PROJECT BULLSEYE: GNSS SATELLITE RECEIVER RTK TESTING

UNAVCO is a non-profit organization funded by the National Science Foundation to support geodetic research and education using geodesy. As UNAVCO interns, our research project is to produce a report reflecting the accuracy and precision comparisons of four different models of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers that UNAVCO distributes to members of its community who require them to conduct their research. These GNSS receivers have the capability to conduct real-time kinematic (RTK) surveying with a survey technique providing real-time solutions that are used in a variety of applications in the geodetic research field and beyond. The technology involves two receivers that receive signals from satellites, and communicate between the two receivers through radio signals to produce a precise position on the fly with up to centimeter accuracy. Our project involved testing four different brands of receivers available at UNAVCO; StoneX S900, Emlid Reach RS2, Trimble R10, and Septentrio Altus APS3G, for accuracy and precision. This will involve taking several RTK points of two varieties across predetermined intervals. The data of these four units collected will then be analyzed to reveal how each compares and contrasts to each other in terms of accuracy and precision. The results of this project will be used as a reference guide to aid in selecting appropriate equipment for scientists, as well as providing a qualitative evaluation for UNAVCO’s use at their discretion.