GNSS-based technologies help construction companies in a range of ways by saving time, reducing expenses and improving overall customer satisfaction. Technology’s ability to accurately measure projects with unprecedented speed offers new ways to monitor progress and maintain quality control.

There are a wide variety of units available, and choosing the right GNSS receiver is critical to the success of your project. The question is how to sift through all the GPS/GNSS receiver choices? 

Making a decision of which “bells and whistles” to pay for and which ones to pass up is not so easy. But before you even get into that, you should first focus on the basics.

There are 3 primary factors you need to consider when buying a GNSS rover. We will talk about them using the GeoMax Zenith16 GNSS Receiver as an example.

What should you look for in a good GNSS receiver?

1. Connectivity

Generally speaking, there are four main constellations we use GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo. The Zenith16 automatically comes with GPS and GLONASS, but it has the option of adding on the other two constellations as well. As the Zenith16 uses the GSM signal from the tablet or phone it has a very reliable connection and maintains an RTK fix in challenging areas of limited sky visibility. Thanks to stronger and more established network connection of Android devices, you will get a quicker and consistent Fix. No more wasting time waiting for a connection.

2. Functionality

Irrespective of the hardware and price, you get the same functionalities and features of the X-PAD Ultimate software that you'd have with more advanced models. Zenith16 offers the same high standards and ease of use.

3. Accuracy 

Even though Zenith16 is an entry level GNSS rover, it provides great accuracy and reliable results. In combination with an RTK subscription this receiver is capable of providing centimetre accuracy in real time. 

ACCURACY - RTK H/V (MM + PPM) Hz 10 mm + 1 ppm, V 20 mm + 1 ppm

Bonus

There is one more thing you need to consider, when making a choice and that is the price. 

When it comes down to brass tacks, the Zenith 16 is the cheapest GNSS Rover in its range. It's the perfect option when you're working with tight budget. It costs significantly less to set up and you can even operate the unit from your own phone using its data.

Conclusions

You could easily spend weeks (if not months) searching the market hunting for the perfect instrument. That is, if you had the time and patience of course. But when you take a step back and consider what you really need, the choice is often very simple - you pick a set up that won't break a bank but will offer reliability and accuracy needed in a demanding construction industry.