goGPS is a positioning software application designed to process single-frequency code and phase observations for absolute or relative positioning. Published under a free and open-source license, goGPS can process data collected by any receiver, but focuses on the treatment of observations by low-cost receivers. goGPS algorithms can produce epoch-by-epoch solutions by least squares adjustment, or multi-epoch solutions by Kalman filtering, which can be applied to either positions or observations. It is possible to aid the positioning by introducing additional constraints, either on the 3D trajectory such as a railway, or on a surface, e.g., a digital terrain model. goGPS is being developed by a collaboration of different research groups, and it can be downloaded from http://​www.​gogps-project.​org. The version used in this manuscript can be also downloaded from the GPS Toolbox Web site http://​www.​ngs.​noaa.​gov/​gps-toolbox. This software is continues to evolve, improving its functionalities according to the updates introduced by the collaborators. We describe the main modules of goGPS along with some examples to show the user how the software works

The aim of this paper is to study the behavior of an earth fill dam, analyzing the deformations determined by high precision geodetic techniques and those obtained by the Finite Element Method (FEM). A large number of control points were established around the area of the dam, and the measurements of their displacements took place during several periods. In this study, high-precision leveling and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) techniques were used to monitor vertical and horizontal displacements respectively. Seven surveys were carried out: February and July 2008, March and July 2013, August 2014, September 2015 and September 2016. Deformations were predicted, taking into account the general characteristics of an earth fill dam. A comparative evaluation of the results derived from predicted (FEM) and observed deformations shows the differences on average being 20 cm for vertical displacements, and 6 cm for horizontal displacements at the crest. These differences are probably due to the simplifications assumed during the FEM modeling process: critical sections are considered homogeneous along their longitude, and the properties of the materials were established according to the general characteristics of an earth fill dam. These characteristics were taken from the normative and similar studies in the country. This could also be due to the geodetic control points being anchored in the superficial layer of the slope when the construction of the dam was finished.

The Arenoso reservoir is created by an embankment dam, with central clay core, slates and greywacke shoulders. This kind of engineering structure is subject of deformation due to factors such as changes of water level of the reservoir, seat structure, climate changes, etc. In general, dam monitoring involves measurements both outside (external shell) and inside the structure. A number of control points is established around the area of the dam and the measurements of the displacements of the control points take place at several epochs. In this study high-precision levelling techniques have been used to monitor the vertical deformations. In particular five high-precision levelling profiles were measured in five surveys: February and July 2008, March and July 2013 and August 2014. In this study the design, observations and results are presented. On the one hand the results put in evidence the precision of the observations that are always under 1-mm level. On the other hand these results indicate downstream (southeastward) motion of the thrust block center of the dam probably during the fall and winter. The subsidence reachs here the maximum with a value of −14 cm in 2014 (in respect of February 2008). The displacements observed at the berms of the dam exhibit a similar trend to the displacements observed at the crest but they are significantly smaller, as expected. The accumulative vertical displacements and the settlement index indicate the magnitude of the movements decrease in time, confirming the dam tends to stabilize.