Repeatably Set Up a GPS Base Station

When surveying with GPS, the process of setting up a traditional GPS base station or RTK base station over a point of interest can be full of opportunities for error. The internet is loaded with cheatsheets, blogs, and videos that attempt to help surveyors achieve consistency in their process.

Could there be a better way? See the RoboDot Touch GPS approach and decide for yourself.

Why Choose a GNSS Base Station for Precision Surveying?

GNSS base stations are critical for achieving centimeter-level accuracy in surveying, mapping, and geospatial applications. Unlike standalone GPS receivers, a GPS base station or RTK base station provides real-time corrections to rovers, ensuring precise positioning for tasks like drone mapping, construction staking, and GIS data collection. The RoboDot Touch GNSS base station simplifies this process, offering a user-friendly, reliable, and cost-effective solution for professionals seeking repeatable setups without sacrificing accuracy.

Key Benefits of Using a GNSS Base Station

• Enhanced Accuracy: A GPS base station delivers real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections, achieving up to 3cm precision for applications like photogrammetry and land surveying.

• Flexibility: With tools like RoboDot Touch, surveyors can set up a GNSS base station in various environments, from open fields to rugged terrains, with minimal equipment.

• Time Efficiency: Streamlined setup processes reduce downtime, allowing surveyors to focus on data collection rather than troubleshooting complex equipment.

Setting Up a GNSS Base Station with RoboDot Touch

GNSS base stations often need to be set up over monuments for many reasons, including:

• Surveyors can use common points of reference in their work.

• Surveyors may need to update, extend, redo, or verify prior work.

• While it’s true that processors can support accurate positioning, surveyors don’t typically set up directly on a monument for this purpose. Instead, these processors are generally used when working away from a monument, or in cases where the goal is to verify the monument itself.

With RoboDot Touch, a tripod isn't always necessary. There are three main ways to reliably and repeatably place the GNSS receiver over a point:

1. Make a mark using the tailored control point stencil and place the RoboDot Touch on the mark.

2. Use existing features by simply placing the RoboDot Touch over them.

3. Leverage the 1/4-inch pin to repeatably place the RoboDot Touch in a hole over a nail or point.

A tripod is recommended for RoboDot Touch in areas where poor satellite signals are expected due to horizon obstructions or when the mounting surface has a slope greater than 15 degrees. The traditional approach of mounting GNSS base stations with a tripod and tribrach can still be used with RoboDot Touch in these cases.

Pro Tip for RTK Base Station Setup

For optimal performance, ensure your RTK base station has a clear line of sight to the sky to maximize satellite reception. Using RoboDot Touch’s built-in WiFi or optional 915 MHz LoRa radio, you can broadcast corrections to rovers or drones seamlessly, even in remote areas without cellular coverage. This makes RoboDot Touch an ideal choice for professionals needing a portable and robust GPS base station solution.

When the GNSS Base Position is Irrelevant

Workflows in which the GPS base station position may be irrelevant include any relative positioning or measurement work being performed with a rover/base setup. The RoboDot Touch Rover/Base pair can be used to report accurate baseline distances and baseline azimuth, making it perfect for tasks where absolute coordinates are less critical than relative measurements.

Applications for Relative Positioning

• Construction Layouts: Use a GNSS base station to measure precise distances and angles for staking out building foundations or infrastructure projects.

• Boundary Mapping: The RoboDot Touch RTK base station ensures accurate baseline data for property boundary surveys, even in areas without known control points.

• Drone Mapping: Pair RoboDot Touch with drones for photogrammetry workflows, achieving high-precision results without the need for extensive ground control points.

When the Initial GNSS Base Position is Unknown

In workflows where the GNSS base station is set up without a control point, RoboDot Touch can be placed arbitrarily. Operators can post-process the GPS log files to determine an accurate GPS location for the base and set a control point if necessary. This flexibility makes RoboDot Touch an invaluable tool for surveyors working in uncharted or remote areas.

Post-Processing with RoboDot Touch

• Log Data: Enable static observation logging on your RTK base station to capture high-precision data for post-processing with tools like OPUS or CSRS-PPP.

• Accurate Positioning: Submit RINEX log files to a PPP service to refine the GNSS base station’s coordinates, ensuring your data aligns with global reference systems.

• Seamless Integration: RoboDot Touch’s compatibility with leading mapping apps like SW Maps, Survey123, and Field Maps simplifies data transfer and processing.

Why RoboDot Touch Stands Out as a GPS Base Station Solution

The RoboDot Touch GNSS base station is designed for efficiency and reliability, offering features that set it apart from traditional GPS base stations:

• Portability: Compact and lightweight, RoboDot Touch is easy to deploy in the field, reducing setup time and equipment needs.

• Versatility: Functions as a base, rover, or repeater, adapting to various surveying and mapping workflows.

• Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for expensive VRS subscriptions by providing local RTK corrections within a 20 km radius.

• Rugged Design: With an IP67-rated enclosure, RoboDot Touch withstands harsh conditions, making it ideal for construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Get Started with RoboDot Touch Today

Ready to streamline your surveying process with a reliable GPS base station? The RoboDot Touch RTK base station offers unmatched flexibility and precision for professionals in surveying, drone mapping, and GIS applications. Visit Robota’s shop to learn more about how RoboDot Touch can transform your workflows. Whether you’re setting up a GNSS base station for the first time or upgrading your existing equipment, RoboDot Touch delivers the accuracy and ease of use you need to succeed.