Global Positioning Systems

"Hey Armstrong, where did you say you got this tripod from?"

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Which GPS?

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Handheld

Handhelds are now able to provide around the 5 to 10 metre range of accuracy when used on their own. With added Differential equipment this can be brought down to 1 to 3 metres accuracy consistently. Costs for handhelds vary notably and are really designed for the enthusiasts who like fishing, 4WD, light aircraft, orienteering etc. For unprecise usage amongst professionals the standard handheld is good for general location of minerals for Geologists and for Hydrologists etc.

Metre Differential

Handhelds with Differential equipment will give you 1 to 5 metres accuracy consistently. Exploration, Farming, CALM and many other areas would use this system but may find the accuracy of 1 to 3 not overly important considering most would only need a handheld.

Note: In the USA the WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is in place, which eliminates the need to acquire additional differential equipment. Currently other countries are not able to implement this facility in hand helds.

Submetre Differential

There are two systems within this category where one system typically gives you sub-metre (0.5m to 0.75m) accuracy instantaneously and the other will give you decimetre (0.1m to 0.3m) instantaneously. However, these systems can provide better accuracy depending on what is used in conjunction with it to improve the accuracy. Some of these units will give you centimetre accuracy but not instantaneously. Submetre systems are used for Asset Managment, Parks and Gardens, Exploration, Agriculture, Environmental Managment and Vehicle Tracking.

Centimetre Systems

The most expensive systems available on the market would have to be the most accurate. The centimetre systems have variations in using the USA Satellite system or other units using both USA and the Russian satellite systems. Centimetre systems are used by Surveyors, Machine Guidance, Commercial Aircraft, Construction and Mining. They also have Dual Frequency Systems (approximately $65,000 to $85,000) and Single Frequency Systems ($45,000 to $55,000). Currently the Surveyshop can only provide advice on the Centimetre systems and brokerage services. We will be looking at supplying centimetre grade systems in the near future.