Setting Up Your First Static GNSS Survey Using Free Tools
Static GNSS surveying is the gold standard for collecting highly accurate geodetic coordinates. It’s widely used for boundary surveys, engineering control points, and base station setup. The good news? You don’t need expensive software to get started — just a good GNSS receiver and a few free tools.
This tutorial walks you through how to perform a static survey using RTKLIB or Emlid Studio — both completely free and trusted by professionals.
📦 What You Need
- ✔️ A GNSS receiver capable of raw data logging (e.g., Trimble R8, Emlid Reach RS2, Leica GS series)
- ✔️ Power supply and tripod for stability
- ✔️ Mobile app or interface to start logging (Emlid app, data collector, etc.)
- ✔️ Free processing software: RTKLIB or Emlid Studio
🔧 Step-by-Step Guide to Static Survey
Step 1: Setup GNSS Receiver on Stable Point
- Mount your receiver over a known or unknown point using a tripod and tribrach
- Measure antenna height accurately (vertical from point to ARP)
Step 2: Start Logging Raw Data
- Begin recording in RINEX or raw format (UBX for u-blox receivers)
- Set logging duration: 30 minutes minimum for short baselines; longer for higher accuracy
Step 3: Download and Prepare Files
- Transfer raw logs (RINEX, .UBX) to your PC
- Rename clearly (e.g., SITE1_2025-07-26.obs)
Step 4: Process in Emlid Studio or RTKLIB
- Use the Static Processing mode
- Input base station RINEX and navigation file
- Set antenna model and height
- Run the solution to calculate a precise coordinate (usually WGS84 or local datum)
Step 5: Export the Results
- Export CSV or LLH (Latitude, Longitude, Height)
- Use for control points, CAD imports, or RTK base initialization
📸 Diagram: Static Survey Setup (Tripod + GNSS + Logger)
[Insert image here: GNSS receiver on tripod, showing antenna height and logging interface]
🧮 How Long Should You Log?
| Baseline Length | Recommended Logging Time |
|---|---|
| < 10 km | 30–45 minutes |
| 10–50 km | 1–2 hours |
| > 50 km | 4+ hours or overnight |
🎯 Use Cases for Static Surveying
- ✔️ Establishing GNSS control points
- ✔️ Geodetic and cadastral survey projects
- ✔️ Base station setup for long-term RTK/PPK
📥 Helpful Downloads
- RTKLIB – Free open-source GNSS processing suite
- Emlid Studio – Static & PPK processing software
Need Equipment for Static Survey?
We offer pre-owned GNSS receivers that support full static survey logging — tested and field-ready.
Next up: How to Convert Global Coordinates to Local Grid for Engineering Projects