Survey GPS Receiver Buying Guide: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Choosing the right GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver is one of the most important decisions a land surveyor can make. A good, quality receiver improves accuracy, automates workflows, and increases profitability. A poor choice can slow you down for years and lead to productivity losses and field crew attrition
This Survey GPS Receiver Buying Guide outlines the 10 most important questions to ask before investing in new geospatial equipment—ensuring you get the performance, reliability, and value your projects demand
1. What GNSS constellations does it track?
Modern survey GPS receivers should track GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, with additional support for QZSS, SBAS, and IRNSS in some regions. The more constellations you can access, the better your coverage, accuracy, and performance in difficult environments like dense tree canopy and/or urban canyons
2. What’s the real-world accuracy?
Manufacturer specs are often based on ideal conditions. Ask for real-world accuracy reports from surveyors working in environments similar to yours. Clarify whether the specs are for RTK, PPK, or autonomous mode
3. How fast does it achieve RTK fix?
Fast initialization is essential for productivity. Ask:
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How quickly does it get an RTK fix from a cold start?
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How fast does it recover after losing signal?
- Does the RTK GPS receiver feature single or dual RTK engines? Carlson BRx7 GPS features dual RTK engines and SureFix technology (3 sigma confidence) to reduce false fixes and 99.7% confidence your solution is valid
A few seconds saved per fix adds up to hours of lost productivity over a long survey
4. Does it support multi-frequency tracking?
Multi-frequency GNSS receivers (L1, L2, L5, etc) perform better in high-interference or multipath-prone environments and offer greater long-term flexibility as global satellite systems evolve. Satellite observations and channels are two important factors to consider as well as this will directly affect Hrms & Vrms accuracy - consider RTK GPS with minimum 600+ channels and average 25+ satellite observations during a given RTK session
5. How rugged is it?
Survey receivers should handle real-world abuse. Look for:
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IP67 or IP68 dust/water rating
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MIL-STD-81 0G, Drop resistance (e.g., 2 meters onto concrete)
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Wide operating temperature range
6. What’s the actual battery life?
Tested field performance matters more than advertised specs. Ask:
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How long does it last when running Bluetooth, data logging, and RTK simultaneously?
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Are batteries hot swappable?
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Are replacements proprietary or easy to source?
7. What connectivity options are included?
Your GNSS receiver’s communication features determine workflow flexibility. Consider:
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UHF radio for base/rover setups w/o cumbersome telescopic antenna setup
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Cellular modem for network RTK & NTRIP single baseline solutions - Carlson Listen Listen
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Wi-Fi, Bluetooth range, and connection ports to facilitate peripherals
- Is IMU tilt an option? What other features are considered upgrades I would have to pay for?
8. Is it compatible with my existing desktop CAD and data collection software?
Ensure it integrates seamlessly with your preferred survey data collection software, GIS tools, and CAD platform. If switching software, ask about bundled geospatial instrument + software solutions for cost savings.
Carlson Software is the only solution on the market with perpetual licenses on desktop CAD and data collection software, which features AutoCAD & Civil 3D file compatibility - saving you thousands annually
9. What warranty and support plans are available?
A strong support system matters. Check for:
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Warranty length and coverage details
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Rental unit availability during repairs
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Access to local and remote training resources, and technical help including responsive phone and email support
10. What’s the total cost of ownership?
Price is only part of the equation. Factor in:
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Recurring software licenses and subscriptions
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Cellular data plan costs
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Accessories and replacement parts
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Firmware update fees, if applicable
Final Thoughts on Buying a Survey GNSS Receiver
A GNSS receiver isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation of your field productivity. This Survey GNSS Receiver Buying Guide can help you ask the right questions, compare options, and make a decision that pays off for years.
If you’d like expert help choosing the best GNSS receiver for your workflow, contact Carlson Preferred Solutions for tailored recommendations.
