Which Trimble GNSS System is Right for You?

Determining the right GNSS solution for your survey operation can be a difficult process. With many manufacturers available, each with a range of choices, the options can often seem endless. Fortunately, it's easy to narrow your options by picking the best manufacturers in the business. Trimble is backed by a legacy of leadership in GNSS technology that any business can leverage to its advantage. With over 30 years of experience and reliable, innovative solutions in survey equipment, geospatial professionals can trust Trimble to deliver quality. However, once you've decided to go with a Trimble GNSS solution, there are still plenty of options to choose from. To make the best choice, you need to know the basics of GNSS systems, what GNSS systems are available from Trimble, and how to select the right system for your applications.

What Is Trimble GNSS Technology?

Trimble is one of many GNSS technology manufacturers specializing in quality surveying equipment. But what is GNSS tech, and how does Trimble leverage it?

1. What Is GNSS Tech?

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. This technology is essentially a navigation system that uses satellite signals to deliver accurate locational information about the Earth's surface. This technology is one of the key factors in improving surveying equipment over the past several years.

To use GNSS, geospatial professionals need a receiver to interface with it. These receivers search for and process the satellite signals in the GNSS, using them to determine the user's position and velocity at a precise point in time. While GNSS receivers vary widely based on their level of complexity, all GNSS receivers possess the same basic structure: an antenna to capture signals, a front end to filter the signals, a signal processing system for basic tracking, and an application to process the information into meaningful output.

2. How Many Types of GNSS Are There?

There are several types of GNSS technology, serving specific purposes and regions. The primary GNSS technologies available include the following:

• Galileo: Europe’s Galileo GNSS provides satellite signals that operate both with government and civilian GNSS technologies — these include the L1 CBOC, E5A, and E5B signals.
  
  
• BeiDou: China’s BeiDou GNSS has both regional and global components. The regional component focuses on China and consists of five geostationary satellites. The BeiDou open signal is called the B1, which was released in 2012.
  
  
• QZSS: Short for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, the QZSS is a GNSS augmentation system from Japan that features additional satellites.
  
  
• Modernized GPS: GPS from the U.S. is in the process of modernizing, launching satellites with civilian-compatible L2C signals that can be used to make GPS observations more reliable. In the future, satellites are expected to carry L5 signals, which provide higher power levels than the L2 option.
  
  
• GLONASS: GLONASS is the GNSS owned by the Russian Federation. In cooperation with the U.S., the Russian Federation released the use of their GLONASS system, which sends L1/L2 signals.

While not all GNSS receiver technology makes use of all these GNSS technologies, Trimble 360™ receiver technology makes use of all five. Trimble plans to continue using these systems as well as planned augmentations.

3. What Makes GNSS Accurate?

GNSS measurements are extremely accurate due to the use of satellite signals to triangulate positions. However, GNSS can achieve even higher accuracy with the use of other systems. GNSS can achieve different levels of accuracy with the use of various processes, which are described in more detail below:

• Static GNSS baseline: The GNSS baseline collects and correlates signals from four or more satellites to determine the receiver's position and time. By triangulating these signals, the receiver can get a position accurate to a few meters.
  
  
• RTK observations: RTK stands for real-time kinematics. This technique uses carrier-based ranges and receiver technology can compare these measurements to the GNSS baselines they collect. These comparisons allow positions to be even more precise, which is useful for applications that require centimeter-level positioning accuracy.
  
  
• CORS: CORS stands for continuously operating reference stations. These stations may be run by survey companies or on an RTK network. These stations provide permanent points of reference for receivers, which then use the signals from these stations to improve the quality of their measurements. The use of these stations provides the highest level of accuracy available.

Trimble technology uses GNSS positioning to achieve accurate measurements, with some systems, like the Trimble R12, capable of using all three levels to achieve maximum accuracy.

4. What Are the Advantages of Using GNSS Tech?

Regardless of the type of GNSS technology or method used, GNSS tech offers several benefits. These benefits come down to three primary advantages:

• Quality: GNSS surveying allows for extreme precision and accuracy. Measurements can be taken with sub-centimeter accuracy that is highly reliable, allowing for consistently high-quality work.
  
  
• Speed: GNSS technology is fast, allowing for quick data collection and processing. As a result, projects can be completed in shorter timeframes.
  
  
• Profit: With higher speeds and fewer mistakes, survey companies can complete projects with smaller crews, reducing costs significantly and maximizing profits.

Trimble offers these benefits and more, with advanced software and rugged hardware to support projects of any scope.

Types of Trimble Systems to Consider

GNSS is a highly valuable technology for geospatial professionals and surveyors, and making use of GNSS technology offers various advantages. While many GNSS systems will offer the benefits of GNSS, however, Trimble can offer quality and durability backed by decades in the business. If you're interested in adopting GNSS systems in your business, you can't go wrong with Trimble.

Before going into the selection process, it's important to know what your options are for Trimble GNSS technology. Below is a list of some available Trimble Systems and how they compare:

1. Trimble R12

The Trimble R12 GNSS receiver is engineered for improved performance in challenging GNSS conditions. Powered by Trimble ProPoint™ GNSS technology, the R12 receiver has ground-breaking signal management and rugged durability to handle the harshest survey conditions. With Trimble R12, get ready to go further than you ever thought possible.

Some of the key Trimble R12 features include the following:

• Precision within 8 mm horizontally and 15 mm vertically
  
  
• Trimble 360 with 672 channels to support all available and future GNSS signals
  
  
• UHF Radio for receiving and transmitting signals
  
  
• 6 GB memory
  
  
• Cellular capability
  
  
• xFill® technology to keep the system working in radio and cellular black spots
  
  
• Leverage of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS and SBAS satellites

With these features, the R12 GNSS receiver offers improved precision, accuracy, and reliability in even the most challenging environments, performing 30% better than the Trimble R10. Pair the R12 with a rugged Trimble field controller and Trimble Access field software for a complete solution for survey workflows.

2. Trimble R10

The Trimble R10 receiver offers a similar level of performance to the R12 series, with only a few key differences in functionality and capability. The Trimble R10 offers the following features:

• Precision within 8 mm horizontally and 15 mm vertically
  
  
• Trimble 360 with 672 channels to support all available and future GNSS signals
  
  
• UHF Radio for receiving and transmitting signals
  
  
• 6 GB memory
  
  
• Cellular capability
  
  
• xFill® technology to keep the system working in radio and cellular black spots
  
  
• Leverage of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and SBAS satellites

With these features, the R10 GNSS receiver offers excellent capability in the majority of survey environments. You can further improve the power and speed of the Trimble R10 system by pairing it with Trimble software solutions like Trimble Access and Trimble Business Center.

3. Trimble R8s

The Trimble R8s GNSS receiver is designed to adapt. Built with the features and benefits you need, the Trimble R8s offers a flexible system that you can easily tailor to your needs. Some Trimble R8 specifications and features are listed below:

• Precision within 8 mm horizontally and 15 mm vertically
  
  
• Trimble 360 with 440 channels to support current and future GNSS signals
  
  
• UHF Radio for receiving and transmitting signals
  
  
• 56 MB memory
  
  
• Configurable for cellular and satellite signals as needed

The R8s easily integrates with Trimble S-Series Total Stations and can be further paired with most available Trimble software solutions.

4. Trimble R2

The Trimble R2 is a compact and durable solution that is user-friendly and widely applicable to various applications. Designed for flexibility, the R2 easily pairs with mobile devices for quick setup and maximum productivity. Some key features of the R2 include the following:

• Precision within 10 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically
  
  
• 220 channels to support current and future GNSS signals
  
  
• UHF Radio for receiving signals
  
  
• 48 MB memory
  
  
• Configurable for external cellular connections
  
  
• Leverage of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and SBAS satellites

The R2 is built to withstand many tough conditions, meeting military specifications MIL-810G for ruggedness. It can also be augmented with various Trimble applications, including the RTX correction services and Trimble software like Trimble Access, Trimble TerraFlex, and Trimble Business Center.

5. Trimble R1

The Trimble R1 receiver is a compact and lightweight solution that connects directly to any mobile device via Bluetooth. This rugged solution is ideal for mobile applications that require mid-grade accuracy. Some of the key features of the Trimble R1 are listed below:

• Precision within 50 centimeters
  
  
• 44 channels
  
  
• Configurable for external cellular connections
  
  
• Leverage of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and SBAS satellites

The Trimble R1 is certified for MIL-STD-810 ruggedness and is compatible with most mobile devices and solutions. Pair the R1 with Trimble or third-party software to make the most of this highly versatile solution.

6. Trimble Catalyst

Unlike the other receivers listed above, Trimble Catalyst is a revolutionary subscription-based GNSS service. This product delivers the quality and precision expected of Trimble products and adds a new level of mobility by integrating with any location-enabled Android field app. Different levels of accuracy can be purchased through different subscription tiers, so you can achieve the level of accuracy you need for your project. On top of the subscription-based accuracy, Trimble Catalyst can pair with both Trimble and third-party applications, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Choosing the Best Trimble GNSS System

Backed by three decades of GNSS technology leadership and surveying expertise, Trimble provides top-quality solutions for surveyors and GIS professionals. While many of the above technologies can meet the needs of various survey organizations, some solutions are more appropriate than others. Choosing the right solution is essential to succeed in a project.

The key factors to consider when choosing the best Trimble GNSS system for your project are listed below:

• Target application: The first primary factor in choosing a GNSS system is the application in which the system will be used. While large-scale projects may only require basic measurements within a meter of accuracy, small-scale applications that involve construction may require high-level accuracy within a centimeter.
  
  
• Potential obstructions: The environment in which you will be operating also has a significant effect on the efficacy of your receiver. If the signal may be obstructed by trees, buildings, bridges, or tunnels, this may be a more challenging GNSS environment. To measure accurately in these environments, a more powerful receiver like the Trimble R12 may be necessary.
  
  
• Environmental conditions: Long-term application or use in harsh environments may require the receiver used to have some level of rugged design to withstand the environmental conditions while still maintaining quality measurements.
  
  
• Housing conditions: Long-term or stable housing conditions will be suitable for larger receiver systems, but what about constricted housing situations? Operations that primarily operate out of vehicles may have limited space for GNSS solutions, meaning that they need to find a balance between functionality and spatial requirements.
  
  
• Power consumption: Some receivers require more power than others to operate, and may need more frequent charging sessions. If your application requires long periods of surveying without access to a power station, a receiver with a longer battery life will be necessary.
  
  
• Cost: Cost should always be the last consideration when choosing a GNSS system for your application. While some options may be less expensive than others, that does not make them suitable for your application. However, if you are torn between solutions and have a budget to consider, the cost may play a significant factor in your final choice.

If you're still having difficulty determining the best solution for your project's needs, you can look to Trimble suppliers to provide insight. If you're torn between solutions, Duncan-Parnell can help.

Contact Duncan-Parnell

Trimble offers top-quality GNSS technology to suit a range of applications, but not every solution is built for every application. Many companies choose GNSS solutions that are either more powerful than they need or less accurate than their project requires. That's why it's essential to know your options in both receivers and software. Fortunately, you have a partner who can help you find the right Trimble GNSS planning solution for your enterprise.

Since 1946, Duncan-Parnell has been a trusted supplier for construction contractors, engineers, surveyors, architects, and designers. As a certified distributor of Trimble equipment and software, we know Trimble products inside and out and can help you make the right decision for your business. When you partner with Duncan-Parnell, you'll find out why successful projects start here.

Contact Duncan-Parnell today to learn more about GNSS products or to get a quote.