GNSS-based speed and distance measurements

Measurements based on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) offer many advantages and are widely used. At METAS, we specialise in GNSS-based speed and distance measurements and ensure the traceability of these measured variables.

GNSS-based speed and distance measurements in everyday life

GPS is the best-known global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The most common applications in everyday life are based on position determination, for example in navigation or surveying technology. In addition to the position, many GNSS-based measuring instruments also measure the speed and the distance covered. These are often the actual working variables, for example in applications in the automotive sector or in performance measurement in sports.

In the automotive sector, GNSS-based speed and distance measurements are used as a metrological reference for various applications:

Typical applications of GNSS-based speed and distance measurements

• Checking or adjusting the speedometer or other vehicle sensors
• Braking tests and other manoeuvres to investigate vehicle dynamics
• Validation of driver assistance systems

GNSS-based measuring instruments are widely used, among other things because they are compact and easy to use, remain stable over the long term and can be calibrated and tested in the simulator. They also measure independently of vehicle parameters (e.g. tyre pressure, slip) and road conditions (e.g. wetness, dust).

Our services in the field of GNSS-based speed and distance measurements

Calibrations

We offer calibrations of the GNSS speed with an uncertainty of 0.04 km/h. The standard calibration scenario covers the measuring range from 10 km/h to 300 km/h. The measurement range for the distance covered in the standard calibration scenario is between 500 m and 3,000 m. The measurement uncertainty depends on the distance and the speed travelled and is typically in the range of 0.5 m to 2 m.

Verifications

If GNSS-based measuring instruments are used for the official testing of speedometers (e.g. speedometers in cars), we carry out the required verification.

Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.

Measuring methods and technologies

We perform calibrations and verifications in the laboratory using a GNSS simulator under controlled conditions. The signals of a typical satellite configuration are generated and transmitted via the air to the test object by means of an antenna. In addition, defined uniform motions or dynamic motion profiles can be simulated. The simulation is suitable for measuring instruments that derive the measured variables from continuous position determinations as well as for instruments that use the Doppler effect.

Quality and expertise

You can find information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.

Enquiry and contact

Traffic metrology
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern

T [phone]
[e-mail]

FAQ

• The accuracy of GNSS-based measurements depends heavily on the reception conditions of the satellite signals. Under what reception conditions do the calibrations take place?

  The calibrations are carried out under defined and very good reception conditions in the laboratory using a GNSS simulator. Ideal or controlled satellite signals are generated without interfering influences such as shadowing, multipath propagation or signal interruptions. It should be noted that in real applications under non-ideal reception conditions, the measurement deviations may be greater than the values determined during calibration.

• Many GNSS-based measuring instruments also use other data sources (e.g. acceleration sensors/IMUs, wheel speed sensors or RTK corrections). How are these data sources handled during calibration?

  During calibration, additional data sources are usually not available or are not specifically integrated. Calibration is therefore only possible if the test object allows measurements without the additional sources. Only the performance of the GNSS-based measurement is assessed. Any improvements due to sensor fusion or correction services (e.g. RTK) are therefore not part of the calibration and must be taken into account when interpreting the results.

• Does the measuring instrument need to be adjusted during calibration?

  No, METAS does not carry out any adjustment of GNSS-based measuring instruments. During calibration, only the measurement deviations and the metrological properties of the instrument are determined and documented.

• Are there so-called CMC entries (Calibration and Measurement Capabilities) in the CIPM MRA database (KCDB) for the calibrations?

  No, there are no CMC entries in the CIPM MRA database (KCDB) for this type of calibration. According to the current state of knowledge, there is no competent working group within the international metrology organisations (CIPM) that develops or harmonises corresponding CMCs. Accordingly, there are no known calibration service providers in the world who have published and recognised CMCs for GNSS-based measurements of speed and distance travelled.

• Can customer-specific scenarios be carried out instead of the standard calibration scenarios?

  Yes, we would be happy to check the feasibility of your scenario and offer you customer-specific calibration. Please get in touch with us.

More information

• Sample calibration certificate with the standard calibration scenarios for speed and distance

  PDF267.40 kB28 July 2026