Project title: Exploring the potential of mass-market high-precision GNSS for geoscience applications (MAGIC)

The project is conducted by the consortium of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (principal investigator prof. Jacek Paziewski) and Wuhan University, China (principal investigator prof. Jianghui Geng)

01.02.2024 - 31.01.2027

Abstract and main goals:

GNSS is a mature measurement technology broadly employed in various geoscience applications such as geohazards and atmospheric monitoring. Considering the possible progress of the scientific applicability of GNSS data, its further extension is primarily restrained by the high cost of the geodetic-grade receivers. This issue causes the GNSS permanent networks to suffer from low spatial coverage and density, which is frequently deficient for many geoscience applications. On the contrary, mass-market GNSS receivers, represented by low-cost instruments and smartphones, are ubiquitous, allowing us to consider them an extremely dense measurement network. Although these devices have been designed for less demanding applications, they are also subject to development trends. According to recent tests, they may provide reliable information if appropriate processing is applied.

The above fact inspires us to turn a spotlight on the mass-market GNSS receivers as a potential complement to the high-grade receivers in geoscience studies. In this view, the project’s objective is to develop advanced data processing and noise mitigation algorithms to make mass-market GNSS eligible for geoscience applications. Combining the complementary expertise of the collaborators, we will explore the potential of mass-market GNSS for monitoring the ground motions induced by seismic waves as well as ionosphere and troposphere sensing. As a result, an integrated mass-market GNSS and accelerometer methodology for broadband high-precision displacement monitoring will be proposed. Next, we intend to conduct pioneering studies on ionosphere sensing, including disturbance detection, by taking advantage of the dual-frequency GNSS observations acquired by smartphones. In both these scientific goals, we will pay particular attention to the applicability of data provided by mobile devices in regular use. A broader utilization of such measurements could be a significant step forward regarding the densification of GNSS networks with mass-market receivers. Considering the large datasets that are expected as a result of the above advances, we will develop advanced cluster data processing techniques and analysis methods with machine learning. In this step, we will conduct exploratory research on surface displacement detection and environmental noise inversion. We also intend to apply machine learning to determine the physical mechanisms associated with seismic events.

The results of this project are expected to provide a cost-effective solution for establishing dense geoscience observation networks with a high spatiotemporal resolution, which will facilitate GNSS development and its application in geoscience. Dissemination of the project results may also create new research hotspots for mass-market receivers and, thus, open new applications for GNSS technology. The project results will strengthen the scientific cooperation between teams and the reputation of both institutions for excellence in GNSS-based geoscience investigations.

Research work packages:

• Performance evaluation of mass-market GNSS and inertial sensors
• Developing displacement and velocity retrieval methods customized for mass-market GNSS and inertial data
• Feasibility study on atmosphere monitoring with mass market GNSS data
• Exploring the feasibility of using a super-dense network of mass-market GNSS&inertial sensors to develop a spatiotemporal analysis for geoscience applications.

Deliverables of the project

Research papers:

1. Paziewski J, Sieradzki R, Rapinski J, Tomaszewski D, Stepniak K, Geng J, Li G (2025) Integrating low-cost GNSS and MEMS accelerometer for precise dynamic displacement monitoring, Measurement, Volume 242, Part A, 115798, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2024.115798. 
2. Dawidowicz K, Paziewski J, StÄ™pniak K, Krzan G (2025) On the applicability of low-cost GNSS antennas to precise surveying applications. Measurement Science and Technology, 2025, Volume 36, Number 1, 016306, DOI 10.1088/1361-6501/ad83e7 

Presentations at conferences:

1. Rafal Sieradzki, Jacek Paziewski, Katarzyna Stepniak, Jakub Banach, 2024, Quality analysis of the low-cost GNSS receiver pseudorange data, EGU 2024 General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, 14-19/04/2024
2. Katarzyna Stępniak, Paweł Wielgosz, Grzegorz Kurpiński, Mateusz Seta, Jacek Paziewski, Rafał Sieradzki, 2024, Stability analysis of the GNSS reference stations for displacement monitoring, EGU 2024 General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, 14-19/04/2024
3. Jacek Paziewski, Rafal Sieradzki, Jacek Rapinski, Dariusz Tomaszewski, Katarzyna Stepniak, Jianghui Geng, Guangcai Li, 2024, Integrating low-cost GNSS and MEMS accelerometer for vibration detection. 9th International Colloquium on Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of GNSS 25 - 27 September 2024, WrocÅ‚aw, Poland (Session Best Presentation Award).
4. Rafal Sieradzki, Jacek Paziewski, Katarzyna Stępniak, Jianghui Geng, Guangcai Li, 2024, Statistical and frequency analysis of pseudoranges derived from the low-cost GNSS receivers. 9th International Colloquium on Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of GNSS 25 - 27 September 2024, Wrocław, Poland.