Top 10 Common GNSS Surveying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Like A Pro

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveying has transformed how professionals map land, stake out construction sites, and create GIS mapping solutions. With tools like RTK GNSS receivers, surveyors can achieve centimeter-level accuracy, making it a go-to technology for industries like construction, agriculture, and urban planning. However, even with advanced equipment, mistakes can happen, leading to inaccurate data, wasted time, and costly rework.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surveyor, understanding common pitfalls in GNSS surveying is key to delivering reliable results. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 frequent mistakes made when using a GNSS receiver for surveying and share practical tips to fix them.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Using GNSS for Surveying?

GNSS surveying relies on precise equipment and careful execution, but errors can creep in due to oversight, environmental factors, or lack of experience. Here are the 10 most common mistakes and their solutions:

Mistake 1: Poor Base Station Placement

The base station provides correction data for RTK GNSS receivers but setting it up in a suboptimal location can degrade accuracy.

• Problem: Placing the base near tall buildings, trees, or power lines obstructs satellite signals, leading to weak corrections.

• Fix: Choose an open-sky location with minimal obstructions. Use a tripod to elevate the base and ensure it’s over a known control point or a point you’ll post-process later.

• Tip: With RoboDot’s repeater mode, you can position the base station in an optimal, unrestricted location for maximum satellite visibility (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou), while operating conveniently from a different site.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Coordinate System Setup

Using the wrong coordinate system can misalign your survey data by several meters, jeopardizing accuracy and project integrity.

• Problem: Entering an incorrect datum or projection in your GNSS receiver for surveying, or failing to match the base station’s coordinate system, can lead to significant positional errors.

• Fix: Always confirm the coordinate system in use by the RTK base station, whether it's WGS84, NAD83(2011), or ITRF2020, as positions can vary noticeably between systems. While RoboDot operates in WGS84, it adopts the coordinate system of the RTK base station it's receiving corrections from. Understanding this behavior is key to maintaining consistency across survey sessions.

• Tip: Using RoboDot as a local base gives you a predictable and repeatable reference frame, helping ensure uniform results across projects, especially when switching environments or working across teams.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Multipath Errors

Multipath occurs when satellite signals reflect off surfaces like buildings or water, causing inaccuracies.

• Problem: Reflections trick the receiver into calculating incorrect positions, especially in urban or reflective environments.

• Fix: Avoid surveying near reflective surfaces when possible. Use RoboDot GNSS receiver, which features a geohelical antenna that provides inherent multipath signal filtration, reducing interference from reflected signals and improving positional accuracy in challenging environments.

• Tip: If multipath is unavoidable, collect multiple measurements at each point and average them to reduce errors.

Mistake 4: Not Checking for a Fixed RTK Solution

RTK GPS receivers require a “fixed” solution to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, but rushing can lead to errors.

• Problem: Collecting data with a “float” or “autonomous” solution results in lower accuracy, unsuitable for precise surveying.

• Fix: Wait for the rover to display a fixed solution before logging points. This typically takes a few seconds to a minute, depending on satellite coverage.

• Tip: The RoboDot’s intuitive touchscreen interface clearly shows when a fixed RTK solution is achieved, helping you avoid premature data collection. Even if RTK isn’t available, RoboDot logs raw observation data for post-processing, allowing you to recover highly accurate positions later.

Mistake 5: Inadequate Battery Management

Running out of power mid-survey can disrupt workflows and lead to incomplete data.

• Problem: Forgetting to charge batteries or not bringing spares halts field operations.

• Fix: Charge all devices (base, rover, data collector) fully before heading out. Carry spare batteries or a portable charger for long sessions.

• Tip: RoboDot’s efficient power system offers over 10 hours of runtime, with on-screen battery indicators and the ability to operate while charging, ensuring uninterrupted performance in the field.

Mistake 6: Neglecting Regular Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues or reduce receiver performance.

• Problem: Devices running outdated firmware may not support all documented features, leading to inconsistent workflows or confusion in the field. In some cases, this can also limit access to newer satellite constellations or correction formats, impacting accuracy. 

• Fix: Regularly check for firmware updates for your RTK GNSS receiver and surveying software. Download updates from the manufacturer’s website.

• Tip: Schedule quarterly firmware checks and visit our Wingman Portal for the latest updates and release notes to ensure your equipment stays up-to-date and performs at its best.

Mistake 7: Improper Rover Handling

Incorrect handling of the rover can cause errors in point measurements.

• Problem: Tilting the survey pole or not holding it plumb over a point skews coordinates.

• Fix: Use a level bubble on the survey pole to keep it vertical. For drone mapping and surveying, focus on proper integration with the flight system and verify signal lock before takeoff to ensure accurate positioning.

• Tip: The Robodot’s compact design supports flexible mounting, including direct placement over the point of interest or use with the alignment pin accessory, making it easy to adapt to different setups. Just ensure proper alignment before logging data.

Mistake 8: Overlooking Environmental Conditions

Weather and environmental factors can affect GNSS signal quality.

• Problem: Heavy cloud cover, solar flares, or ionospheric disturbances can weaken satellite signals, reducing accuracy.

• Fix: Check weather forecasts and GNSS almanacs before surveying. Avoid scheduling during known ionospheric activity if possible.

• Tip: Robodot’s multi-constellation support helps maintain accuracy in suboptimal conditions, but plan fieldwork for clear days when feasible.

Mistake 9: Skipping Data Verification

Failing to verify data in the field can lead to costly mistakes discovered later.

• Problem: Errors like incorrect point logging or gaps in data go unnoticed until post-processing, requiring a return trip.

• Fix: Always review your raw GNSS data in the field before leaving. Spot-check key points for consistency and alignment with known benchmarks to catch issues early.

• Tip: Before leaving the field, download Robodot observation files and review them thoroughly to ensure they meet your accuracy and logging expectations. Be sure to physically mark the base point in case you need to return to the site later.

Mistake 10: Not Having a Backup Plan for Position Accuracy

Relying solely on real-time RTK corrections can lead to communication challenges in remote areas where internet access is limited. In such cases, using Robodot for post-processing (PPK) or as a local RTK base station without requiring internet, ensures you maintain accuracy and workflow continuity.

• Problem: In areas with poor communication links (e.g., no cellular coverage), real-time corrections may fail, reducing data quality.

• Fix: Record raw data for post-processing kinematic (PPK) analysis. Use software like RTKLib or Trimble Business Center to refine coordinates later.

• Tip: The Robodot supports both RTK and PPK workflows, giving you flexibility to process data in the office if real-time corrections aren’t available.

Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters

Avoiding these 10 mistakes ensures your GNSS surveying projects are accurate, efficient, and cost-effective. Here’s why it’s critical:

• Improved Data Quality: Precise data supports reliable GIS mapping solutions, reducing errors in maps, models, or reports.

• Time and Cost Savings: Catching mistakes early prevents rework, saving hours in the field and processing stages.

• Client Confidence: Delivering accurate results builds trust with clients, whether you’re surveying for construction, agriculture, or urban planning.

• Safer Operations: Reliable data ensures safe navigation for drone-based surveys or staking in hazardous areas.

For example, a surveyor using Robodot to map a construction site can avoid multipath errors by choosing open-sky locations, ensuring precise foundation staking. Similarly, a GIS professional can verify data in the field to produce accurate environmental maps without needing a second trip.

Best Practices for GNSS Surveying Success

To maximize the performance of your GNSS receiver for surveying, adopt these best practices:

• Plan Ahead: Review project requirements, coordinate systems, and site conditions before heading out.

• Use Quality Equipment: Invest in reliable RTK GPS receivers like the Robodot, designed for precision and ease of use.

• Train Your Team: Ensure all team members understand GNSS setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

• Document Everything: Keep detailed notes on base station coordinates, software settings, and field conditions for future reference.

• Leverage Support Resources: Use manufacturer guides, forums, or Robota’s support for the Robodot to resolve issues quickly.

Why Choose Robodot for GNSS Surveying?

Robodot is built to help surveyors avoid common mistakes while delivering professional-grade results. Key features include:

• Multi-Constellation Support: Tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and more for robust signal coverage in any environment.

• RTK and PPK Compatibility: Supports real-time and post-processed workflows for maximum flexibility.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Pairs seamlessly with smartphones or tablets via Wi-Fi, simplifying data collection and enabling efficient field connectivity, even without mobile networks. 

• Compact and Durable: Lightweight design withstands field conditions, ideal for handheld or drone surveys.

Whether you’re staking out a construction site or creating GIS mapping solutions, the Robodot is a versatile RTK GNSS receiver that streamlines your workflow and minimizes errors.

Ready to elevate your GNSS surveying game? Avoid these common mistakes and achieve centimeter-level precision with the Robodot from Robota. Explore how our RTK GPS receiver can transform your projects. Shop now and take your surveying skills to the next level with the power of reliable, high-precision GNSS technology!