Search for a command to run...
The use of low-cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers has emerged as a promising strategy to densify existing geodetic networks and to enhance the spatial resolution of atmospheric monitoring at regional scales. This study presents the deployment and long-term operation of a low-cost GNSS network consisting of five stations installed across the province of Jaén (southern Spain), aimed at complementing the regional permanent GNSS network for the monitoring of atmospheric, climatological and environmental processes. In addition, a sixth low-cost receiver was placed at San Fernando along with the IGS reference station SFER and an operational AEMET meteorological station, enabling direct intercomparisons with high-grade geodetic receiver using meteorological observations to generate atmospheric parameters.The network has been operating continuously since November 2022. GNSS data were processed using the PRIDE PPP-AR software package up to July 2025, providing precise estimates of the tropospheric total delay. The wet component of the tropospheric delay, combined with in situ surface meteorological measurements, was used to derive precipitable water vapour (PWV) time series for each station. These PWV estimates were systematically compared with independent data sources, including ERA5 reanalysis products and satellite-based post-processed solutions, in order to assess the consistency, stability and accuracy of the low-cost GNSS-derived atmospheric parameters.The results highlight the capability of low-cost GNSS receivers to capture meaningful atmospheric variability and demonstrate the added value of network densification in regions with different characteristics and sparse permanent instrumentation. The observed differences with respect to coarser-resolution datasets underline the potential of such networks for improving the monitoring and early detection of adverse meteorological phenomena. This study supports the feasibility of using low-cost GNSS technology as a reliable and cost-effective complement to existing geodetic and meteorological observing systems.