DGPS is an enhancement to GPS that improves position accuracy by using a ground reference station at a known, surveyed location.
How it works (simple):
- The reference station receives GPS signals too.
- Because the station knows its true position, it can calculate the GPS error at that moment.
- It then broadcasts correction data to nearby receivers.
- Receivers apply those corrections, giving more accurate position fixes than standalone GPS.
Why it matters:
- DGPS reduces common GPS errors (satellite timing/orbit error, atmospheric delay, etc.).
- It’s widely used in marine navigation, surveying, and precision positioning applications.
Typical accuracy (rule of thumb):
- “Normal” GPS: often meters-level accuracy.
- DGPS: often sub-meter to a few meters, depending on system and conditions (and can be even better in high-end surveying variants).
Application in DCS World
DCS does not explicitly simulate DGPS correction services. GPS-equipped aircraft generally behave as if positioning is very stable and highly accurate, and effects like degraded GPS, correction networks, or regional availability are not modeled in a detailed way.