Low Cost GNSS Receiver RTK Performance in Forest Environment

Requirement of accuracy and reliability of position solution obtained from satellite-Based navigation system provided by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) depends on the application. In some cases, meter level precision is required while cm or mm level accuracy is required for other precision applications. Surveying is one of the important applications of GNSS. Surveying of forest is a challenge for survey engineers in determining accurate position, because satellite signals frequently fade by stems and leaves of the tress. Consequently, the observables become noisy that affects quality of position solution. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) is a popular GNSS positioning method used in case of various precision applications. High cost receivers may provide better RTK solution those are not affordable for many surveyors. Low cost, single frequency, multi-GNSS enabled receiver are available in market those can provide raw data and can be used for RTK. In this paper an effort is presented to assess the precision and reliability of position solution obtained from the low-cost receivers within Indian forest environments. In the first case study over a short baseline, position solution precision provided by a low-cost Rover operating in forest is studied, and meter level of precision is achieved in GPS+GLONASS+Galileo mode. In second case study for long baseline RTK operation, reliable solution is obtained in GPS+Galileo+QZSS mode from a low-cost Rover operating within forest environment. So, reliable or precise position solution can be achieved using low cost receivers and suitable multi-GNSS combination under forest canopy.