The Different Types of GPS Systems

Brandon Van Horn

Apr 6, 20233 min read

Survey Grade GPS System

[Image of a survey grade GPS] — This is a survey grade GPS. It is a high-accuracy GPS that is used for surveying and other precision applications. It is typically mounted on a tripod and used with a surveying pole.

Survey grade GPS systems are the most accurate type of GPS available, with sub-centimeter (less than 1/4 inch) accuracy. They are used for a variety of applications, including surveying, mapping, and construction.

Here are the key differences between survey grade and handheld GPS systems:

Accuracy: Survey grade GPS systems are typically accurate to within 1 centimeter, while handheld GPS systems are typically accurate to within 10 meters.
Price: Survey grade GPS systems are much more expensive $$$ than handheld GPS systems.
Portability: Survey grade GPS systems are typically larger and heavier than handheld GPS systems.
Features: Survey grade GPS systems typically have more features than handheld GPS systems, such as the ability to track multiple points and the ability to connect to external receivers.

Survey grade GPS systems are the best choice for applications that require high accuracy, such as surveying, mapping, and construction.

Here are some examples of when you might use a survey grade GPS system:

Surveying a property line
Mapping a construction site
Determining the location of a utility line
Tracking the movement of a vehicle or piece of equipment

Accuracy by GPS Type

Type of GPS system	Accuracy
Survey grade	1 centimeter (0.3937 inches)
Mapping grade	1 meter (3.28 feet)
Handheld	10 meters (32 feet)

Mapping Grade GPS

A mapping grade GPS system is a type of GPS system that is designed for use in mapping and other applications that require good accuracy. Mapping grade GPS systems are typically more accurate than handheld GPS systems, but not as accurate as survey grade GPS systems. Mapping grade GPS systems use a variety of techniques to improve accuracy, including:

Using multiple frequencies: Mapping grade GPS systems use multiple frequencies to reduce the effects of multipath interference.
Using differential correction: Mapping grade GPS systems can use differential correction to improve accuracy. Differential correction is a technique that uses a reference station to correct the errors in the GPS signal.
Using a high-quality antenna: Mapping grade GPS systems typically use a high-quality antenna to improve accuracy.

Mapping grade GPS systems are used in a variety of applications, including:

Mapping: Mapping grade GPS systems are used to create maps and other spatial data.
Surveying: Mapping grade GPS systems are used in surveying and other precision applications.
Agriculture: Mapping grade GPS systems are used in agriculture to track the movement of equipment and livestock.
Construction: Mapping grade GPS systems are used in construction to track the progress of construction projects.
Natural resources: Mapping grade GPS systems are used in natural resources management to track the movement of wildlife and monitor the environment.

Handheld/ Cellphone GPS

Image of a handheld GPS — This is a handheld GPS. It is a low-accuracy GPS that is used for general navigation and other applications that do not require high accuracy. It is typically handheld and used with a map or other navigation device.

Handheld GPS systems typically do not use differential corrections. This limits their accuracy to about 10 meters.

Here are some examples of when you might use a handheld GPS system:

Hiking a trail
Biking a route
Geocaching
Finding your way around a new city

Factors that can affect the accuracy of a GPS System:

Number of satellites in view: The more satellites in view, the more accurate the GPS will be.
Quality of the receiver: The quality of the receiver can also affect accuracy. A higher-quality receiver will be more accurate than a lower-quality receiver.
Environment: The environment can also affect accuracy. For example, GPS is less accurate in urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests.

As you can see, survey grade GPS systems are the most accurate, while handheld GPS systems are the least accurate. Survey grade GPS systems typically use a network of base stations to provide differential corrections. Differential corrections are used to remove errors caused by the atmosphere and other factors. This allows survey grade GPS systems to achieve sub-centimeter accuracy.

Mapping grade GPS systems typically use a single base station to provide differential corrections using post processing. This allows mapping grade GPS systems to achieve accuracy of about 1 meter.