During 2003 both the hardware and software environment of the Hungarian permanent GPS network have considerably been developed. Besides the existing 3 EPN stations (PENC-1996, OROS-2000, NYIR-2001) 3 new non-EPN stations (KAPO SZFV and ZALA) were installed and BUTE (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) as EUREF-IP station is being proposed to be EPN station.

Fig. 9.
The Hungarian Active GNSS Network – GNSSNET.HU

The non-EPN stations are operated along the same standards as the EPN, but their data is available only on commercial basis. In 2004 additional 2-3 stations will be installed. The network development (geometry, services) is focusing on the full coverage of the country with real-time services. In the 1st phase, by 2006 the full coverage of Hungary with a submeter DGPS service based on 13 stations is planned. Then a networked-RTK service will be installed covering Budapest and its broader surrounding. If this pilot project proves to be successful a much denser network could be extended to the whole area of Hungary providing centimetre accurate positioning with a single user receiver.

The network and its services are called GNSSNET.HU. A web server with the same name has been installed, which provides access to all related information and RINEX data. The DGPS and RTK corrections are being distributed via the Internet, based on the NTRIP technology. The development, maintenance and data analysis are done at the FOMI Satellite Geodetic Observatory (SGO).

Hungary is also participating in the EUPOS initiative, which intends to establish a Europe-wide, multipurpose GNSS network mostly for real-time applications. The developments are in accordance with the EUPOS standards.