A Python-Based Framework for the Transformation and Visualization of GNSS Data in Engineering and Geospatial Applications

Bălă, Alina Corina; Brebu, Floarea-Maria

doi:10.2478/jaes-2025-0024

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observables are standardized in RINEX files, but most existing tools for position extraction are fragmented and require manual intervention. This paper introduces a Python-based framework that automates the processing of RINEX 2.11 observation files by extracting approximate receiver positions, transforming them into the WGS84 system, filtering invalid data, and exporting results in structured formats. The workflow produces multi-format outputs (CSV, KML, interactive maps), enabling direct integration with engineering and geospatial applications. Implemented in Google Colab with open-source libraries, the framework was validated on real datasets, demonstrating reproducibility, modularity, and scalability. The proposed approach supports diverse applications, including surveying, cadastral mapping, geodetic monitoring, and spatial data science.

References

Afifi, Akram, and Ahmed El-Rabbany. 2016. “Precise Point Positioning Using Triple GNSS Constellations in Various Modes.” Sensors 16 (6): 779. https://doi.org/10.3390/s16060779.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bruni, Sergio. (2018) 2025. Serioca/Pyrinex. Python. July 5, released August 23. https://github.com/serioca/pyrinex.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Estey, Louis H., and Charles M. Meertens. 1999. “TEQC: The Multi-Purpose Toolkit for GPS/GLONASS Data.” GPS Solutions 3 (1): 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00012778.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
“EUREF Permanent GNSS Network.” n.d. Accessed September 18, 2025. https://www.epncb.oma.be/_documentation/formats/rinex.php.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
“Folium — Folium 0.20.0 Documentation.” n.d. Accessed September 18, 2025. https://python-visualization.github.io/folium/latest/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Han, Jinzhen, Seung Jun Lee, Hong Sik Yun, Kwang Bae Kim, and Sang Won Bae. 2024. “PyRINEX: A New Multi-Purpose Python Package for GNSS RINEX Data.” PeerJ Computer Science 10 (January): e1800. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerjcs.1800.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hernández Olcina, Jorge, Ana B. Anquela Julián, and Ángel E. Martín Furones. 2024. “Python Toolbox for Android GNSS Raw Data to RINEX Conversion.” GPS Solutions 28 (2): 95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-024-01631-9.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hunter, John D. 2007. “Matplotlib: A 2D Graphics Environment.” Computing in Science & Engineering 9 (3): 90–95. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCSE.2007.55.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Isik, Mustafa Serkan, Volkan Ozbey, Serdar Erol, and Ergin Tari. 2021. “GNSSpy: Python Toolkit for GNSS Data.” 2021 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium IGARSS, July 11, 8550–53. https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS47720.2021.9553880.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kawamoto, Satoshi, Naofumi Takamatsu, and Satoshi Abe. 2023. “RINGO: A RINEX Pre-Processing Software for Multi-GNSS Data.” Earth, Planets and Space 75 (1): 54. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-023-01811-w.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Langley, Richard B., Peter J.G. Teunissen, and Oliver Montenbruck. 2017. “Introduction to GNSS.” In Springer Handbook of Global Navigation Satellite Systems, edited by Peter J.G. Teunissen and Oliver Montenbruck. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42928-1_1.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lau, Lawrence, and Kai-Wing Tai. 2023. “A Data Quality Assessment Approach for High-Precision GNSS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) with Case Studies in Hong Kong and Canada/USA.” Remote Sensing 15 (7): 1925. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15071925.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Vierinen, Juha, Anthea J. Coster, William C. Rideout, Philip J. Erickson, and Johannes Norberg. 2015. “Statistical Framework for Estimating GNSS Bias.” Preprint, arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.1508.02957.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wanninger, Lambert. 2018. “Detection of RINEX-2 Files With Mixed GPS L2P(Y)/L2C Carrier Phase Observations.” Sensors 18 (12): 4507. https://doi.org/10.3390/s18124507.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zangenehnejad, Farzaneh, Yang Jiang, and Yang Gao. 2023. “GNSS Observation Generation from Smartphone Android Location API: Performance of Existing Apps, Issues and Improvement.” Sensors 23 (2): 777. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020777.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article

A Python-Based Framework for the Transformation and Visualization of GNSS Data in Engineering and Geospatial Applications

Abstract

Paradigm

My account