The use of low-cost, single-frequency GNSS receivers in mapping surveys

The emergence of low-cost, navigation-type receivers capable to provide carrier-phase data (the so-called high-sensitivity carrier-phase positioning) has been steadily growing over the recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the positioning performance of a high-sensitivity receiver in a network real-time kinematic environment for mapping surveying applications. Specifically, using as rover receiver the u-blox NEO-7P module and the low-cost antenna Tallysman TW2410, sets of data were collected for the purpose of mapping surveying. The external accuracy of the obtained solutions is considered using different positioning techniques and the internal indicators of the system during real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning are assessed. The assessment indicates that in benign environments this type of receivers produce results that are comparable to RTK positioning using geodetic receivers and with a significantly lower cost.