How do you communicate and visualize GPS data and results in geodetic reports and presentations?

1 Data quality and accuracy

One of the first steps in communicating and visualizing GPS data and results is to assess and report the quality and accuracy of the data. This includes checking the data for errors, outliers, gaps, noise, and biases, and applying appropriate corrections and adjustments. You also need to estimate and report the uncertainties and errors of the results, such as coordinates, velocities, displacements, strains, and rotations. You can use statistical methods, such as standard deviation, confidence intervals, and error propagation, to quantify and express the accuracy and reliability of the data and results.

2 Data formats and standards

Another important aspect of communicating and visualizing GPS data and results is to use consistent and compatible data formats and standards. This ensures that the data and results can be easily exchanged, stored, processed, and displayed by different software and platforms. Some of the common data formats and standards for GPS data and results are RINEX (Receiver Independent Exchange Format), SINEX (Solution Independent Exchange Format), ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame), and WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984). You should always specify the data formats and standards used in your reports and presentations, and provide the necessary metadata and documentation.

3 Data visualization and mapping

A key aspect of communicating and visualizing GPS data and results is to use appropriate data visualization and mapping techniques. This helps to convey the spatial and temporal patterns, trends, and relationships of the data and results, and to highlight the main findings and implications. Some of the common data visualization and mapping techniques for GPS data and results are graphs, charts, tables, maps, animations, and 3D models. You should always choose the most suitable and effective technique for your purpose, audience, and data type, and follow the principles of clarity, simplicity, accuracy, and relevance.

4 Data analysis and interpretation

Another essential aspect of communicating and visualizing GPS data and results is to perform and present data analysis and interpretation. This involves applying various methods, models, and theories to explain and understand the data and results, and to derive additional information and insights. Some of the common data analysis and interpretation methods for GPS data and results are coordinate transformation, datum conversion, network adjustment, time series analysis, deformation modeling, geophysical inversion, and geodetic parameter estimation. You should always explain the rationale, assumptions, limitations, and implications of the methods and models used, and provide the necessary references and sources.

5 Data comparison and validation

A final aspect of communicating and visualizing GPS data and results is to compare and validate them with other data sources and methods. This helps to evaluate the consistency, accuracy, and reliability of the data and results, and to identify any discrepancies, anomalies, or uncertainties. Some of the common data sources and methods for comparison and validation of GPS data and results are other geodetic techniques (such as VLBI, SLR, DORIS), geophysical models (such as GIA, C20), geodetic products (such as IGS, EPOS), and independent observations (such as seismic, GNSS). You should always report the results and outcomes of the comparison and validation, and discuss the possible causes and solutions of any differences or issues.