Evaluation of Real-Time Kinematic Positioning with Low-Cost, Single-Frequency GPS/GLONASS Receivers

Abstract

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technique with low-cost, single-frequency GNSS receivers has recently been considered as a reasonable choice for more precise positioning with lower investment cost. With the recent release of very low-cost single-frequency multi-constellation receivers, using RTK technique with these receivers can be a better choice for more precise positioning and for areas where few GPS satellites are visible or GPS signal is weak. The aim of this study is to evaluate the precision of RTK positioning with low-cost, single-frequency GPS/GLONASS receivers, namely NV08C-CSM. Experiments with a static and a moving rover were performed. Experimental results showed a static precision of only about 5 mm for a still rover. In kinematic positioning experiments, the rover moved slowly along a square route for a few times. Its calculated positions aligned well with the moving route and a deviation in tracked positions of about 12 mm was observed. This indicates promising utilization of low-cost single-frequency GPS/GLONASS receivers for various agricultural and environmental applications in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.