear element in order to obtain a more accurate solution. This study analyses this possibility using a wide set of tracks obtained in known conditions. We emulated those tracks obtained by Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) users and we compared the mean axis obtained using all tracks with others obtained from a more accurate source. Additionally, we analyse the displacement of other axes obtained by varying several parameters such as the number of tracks and their length or by dividing the route into sections in function of sinuosity, etc. The results have shown an improved 3D mean axis and the viability of the method proposed in this study in order to use axes obtained from several tracks in maps at certain scales.