Key Considerations for Selecting GNSS (RTK) Equipment for Your Company
Choosing the right Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment is crucial for companies that rely on precise positioning and navigation. The decision impacts operational efficiency, data accuracy, and overall project success. As Latnet Technologies Ltd., a proud Canadian dealer of CHCNAV products, we understand the complexities involved in this selection process. Below, we outline the primary considerations to guide your decision-making.
1. Price
When investing in GNSS receivers, RTK GPS rovers, and high-precision surveying equipment, price is a major factor. Costs vary widely based on accuracy, RTK capabilities, base station compatibility, and software features. While initial cost is an important consideration, long-term value, upgrade potential, and return on investment (ROI) should also play a key role in the decision-making process.
Some GNSS equipment may appear cost-effective at first but require additional payments for critical features, ultimately increasing the total cost of ownership. It’s essential to evaluate pricing transparency before purchasing to avoid unexpected expenses.
Hidden or Semi-Hidden Costs to Watch For:
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Unlocking Additional GNSS Constellations
✔ Some GNSS receivers only include GPS tracking by default, requiring additional fees to enable GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou.
✔ Limiting satellite access can reduce positioning accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments like dense canopy or urban areas. -
Unlocking Multi-Frequency Capabilities
✔ Many high-end GNSS receivers support L1/L2/L5 multi-frequency tracking, but some manufacturers charge extra to unlock these features.
✔ Multi-frequency tracking enhances performance in obstructed environments by improving signal penetration and accuracy. -
Software Licensing & Additional Modules
✔ Some GNSS software platforms require separate purchases for essential functions such as line stakeout, coordinate transformations, terrain modeling, and GIS integration.
✔ These added costs can significantly increase total ownership expenses, making what seemed like an affordable choice much more expensive.
CHCNAV’s Transparent Pricing Approach
Unlike many competitors, CHCNAV provides a straightforward pricing model with essential features included by default. Their RTK GNSS receivers, GPS rovers, and GNSS base stations come with:
✔ Multi-constellation and multi-frequency tracking enabled at no extra charge.
✔ Full RTK functionality without hidden activation fees.
✔ Cloud-based GNSS data processing included, eliminating the need for costly software add-ons.
Key Takeaways for Cost Evaluation:
✔ Initial Investment – Higher-end RTK GNSS receivers with centimeter-level accuracy and tilt compensation may have a higher upfront cost but deliver greater efficiency and precision.
✔ Long-Term Costs – Consider potential expenses for firmware updates, software subscriptions, and feature unlocks to determine the true cost of ownership.
✔ Value for Money – Look beyond the initial price and assess how RTK GPS technology improves workflow efficiency, reduces field time, and enhances GIS integration.
By choosing a GNSS solution with transparent pricing, businesses can minimize unexpected expenses, optimize their investment, and ensure reliable performance for years to come.
2. Support
Reliable technical support is essential for minimizing downtime and operational disruptions when using GNSS receivers, RTK GPS rovers, and base stations. While manufacturer support is crucial for firmware updates, software maintenance, and troubleshooting, having access to local support services offers significant advantages, such as faster repair times, hands-on assistance, and personalized guidance.
A trusted local service provider like Latnet Technologies Ltd. in Calgary ensures that customers receive:
✔ Quick turnaround for repairs and diagnostics, reducing costly delays.
✔ Direct access to technical experts for RTK network troubleshooting and software configuration.
✔ Training and onboarding support tailored to regional surveying and mapping workflows.
This localized approach improves efficiency, reduces wait times for service, and enhances overall user experience, making it easier for businesses to keep their GNSS operations running smoothly.
Key Considerations for GNSS Support:
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Availability of Technical Support
✔ Ensure timely assistance is available for RTK connectivity issues, firmware updates, software setup, and GNSS base station configuration.
✔ Access to real-time troubleshooting and remote support can prevent unnecessary field delays. -
Responsiveness & Repair Turnaround
✔ Fast response times are crucial to maintaining productivity in surveying, construction, and GIS applications.
✔ Local repair centers reduce downtime, allowing field crews to get back to work quickly. -
Expertise & Knowledge Base
✔ Support staff should have in-depth expertise in RTK positioning, GNSS software configuration, and surveying workflows.
✔ Hands-on training programs and user manuals help operators maximize equipment efficiency.
CHCNAV’s Global & Local Support Network
CHCNAV provides comprehensive global support, ensuring surveyors, GIS professionals, and construction crews receive expert guidance on RTK troubleshooting, GNSS receiver optimization, and software integration. Regions also have local service providers that offer:
✔ On-site and remote troubleshooting assistance.
✔ Faster repair turnaround times and local warranty services.
✔ Tailored training sessions for GNSS surveying and data management.
For example, Latnet Technologies Ltd. in Calgary offers localized GNSS repair, technical troubleshooting, and training services, ensuring businesses have direct access to timely, efficient support.
By choosing a GNSS provider with strong global and local support, companies can minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and ensure long-term equipment reliability.
3. Software Usability and Capabilities
The software that accompanies GNSS receivers, RTK GPS rovers, and base stations plays a critical role in data collection, processing, and analysis. While hardware provides accurate positioning, software serves as the primary interface between the user and the equipment, determining workflow efficiency, ease of use, and overall productivity.
A well-designed, user-friendly GNSS software solution is often just as important—if not more important—than the hardware itself. Comprehensive, intuitive software minimizes the learning curve, reduces field errors, and decreases dependency on office staff, allowing surveyors and field crews to work more independently and efficiently. The ability to perform real-time calculations, automate data validation, and integrate seamlessly with third-party software ensures a smooth transition from fieldwork to data processing.
Key Considerations for GNSS Software:
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User-Friendly Interface & Intuitive Design
✔ A well-structured, intuitive layout simplifies operations, reducing the need for extensive training.
✔ A modern, responsive interface allows field crews to complete tasks faster and with fewer mistakes. -
Functionality & Advanced Features
✔ Support for tilt compensation, visual surveys, visual stakeout, automated data logging, and coordinate transformations.
✔ Seamless integration with third-party applications for expanded functionality in surveying and mapping tasks. -
Compatibility & Integration with Existing Workflows
✔ Ensure that GNSS software integrates with GIS platforms, CAD software, machine control systems, and geospatial databases to prevent workflow disruptions.
✔ Compatibility with industry-standard file formats ensures easy data exchange between different platforms. -
Data Format Support for Interoperability
✔ The software should support widely-used formats to ensure compatibility with other systems.
✔ CHCNAV’s LandStar 8 software supports formats such as Trimble JXL, Leica LOK, Carlson FCL, and Esri SHP, allowing seamless data exchange across multiple platforms. -
Cloud-Based GNSS Solutions & Data Synchronization
✔ Cloud integration allows real-time data sharing, backup, and collaboration between field crews and office teams.
✔ CHCNAV’s LandStar 8 software includes cloud connectivity by default, eliminating the need for costly cloud subscriptions.
CHCNAV’s Software Advantage
CHCNAV is recognized for its user-friendly, feature-rich GNSS software, designed to enhance productivity and ease of use. LandStar 8 offers:
✔ A modern, clean interface with powerful automation tools to simplify data collection and processing.
✔ Advanced survey workflows, including real-time GNSS data processing, tilt compensation, and automated stakeout assistance.
✔ Optimized data management, reducing manual input and eliminating unnecessary post-processing steps.
For example, the CHCNAV i93 GNSS receiver, when paired with LandStar 8, enables seamless surveying workflows with features like tilt compensation and visual stakeout assistance, boosting field productivity by up to 30%.
A well-integrated GNSS software ecosystem not only improves accuracy and efficiency but also minimizes data loss, rework, and field errors, ensuring projects are completed faster and with higher precision.
4. Subscription Fees for Software and Firmware Renewals
Beyond the initial cost of GNSS equipment, many manufacturers impose recurring subscription fees for software updates, firmware enhancements and advanced features. These ongoing costs can significantly impact long-term expenses, making it crucial to evaluate the true cost of ownership before purchasing.
In addition to subscription fees, some manufacturers also charge extra for essential software modules, requiring businesses to pay separately for features like line stakeout, coordinate transformations, terrain modeling, and GIS integration. This can lead to a higher total cost over time, making a system much more expensive in the long run.
Hidden and Recurring Costs to Consider:
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Software Licensing Fees
✔ Some GNSS software platforms require annual subscriptions to maintain access to full functionality.
✔ While some updates improve performance, others lock critical features behind paywalls. -
Firmware & Feature Unlocks
✔ Certain GNSS receiver manufacturers charge extra to unlock access to additional satellite constellations (GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
✔ Multi-frequency tracking and high-precision RTK capabilities sometimes require separate firmware unlock fees. -
Cloud & Data Management Fees
✔ Some GNSS providers charge for additional cloud storage, online collaboration tools, or data-sharing functionality.
✔ These ongoing fees can increase total ownership costs over time. -
Paid Software Modules
✔ Some manufacturers require separate purchases for basic functionalities like stakeout, terrain modeling, and GIS compatibility.
✔ These additional costs may limit flexibility and force users into expensive licensing structures.
CHCNAV’s Cost-Effective Approach
Unlike many competitors, CHCNAV minimizes hidden costs, ensuring businesses get full access to essential features without surprise fees. CHCNAV offers:
✔ No mandatory subscriptions for core features (RTK, multi-constellation tracking).
✔ One-time software licensing with all essential tools included.
✔ Free firmware updates for many GNSS receivers, keeping devices up to date without added costs.
✔ Basic software modules like stakeout and terrain processing included by default, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
Maximizing ROI with Transparent Pricing
By choosing GNSS solutions with minimal recurring costs, businesses can:
✔ Reduce long-term financial strain with predictable pricing.
✔ Avoid costly feature unlocks and unnecessary subscription renewals.
✔ Maximize return on investment (ROI) by ensuring full functionality without extra fees.
With CHCNAV’s cost-effective approach, companies can invest in high-quality GNSS solutions that provide long-term value without hidden expenses.
5. Hardware Features and Durability
The physical design and durability of GNSS equipment play a crucial role in performance, reliability, and longevity, especially in demanding surveying, construction, and agricultural environments. GNSS receivers, RTK rovers, and base stations must endure extreme weather conditions, rough handling, and prolonged field use without compromising accuracy or efficiency. Choosing rugged, well-designed GNSS hardware reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and ensures consistent high-precision positioning over time.
Key Hardware Considerations:
1. Ruggedness & Environmental Resistance
Field operations expose GNSS receivers and RTK rovers to extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and physical shocks. Equipment should have:
✔ IP65 or higher ingress protection (IP) ratings for water and dust resistance.
✔ Shockproof & vibration-resistant casing for use in construction, mining, and forestry.
✔ Cold & heat resistance for operation in sub-zero temperatures or extreme heat.
✔ Weatherproof GNSS antennas for uninterrupted tracking in rain, snow, or desert conditions.
2. Portability & Ergonomics
Surveying teams often work in challenging terrain, making lightweight, compact, and ergonomic designs essential for ease of transport and field efficiency:
✔ GNSS receivers should be compact and comfortable to use for extended periods.
✔ RTK base stations should be lightweight and easy to set up with durable mounting options.
3. Battery Life & Power Efficiency
Uninterrupted field operations rely on long-lasting battery performance, reducing the need for frequent recharging:
✔ Extended battery life (8+ hours) for RTK rovers and Bases.
✔ Efficient power management to extend GNSS tracking capability when working remotely.
✔ External power options for Base for prolonged use.
4. Local Service & Repairs
Hardware failures can significantly impact field productivity, so quick access to local service centers is crucial:
✔ Check if local repair services are available to minimize equipment downtime.
✔ Verify warranty and maintenance options to ensure fast part replacements if needed.
✔ Manufacturers with regional support centers provide faster repairs and hardware diagnostics.
✔ Latnet Technologies Ltd. offers local GNSS service and repairs in Calgary, ensuring quick turnaround times and hands-on support for Canadian users.
CHCNAV’s Hardware Durability & Reliability
CHCNAV’s GNSS receivers and RTK systems are built for rugged, high-performance surveying:
✔ IP67-rated waterproof & dustproof designs for harsh environments.
✔ Lightweight yet durable frames to withstand shock and vibration.
✔ Advanced power management for extended field operations.
✔ Local support available to minimize downtime and ensure long-term reliability.
Selecting rugged, efficient GNSS hardware with local service options ensures maximum uptime, lower maintenance costs, and reliable field performance in any surveying or mapping application.
6. Compatibility and Integration
Choosing GNSS equipment that integrates seamlessly with existing hardware, software, and workflows is critical for maintaining efficiency and reducing operational disruptions. A well-integrated GNSS system allows surveyors, engineers, and geospatial professionals to work more effectively without worrying about data conversion issues, hardware conflicts, or workflow limitations.
Compatibility is especially important when using mixed-brand GNSS receivers, RTK base stations, and software platforms. Some manufacturers create closed ecosystems, limiting the ability to integrate with other brands, which can increase costs and restrict flexibility.
Key Considerations for Compatibility:
1. System Integration with Existing Hardware & Software
✔ Ensure GNSS receivers, RTK rovers, and base stations are compatible with your existing data controllers, CAD software, GIS platforms, and surveying software.
✔ RTK correction networks and GNSS post-processing software should support industry-standard formats for seamless data sharing.
✔ Verify that data formats (RINEX, JXL, CSV, DXF, SHP, etc.) are supported to allow smooth import/export across multiple software platforms.
✔ CHCNAV’s LandStar 8 software is compatible with widely used Trimble, Leica, and Carlson formats, ensuring easy integration into existing field and office workflows.
2. Compatibility with Other GNSS Receivers and RTK Base Stations
✔ Some manufacturers restrict compatibility, requiring users to buy their own base stations and rovers. CHCNAV, however, is fully compatible with third-party GNSS receivers and RTK base stations.
✔ CHCNAV equipment supports standard RTK correction formats (RTCM, CMR+, and NTRIP), allowing users to receive/send corrections from/to third-party base stations and rovers such as Trimble, Leica, Topcon, and Hemisphere.
✔ Users can mix and match CHCNAV receivers with various RTK correction networks, including public CORS and private GNSS base stations.
3. Future-Proofing & Scalability
✔ Consider the potential for future upgrades to ensure the GNSS equipment remains relevant as your business expands.
✔ CHCNAV receivers support multiple GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), ensuring long-term usability as satellite infrastructure evolves.
✔ Open compatibility with third-party surveying tools and cloud-based collaboration ensures the GNSS system remains flexible for future industry advancements.
CHCNAV’s Compatibility & Open Integration Approach
Unlike some competitors that lock users into proprietary ecosystems, CHCNAV designs its GNSS systems for open compatibility and seamless data exchange:
✔ Supports RTCM and CMR+ correction formats, allowing base-rover operation with other brands.
✔ Compatible with industry-standard GIS and CAD platforms, ensuring easy data transfer.
✔ Fully functional with NTRIP networks and third-party RTK correction services.
✔ Scalable for future upgrades, reducing the need for frequent hardware replacements.
By selecting GNSS equipment that supports open protocols and cross-brand compatibility, businesses can increase flexibility, reduce long-term costs, and maintain efficiency across multiple surveying and geospatial applications.
7. Accuracy and Performance
The accuracy and reliability of GNSS receivers are critical for surveying, construction, mapping, and precision agriculture. While most modern RTK GNSS receivers provide centimeter-level accuracy under ideal conditions, real-world environments present challenges that affect performance.
Factors such as dense canopy, urban areas with signal reflections (multipath), and extreme weather conditions can disrupt GNSS positioning, causing delays or inaccuracies. Not all GNSS receivers perform equally in these conditions, so selecting a high-performance GNSS receiver ensures consistent accuracy, faster RTK fixes, and reliable operation in demanding environments.
Key Considerations for Accuracy & Performance:
1. Precision Needs & Application-Specific Accuracy
✔ Determine the level of accuracy required for your projects—surveying and construction may require centimeter precision, while GIS applications might allow sub-meter accuracy.
✔ RTK-enabled GNSS receivers provide real-time centimeter accuracy, while PPP (Precise Point Positioning) and SBAS corrections improve accuracy for remote areas without RTK network access.
✔ Multi-frequency (L1/L2/L5) and multi-constellation tracking (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) for enhanced signal stability and superior accuracy in urban environments and dense forest canopies.
2. Performance in Tough Conditions
✔ Dense Canopy & Forested Areas – GNSS signals weaken under trees and foliage, leading to longer RTK fix times or loss of positioning.
✔ Urban Canyons & Multipath Environments – Signals bounce off buildings and structures, affecting accuracy.
✔ Extreme Cold & Harsh Weather – Some receivers perform poorly in freezing temperatures or extreme heat and dust.Â
✔ Faster RTK Fix & Signal Reacquisition – achieving rapid RTK initialization even after signal loss, making them ideal for dynamic field operations.
CHCNAV’s Superior Performance in Challenging Environments
CHCNAV has developed industry-leading GNSS technology that ensures accurate, stable performance in difficult conditions:
✔ Strong RTK fix stability under dense canopy with advanced signal processing algorithms.
✔ Reliable GNSS performance in extreme cold (-40°C) and heat (+65°C) with IP67 rugged protection.
✔ Anti-multipath filtering for improved accuracy in urban and industrial environments.
✔ CHCNAV’s GNSS receivers excel in canopy-covered environments, using advanced signal filtering and multi-path rejection algorithms to maintain strong satellite lock even in forests.
For businesses working in forestry, construction, mining, and remote surveying, investing in a high-performance GNSS receiver like CHCNAV’s RTK systems ensures greater efficiency, fewer interruptions, and consistently accurate data, regardless of environmental challenges.
8. Training and Ease of Use
Even the most advanced GNSS equipment is only as effective as the operator using it. A well-designed GNSS receiver, RTK system, or surveying software should be intuitive and easy to use, allowing operators to maximize efficiency with minimal training. However, since not all users have prior experience with RTK workflows, GNSS data processing, or surveying software, training availability is a crucial factor when choosing equipment.
Comprehensive training programs, user manuals, and ongoing technical support help ensure that operators can quickly learn, troubleshoot, and confidently use their GNSS system without constant reliance on office staff or support teams.
Key Considerations for Training & Ease of Use:
1. Training Resources & Manufacturer Support
✔ Look for manufacturers that provide detailed training materials, including user manuals, online tutorials, and hands-on training sessions.
✔ Web-based training modules and video tutorials help users quickly adapt to new GNSS equipment.
✔ Live technical support and expert guidance can be critical for new users learning RTK corrections, coordinate transformations, and software integration.
2. Training Availability & Costs
✔ Verify whether training is included with the equipment purchase or if it requires an additional fee.
✔ Some manufacturers provide one-on-one onboarding sessions, while others charge for advanced training programs.
✔ Local dealers, such as Latnet Technologies Ltd., offer hands-on training for CHCNAV equipment, ensuring users gain confidence in GNSS operation, software workflows, and troubleshooting.
3. Ease of Use & Software Intuitiveness
✔ GNSS software should be user-friendly, with intuitive workflows that minimize the learning curve.
✔ Automated stakeout, coordinate transformations, and RTK network setup and other functions should be simple and accessible, even for non-expert users.
✔ CHCNAV’s LandStar 8 software is designed with a clean, easy-to-navigate interface, reducing the need for extensive training while maintaining powerful functionality.
CHCNAV’s User-Friendly Approach to Training & Usability
CHCNAV designs GNSS receivers, RTK systems, and software with ease of use in mind, ensuring that operators can quickly learn and apply GNSS surveying techniques with minimal training:
✔ Comprehensive training materials, including manuals, tutorial videos, and online shorts.
✔ Intuitive software interfaces that make RTK setup, point collection, and stakeout simpler.
✔ On-site and online training options available through Latnet Technologies Ltd. and CHCNAV’s global support network.
By choosing a GNSS solution with strong training support and user-friendly software, businesses can reduce onboarding time, improve field efficiency, and minimize costly operational mistakes.
9. Open-Mindedness to New Brands
When selecting GNSS equipment, many professionals tend to stick with familiar brands they have used in the past. However, the GNSS industry is constantly evolving, with new brands introducing competitive, high-performance solutions that often provide better value, improved features, and enhanced compatibility. Remaining open-minded about exploring different brands can lead to cost savings, greater flexibility, and access to cutting-edge technology.
Manufacturer like CHCNAV offer modern, reliable GNSS receivers, RTK systems, and software that match or exceed the performance of long-established brands like Trimble or Leica—often at a more competitive price. However, before making a switch, it’s essential to evaluate how well the brand is established in the industry and whether it is a serious company or just a rebranding of lower-quality products.
Key Considerations When Exploring New Brands:
1. Explore Alternatives & Compare Features
✔ If you have traditionally used one brand, such as Trimble or Leica, consider exploring alternatives like CHCNAV, which offer comparable or superior accuracy, durability, and usability at a better price point.
✔ Many modern GNSS brands support open protocols, allowing their RTK receivers and base stations to work with multiple systems.
2. Evaluate Cost, Performance & Compatibility
✔ Compare the features, hardware build quality, and software capabilities of different brands.
✔ Look for cross-brand compatibility, ensuring the equipment integrates with your existing RTK network, software, and data controllers.
✔ CHCNAV receivers are designed for open compatibility, allowing them to work with third-party GNSS base stations and RTK networks.
3. Research the Brand Before Purchasing
✔ Ask the reseller or distributor about the company’s history, manufacturing standards, and market reputation.
✔ Check if the brand is an established GNSS manufacturer or just a rebranded low-quality product under a different name.
✔ Look for industry reviews, customer feedback, and long-term service support before investing in a new brand.
✔ A serious GNSS manufacturer will have strong R&D capabilities, continuous firmware/software updates, and long-term support commitments.
4. Stay Updated with Industry Reviews & Advancements
✔ Keep an eye on new GNSS technology, software advancements, and independent reviews.
✔ Many professionals have switched to more affordable GNSS brands without sacrificing quality, reliability, or performance.
Why CHCNAV is a Strong Alternative
CHCNAV has proven itself as a leading GNSS provider, offering:
✔ High-precision RTK GNSS receivers with full GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou tracking.
✔ Affordable pricing compared to major brands, without compromising accuracy and performance.
✔ Open compatibility with RTCM, NTRIP, and CMR+ correction formats, ensuring seamless integration with existing equipment.
✔ A well-established company with extensive global distribution, R&D investment, and long-term firmware/software support.
By exploring alternatives and researching brands carefully, businesses can reduce equipment costs, access modern technology, and increase flexibility without being locked into a single brand.
Conclusion
Selecting the right GNSS equipment requires a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors, including pricing structure, technical support, software usability, hardware durability, and long-term operational costs. Businesses must also consider subscription fees, brand reputation, and compatibility with existing workflows to ensure a seamless, cost-effective, and future-proof investment.
Additionally, staying open-minded to emerging brands and conducting proper research before purchasing can lead to significant cost savings and improved technology adoption. Whether upgrading existing equipment or investing in RTK GNSS receivers, base stations, or advanced surveying software, choosing a reliable, well-supported solution is critical for maximizing efficiency and accuracy.
As a trusted CHCNAV dealer, Latnet Technologies Ltd. is committed to helping Canadian companies select the best GNSS solutions tailored to their needs. With expert advice, local support, and access to high-quality equipment, we ensure businesses can operate with precision, reliability, and long-term efficiency.
For personalized guidance and a wide range of GNSS solutions, feel free to contact Latnet Technologies Ltd. today.
