Abstract
The static horizontal position accuracy of a mapping-grade GNSS receiver was tested in two forest types over two seasons, and subsequently was tested in one forest type against open sky conditions in the winter season. The main objective was to determine whether the holding position during data collection would result in significantly different static horizontal position accuracy. Additionally, we wanted to determine whether the time of year (season), forest type, or environmental variables had an influence on accuracy. In general, the F4Devices Flint GNSS receiver was found to have mean static horizontal position accuracy levels within the ranges typically expected for this general type of receiver (3 to 5 m) when differential correction was not employed. When used under forest cover, in some cases the GNSS receiver provided a higher level of static horizontal position accuracy when held vertically, as opposed to held at an angle or horizontally (the more natural positions), perhaps due to the orientation of the antenna within the receiver, or in part due to multipath or the inability to use certain satellite signals. Therefore, due to the fact that numerous variables may affect static horizontal position accuracy, we only conclude that there is weak to moderate evidence that the results of holding position are significant. Statistical test results also suggest that the season of data collection had no significant effect on static horizontal position accuracy, and results suggest that atmospheric variables had weak correlation with horizontal position accuracy. Forest type was found to have a significant effect on static horizontal position accuracy in one aspect of one test, yet otherwise there was little evidence that forest type affected horizontal position accuracy. Since the holding position was found in some cases to be significant with regard to the static horizontal position accuracy of positions collected in forests, it may be beneficial to have an understanding of antenna positioning within the receiver to achieve the greatest accuracy during data collection.
Highlights
Since the introduction of global navigation satellite systems 30 years ago, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers have become a popular tool in natural resource management
With respect to hypothesis 1, and somewhat similar to what we found with Study 1, we feel that there is weak to moderate evidence that holding position of the GNSS receiver does affect static horizontal position accuracy when the GNSS receiver is used in forested conditions
Comparing our results to the results of these previous studies, we suggest that the static horizontal position accuracy achieved using the Flint GNSS receiver seems to be consistent with other assessments, and is within the static horizontal position accuracy range that one might expect of a mapping-grade receiver without employing post-processing differential correction
Summary
Since the introduction of global navigation satellite systems 30 years ago, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers have become a popular tool in natural resource management. Their integration has been somewhat slower in forestry because of difficulties in acquiring. GNSS receivers can be used for a variety of field work tasks They can be used for navigation, to locate permanent field plots, to map ownerships or management unit boundaries for use in geographical information systems (GIS), or to map points of interest for management or research. As the desire for highly accurate location data increases and GNSS technology changes, these receivers need to be continually reassessed to provide natural resource managers with a better understanding of the accuracy of this technology and the factors that influence positional accuracy [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
