Summary

Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX) is a data interchange format for raw satellite navigation system data. RINEX allows end users to combine data from one or more types of receiver equipment and from one or more satellite constellations consistently in processing software. It also allows users to ingest broadcast Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) orbit information from disparate receiver types and from ancillary meteorological instruments whose data flow through the GNSS receiver.

RINEX is used for GNSS data received, archived, and distributed by NASA’s Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS).

RINEX is jointly managed by the International GNSS Service (IGS) and the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services–Special Committee 104 (RTCM-SC104).

The RINEX data format specification can be viewed at: https://igs.org/formats-and-standards/

Status

RINEX is an approved NASA Earth Science Data Systems standard data interchange format for raw GNSS data.

NASA Earth Science Community Recommendations for Use

Strengths

The main benefit to RINEX is that it is a common format that can be used for GNSS data from any equipment manufacturer. RINEX allows efficient and unambiguous archiving of GNSS data and associated metadata in one place (in a human-readable form).

Weaknesses

A drawback of the RINEX format is that the file size of the observation file becomes large compared with receiver-specific binary formats, even if ordinary file compression schemes are applied.

Applicability

RINEX format is only suited to broadcast GNSS orbit information.

Limitations

Use of this format for any purpose other than the one stated above is not recommended.