Global positioning data (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based radio-navigation system which can provide precise time and position information. For more information on GPS see the GPS Positioning Guide offered by Natural Resources Canada, Geodetic Survey.

The National Research Council (NRC) is a participant in the GPS common-view data collection schedule, which is coordinated by le Bureau international des poids et mesures (BIPM).

Common view data can be used to intercompare frequency standards with those of national laboratories. To make full use of this data, refer to Average Frequency Traceability Techniques.

For an explanation of Common-View Format see GGTTS data format.

GPS data files are now available from a multi-track receiver for all satellites in view. A file with the offset of GPS receiver time and UTC time will also be made available. With these 2 files, common-view time transfer and absolute time transfer can be determined to a few nanoseconds.

To make use of these files, contact us for more information (a consultation fee may apply). The files will be available by http file transfer on our web site (access fees may apply). Password access is required for the file transfer.