The study on consistency and reliability of GNSS receiver antenna type-mean and individual phase center corrections

Abstract This study investigates the consistency and reliability of GNSS receiver antenna type-mean phase center corrections by analyzing both individual and type-mean Phase Center Correction (PCC) models. Using data from approximately 70 geodetic-grade antennas within the Polish ASG-EUPOS network, we quantify variations in calibration models across multiple GNSS signals. Differences between individual and type-mean calibrations are assessed in both the pattern and position domains. The analysis reveals signal-specific discrepancies, particularly for GPS L2 (G02), where deviations reach up to 5 mm in dPCC RMS and 30 mm in MAX values, impacting ionosphere-free (IF) linear-combinations. Position-domain validation via Precise Point Positioning further demonstrates vertical offsets exceeding 5 mm due to outdated or incomplete PCC models, with systematic biases arising from cross-system substitutions, e.g., GPS corrections used for GALILEO signals. The findings emphasize the need for consistent, up-to-date calibration models, and propose robust, signal-specific metrics to support the reliable use of GNSS data in regional and global reference frames.