The importance of quality GPS survey equipment is obvious. In addition to a good receiver, survey-grade equipment should be supported by highly developed software for data correction and verification. Here’s a look at the different types of GPS receivers. Read on to find out which equipment is best for your needs. After you’ve done a little research, you can choose from Trimble, Leica, and more.
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RTK
In terms of accuracy, GPS units can achieve centimeter level precision. In contrast, conventional equipment can only record 1,500 points per hour. As a result, using high-quality equipment is essential to a successful survey. But what factors should you consider when buying quality GPS survey equipment? The following will give you a general idea of what to look for when purchasing survey equipment. Read on to discover the most important characteristics of quality GPS equipment.
A total station combines an electronic theodolite and a distance meter. It allows a surveyor to obtain images directly from the survey site. High-resolution photos reduce site revisits and minimize survey expenditures. It also generates electronic documentation and is compatible with mapping software. Some total stations are robotic, but a total station requires constant attention from a surveyor. This survey equipment is most valuable for commercial and residential construction projects.
Kinematic
Using two receivers to measure kinematic routes is an essential component of quality GPS survey equipment. The data acquisition process used in kinematic GPS surveying is a routine procedure based on kinematic field procedures, and these procedures should give accurate elevation measurements. Some GPS systems have an On-The-Fly initialization procedure, or OTF-AR, to resolve carrier phase ambiguity, and On-The-Fly initialization requires continuous observations. In addition, bad reception may cause gaps in observations, which will reduce kinematic positioning accuracy. Furthermore, data post-processing reduces the amount of unusable data.
GPS surveying techniques are classified into three categories, depending on the amount of data they contain. There are kinematic techniques and stop-and-go techniques. Relative positioning refers to using a reference position and a moving receiver, and the latter does not require any data post-processing. In addition, real-time surveying allows quality check measurements without requiring the device to be stationary.
GNSS receivers in continuous motion
In continuous motion, GNSS receivers are capable of measuring horizontal angles, and they also measure slope distance. All features on Earth have a geographic position as an attribute, and others depend on the feature, such as a road’s name, width, and the number of lanes. The data collected are converted to carrier-range measurements by resolving ambiguities. Depending on the feature type, the receiver will also have other attributes. The best GPS survey equipment is designed to resolve ambiguity in real-time.
GNSS receivers work by processing signals in space (SIS) that are transmitted by satellites. Generally, receivers provide information that is generic enough to be used by many applications. Regardless of the specific application, most GNSS receivers rely on the information provided by the receiver to compute a navigation solution. For more information on GNSS receivers, check out the following sections.
The GNSS receiver is one of the most important parts of any GNSS survey equipment. In continuous motion, GPS receivers have a computer on site that is dedicated to the purpose of observing and recording data. Some of these receivers have remote control capabilities that enable remote operators to monitor the unit’s operation and operate it remotely. It means that the remote operator must be able to monitor the operation of the CORS while a remote operator controls its functions.
Trimble
Trimble makes some of the best products in the field of GPS surveying. These GPS systems are designed to provide the best accuracy and speed possible. They are made with cutting-edge technology and are constantly upgraded to meet the needs of surveyors. Moreover, they offer greater versatility and integrate easily with surveyors’ workflow. Ultimately, Trimble equipment is a better choice than any other product because of its high accuracy and speed.
GPS systems can be portable, allowing surveyors to carry them in backpacks or mount them on a vehicle. With real-time GPS technology, they provide centimeter-level accuracy and unparalleled productivity gains. These systems also feature a satellite coverage prediction tool to help surveyors schedule and plan their work accordingly. They are also compatible with the QZSS GPS and BeiDou satellite systems. And unlike traditional GPS equipment, RTK systems require no post-processing.
Tablets
A high-quality tablet should have an in-built battery. One with only Wi-Fi connectivity might be difficult to sync with a server. Often, surveyors must use wireless hotspots to access the internet. A device with dual SIM cards is ideal because it can cope with the poor network coverage. However, ensuring that a tablet has enough battery life to last an entire day is important.
A tablet with a Bluetooth GPS receiver is another option. These devices will improve the battery life of your phone or tablet. Some tablet devices have waterproof cases that are compatible with Android devices. Moreover, a good quality tablet or phone can achieve up to 3-5-meter accuracy in the right conditions. The accuracy of the location will depend on the location you are surveying. Generally, the higher the price, the better the positional accuracy. The SX Blue and Trimble Catalyst provide sub-meter accuracy.
