Real-time kinematic GPS positioning for centimeter level ocean surface monitoring

This paper presents a real-time kinematic positioning approach which uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise ocean surface monitoring. Correct resolution of the associated ambiguity integers of GPS carrier phase measurements is obtained on the fly. A GPS buoy campaign was used to compare the sea surface heights determined using a tide gauge and a nearby GPS buoy. Test results show that centimeter level accuracy in sea surface height determination can be successfully achieved using the proposed technique. The centimeter level agreement between the two methods also suggests the possibility of using this inexpensive and more flexible GPS buoy equipment to enhance (or even to replace) the current use of tide gauge stations.