Since the early 1990s, the GFZ has operated a global GNSS station network with currently about 70 stations for precise satellite clock & orbit determination, realization of the terrestrial reference frame, radio occultation measurements or studies on crust dynamics.

The observation of the present-day deformation of the Earth's surface with high spatial and temporal resolution makes up a major part of the Integrated Plate Boundary Observatory Chile (IPOC). For this purpose, continuously recording GPS stations were installed in Northern Chile.