Overview
The PointPerfect Flex service is designed to provide high-precision GNSS corrections to suitable receivers (e.g. u-blox F9 platform products) within a client system to allow for centimeter-level location accuracy. The product page for PointPerfect Flex includes technical specifications of the PointPerfect Flex Service, including reference frame, GNSS signal support, and more information on data format and other distribution details. Additional information about our PointPerfect Flex service is shared in this Guide.
Service Coverage
Our Service Coverage page shows where we currently provide our PointPerfect Flex service.
Device Provisioning
The service allows for device provisioning through the User Interface of the Thingstream platform, or through the API interface for programmatic provisioning.
For more information about Device Provisioning, see the PointPerfect Flex Getting Started Guide
For more information about Zero Touch Provisioning, see the PointPerfect Flex Zero Touch Provisioning
Accuracy
The horizontal accuracy ranges from 3 to 6 cm, while the expected vertical accuracy is generally two to three times that of the horizontal accuracy.
All accuracy results are based on:
a) error-free GNSS observation data
b) receiving complete and uninterrupted correction data
c) ambiguity-fixed position results
Data Format
Supported SPARTN Messages
PointPerfect Flex correction data consists of a collection of messages in the SPARTN 2.0 format. SPARTN is an industry-recognized standard that supports wide and global area broadcasts along with other performance requirements.
The SPARTN message format is an evolution of other legacy state space representation (SSR) formats that have been made available by different players in the GNSS industry. The table below shows supported SPARTN message types, which are also described in the F9 Integration Manual. [1] Refer to the output of the UBX-RXM-COR message to review how this information is received. PointPerfect SPARTN corrections are no longer encrypted, so the Dynamic Key Message is no longer required.
| Type | Description | Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| SM 0-0/0-1 | Orbit, Clock, Bias (OCB) | ✓ |
| SM 1-0/1-1 | High Precision Atmospheric Correction (HPAC) | ✓ |
| SM 2-0 | Geographic Area Description (GAD) | ✓ |
| SM 3-0 | Basic Precision Atmospheric Correction (BPAC) | ✓ |
| SM 4-0 | Dynamic Key Message | X |
| SM 4-1 | Group Authentication Message | ✓ |
Supported RTCM Messages
The RTCM 3.3 data format applies a standard for the network communication and encoding of GNSS data. It was the first published standard by the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services for Differential GNSS and is used today by many high-precision GNSS receivers
| Type | Description | Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| 1005 | Station Description | ✓ |
| 1032 | Physical Reference Station Position | ✓ |
| 1033 | Receiver and Antenna Description | ✓ |
| MSM4 | ||
| 1074 | GPS | ✓ |
| 1094 | GAL | ✓ |
| 1084 | GLO | ✓ |
| 1124 | BDS | ✓ |
Data Distribution Protocols
The links below describe how PointPerfect Flex corrections are delivered over NTRIP protocol for IP-based connections, including related architecture and other protocol usage details.
PointPerfect Flex Localized Distribution: Deliver PointPerfect Flex corrections specific to your receiver location (Internet) .
PointPerfect Flex SPARTN over NTRIP Distribution: Corrections delivered using NTRIP protocol.
PointPerfect Flex RTCM Distribution: Corrections delivered using the NTRIP protocol.
Client Authentication and Encryption
Each client must authenticate with the PointPerfect Flex service to apply corrections to the device. Credentials are provided for each device (aka ‘Thing’) in our Thingstream platform.
PointPerfect corrections delivered via NTRIP are not encrypted.
Client Authentication with NTRIP
Client Authentication for NTRIP uses a device-specific username and password. The port used to connect to the NTRIP caster will indicate if you wish to apply additional TLS encryption for your credentials. For more information, see our PointPerfect Flex SPARTN over NTRIP Distribution or PointPerfect Flex RTCM Distribution pages.
Still need help?
If you need more help or have any questions, please send an email to services-support@u-blox.com.
Reference Documentation
[1] ZED-F9P Integration manual, UBX-18010802
[2] PointPerfect Flex Service Coverage page
[3] SPARTN: Secure Position Augmentation for Real Time Navigation (spartnformat.org)