Review article

Status and Development Trends of Permanent GNSS Networks in Europe

Petar Jelić orcid.org/0009-0007-9943-5096 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Željko Bačić orcid.org/0000-0001-6076-8896 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Danijel Šugar orcid.org/0000-0002-7796-9915 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Zvonimir Nevistić ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Permanent GNSS networks in Europe constitute a key infrastructure for precise positioning, geodetic measurements, scientific research, and various engineering applications. Their development, especially over the past decade, has been marked by an increase in the number of stations, the modernization of outdated technology through the replacement of old equipment with new multi-frequency and multi-constellation antennas and receivers, and the growth in the number of users employing precise positioning for non-geodetic purposes. National networks of EU member states and other European countries are increasingly being developed or repurposed into multi-purpose networks, combining scientific, reference, and commercial services. The aim of this paper is to analyze the current status and development trends of permanent GNSS networks in Europe, with particular emphasis on national services, models of availability, and network densification through the addition of more stations. The analysis is based on data from the international M3G database, reports and presentations from EUREF meetings, as well as publicly available national sources and official correspondence with institutions. The research identified 161 networks across 51 European countries, including over 3,500 active stations, of which 423 are part of the EPN. The role of the EPN in metadata standardization and ensuring a homogeneous reference frame is particularly highlighted. The study showed that open-access models encourage exponential growth in users, whereas commercial or hybrid models exhibit a more stable but slower development. Analysis of the collected data on permanent GNSS networks in Europe indicates that the growth in the number of network stations results in better coverage of regional or national territories, as well as a more diverse application of precise positioning. These indicators confirm that permanent GNSS networks in Europe are becoming increasingly accessible, reliable, and multifunctional, thereby contributing more significantly to the development of digitalization, technology, and infrastructure in Europe.

Keywords

Permanent GNSS networks; CORS; national positioning system; RTK; growth trends; EPN

Hrčak ID:

342574

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/342574

Publication date:

29.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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