How It Works

The OmniSTAR system is a global real-time differential GPS broadcast system delivering corrections from an array of base stations positioned throughout the whole world. OmniSTAR uses a network of reference stations (or base stations) to measure Ionospheric interference and other errors inherent in the GPS system.

This reference data is then transmitted to both global network control centres where it is checked for integrity and reliability and is then up-linked to geo-stationary satellites, which distributes the data over their respective footprints. This procedure ensures that all reference data generated in a satellite footprint, is quickly available to your OmniSTAR receiver.

The satellite broadcast is received at the user’s location by an Omni-directional antenna. It is then demodulated, and passed to a processor that reformats the data into corrections for use in either an internal or external differentially capable GPS receiver. How the data is processed inside your equipment depends on the type of OmniSTAR receiver that you use. The raw data complies with RTCM - SC -104, Version 2, for direct application to a user’s receiver. Alternatively, a differentially corrected NMEA 0183 sentence (GGA) is available if the OmniSTAR receiver has an internal GPS engine installed.

Network Control Centre NCC

The OmniSTAR Global Network Control Centres are strategically located in the USA and Australia, both centres are interlinked via the OmniSTAR Data Network, providing integrity monitoring on a 24 hour basis. The centres provide the management, command and control functions, gather data from the reference station networks and apply extensive Quality Control and Quality Assurance checks before transmitting the data via the uplink sites.

System reliability is ensured by built in redundancy in the system. System Integrity is monitored 24 hours a day at the Network Control Centres by experienced, specialist staff. DGPS correction data is logged and archived on a routine basis providing a capability for post-processing and data analysis.

Worldwide Service - Local Support

The worldwide OmniSTAR infrastructure of reference stations, network control centres and communication links is maintained locally by OmniSTAR offices with the closest attention to quality and performance.

All offices throughout the world are only a telephone call away. Qualified and experienced staff at the Network Control Centres are on hand to advise and assist customers at any time of the day or night. All OmniSTAR users have 24-hour access to the OmniSTAR Customer Service help line.

Network of Reference Stations

Strategically located around the world, OmniSTAR's reference stations allow the user to operate globally with confidence, knowing the OmniSTAR DGPS data is available 24 hours a day. The establishment of around 100 reference stations has allowed OmniSTAR coverage in over 90% of the world. New reference stations are constantly being set up to cater for OmniSTAR's expanding coverage.

Each reference station is equipped with state-of-the-art, low noise 12 channel GPS receiver, transmitting data back-up systems and station auxiliary power.