SINEX

A SINEX (Solution INdependent EXchange) file is a standardized ASCII format developed to facilitate the exchange of geodetic solutions across various space geodetic techniques, including GNSS, VLBI, SLR, and DORIS. This format ensures consistency and interoperability among different analysis centers and geodetic applications.

SINEX content and structure

SINEX files encapsulate estimated parameters such as station coordinates, velocities, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs), and, when applicable, tropospheric and orbital parameters. They also include the associated variance-covariance matrices, providing a comprehensive representation of the solution’s precision and correlations.

Each SINEX file consists of a header section detailing metadata like file creation date, software used, and data span. This is followed by data blocks containing the estimated parameters and their covariance information.

External references

The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) oversees the standardization and updates of the SINEX format to accommodate advancements in geodetic methodologies and requirements. Detailed specifications and guidelines for SINEX files are available in the IERS documentation.

More information on SINEX format is available at the IERS website: