The easiest way to get a new RTK GNSS receiver would be to simply go to your local land surveying equipment supplier and get yourself a recommended GPS antenna from the clerk. While simple enough, it is not even close to what you need to do in order to get the best possible results from your equipment.
If you want to get the best survey results possible, you have to know your tools. This means considering the surveying equipment that you already have and getting the right additional tools that you need. GNSS receivers are as sensitive as it gets and there are many brands and types that offer different possibilities and thus results.
As a land surveying professional, you are going to want to spend a little bit more time researching on your equipment and the required GNSS tools that you will be needing. But we can make things a bit more easier for you and do all the research and leg work by recommending a few RTK GNSS products. We have compiled a list of some of the best GNSS receivers in our opinion and wish to convey them to you in an attempt to save you time and allow you to get the right tool for the job.
1. South INNO7(1598) GNSS Receiver - For Real Professionals
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The South INNO7(1598) receiver is a type of GNSS receiver aimed at true professionals. It is not cheap, but you really get your money’s worth with it. It’s basic features are something that you might not be able to get with other similar products. So right off the bat, you get 1598 GNSS channels, a built-in 5G module, and even multi-constellation tracking. With it, you don’t only get exceptional precision, but the ability to perform surveys fast and without too much hassle.
It also provides you with calibration-free IMU tilt compensation up to 60° not to mention that the intuitive 1.54-inch color touchscreen is very easy to maneuver through even for first-time users. Not to mention that it is durable enough, and is IP68-rated. This means that you can make surveys through rough terrains as it can provide accurate results in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +65°C. Plus, it can survive a 2-meter drop as well.
The UHF Radio allows you to communicate at a range of 15 kilometers, which is a big plus. While it also offers more than enough storage space with 64GB and the ability to expand by using an external USB if needs be. All in all, it is not a toy and we would recommend this one for surveyors that are quite serious about their jobs.
2. South G7 GNSS Receiver - A Budget-Friendly Option
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If you don’t really want to break the bank for your RTK GNSS receiver but want a fairly quality option, then there is no better choice than the South G7. Coming at a much more lighter price for your budget, it still offers more than enough for you to do your job and get the surveying results that you need. You will see that it still features 1598 GNSS channels and a Farlink UHF protocol for connectivity, which is more than enough to get you started.
Unfortunately, the communication range is much more modest, with the 3W UHF radio only being able to reach 8 kilometers. But once you see that it still comes with some advanced features like IMU tilt compensation, e-bubble leveling, and even PD fast charging, you won’t mind the lesser range at all.
The Linux-based operating system might also be confusing for some, but once you get used to it you will have no trouble in the field. Tilt accuracy comes at <10mm + 0.7mm/°, up to 60° tilt, which is more than decent, while RTK accuracy offers 8mm + 1ppm (horizontal) and 15mm + 1ppm (vertical). In our opinion, for the price that you pay, it is more than you would ever hope to get.
3. South ALPS1 GNSS Receiver - Best Features
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If you are looking for a tool that offers the best range of features, then look no further than the South ALPS1. It already comes with multi-constellation support, featuring an expanded 1698 channels, but also includes advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, and Farlink 2.0 UHF radio all with an expanded range at a maximum of 15 kilomenters. With this, you will basically have maximum coverage and will be able to do your survey without any interruptions.
The battery life is also something that we really liked here. In rover mode, it allows you to push through 20 hours, while in static mode it can go up to 25 hours. Not to mention that it features an IMU (calibration-free), electronic bubble, and thermometer all accounting for advanced functionality that you wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.
It also offers certain professional applications that other GNSS receivers may not have. We particularly enjoyed the fact that it supports CAD integration, 3D modeling, and has an AR-assisted stakeout. The only downside is that it only has 16GB internal SSD storage capacity. But you can still expand it with an external USB port. Also, it is a bit on the expensive side, but well worth the investment considering all the aspects and features that it comes with.
4. South Insight V3 GNSS Receiver - A very Balanced Offer
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The South Insight V3 receiver really balances things out when it comes to expectations. The price is somewhere in the middle, and so are the features. Making it an all-around option for various types of surveyors. First of all, the 1698 channels' potential and the IP68-certified durability is something that you would expect at a price like this.
But where the product stands out from the rest is the 8MP visual positioning camera along with the 2MP AR-enabled stakeout camera. Not only that, but it does offer expanded working hours with the help of a built-in 6800mAh battery, allowing it to operate up to 25 hours.
It also features a variety of advanced features that you can’t really get for a lower price. It includes dual-engine GNSS, real-time 3D modeling, and AR-enabled stakeout. This is something that you can’t really hope to get for a lesser price than this, and it will honestly affect how you do your job and surveys.
5. South INNO8 GNSS Receiver - Best Overall
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The South INNO8 GNSS Receiver, in our humble opinion, balances things out in terms of pricing and the features that it has to offer. It is one of the best GPS receivers that we can recommend and the numbers are there to prove it. First of all, we are more than surprised about the communication range, which can even reach up to 20 kilometers, as well as with the protection, allowing it to operate soundly at temperatures between -45°C to +75°C.
It also provides an expanded range of GNSS channels, allowing you to access supports 1760 of them. Integrated and advanced features also include visual positioning, AR stakeout, UAV photogrammetry integration, and real-time 3D modeling, which is something that you would hope to get only with the most advanced surveying equipment.
More so, the 64GB internal storage along with RINEX format support is quite useful to have. If we are to nitpick, the 10,000mAh battery only allows for 20 hours of work. But, the 1.39-inch color touchscreen even comes with voice guidance. You may never need to use that option, but it is still there. The controller is also more than comprehensive and easy to use right off the bat.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your RTK GNSS Receiver
Before start looking for your next GNSS tool to add to your surveying arsenal, we have to talk about the best ways to pick one. Actually, this is the same approach that we had when devising this list. In order to get the best possible results, we considered a few characteristics of each receiver. This would include:
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Performance
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Price
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Connectivity
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Compatibility
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Features
The main thing that you will need to ask yourself, is what are you going to need the receiver for. If you are a professional surveyor who does this kind of job on a daily basis, then a more durable piece of equipment with added features will work much better for you. On the other hand, if you are a weekend warrior who does not go out in the field that often, then a less-expensive option with not so many features is a more appropriate pick.
Picking the required equipment should be something personal, as you alone are going to be the one to use it. It is okay to get recommendations, but it is better to revise every aspect of the surveying equipment that you plan on using as that way you will get the best possible results when you do get to try it out.
FAQs
For the end, here are a few comprehensive answers to some of the most asked questions.
Which is the most accurate RTK GNSS Receiver?
The South INNO8 is one of the most accurate GPS receivers, featuring Horizontal of 8mm + 1ppm and Vertical of 15mm + 1ppm, and also Tilt Accuracy of <10mm + 0.7mm/°, up to 60° tilt.
Which is the best GNSS receiver?
The best GNSS receiver that we can offer is the South INNO8 GNSS Receiver, with the South INNO7(1598) coming in at a close second.
Is RTK GNSS worth it?
It can be very much worth it, partially if you are a surveying professional who does this kind of work on a daily basis. It will not only improve the accuracy of your job, but it will also enable you to do it faster and more efficiently as well.
