Top Free Tools for GNSS Surveying You Should Know
Surveying with GNSS doesn’t always have to be expensive. Whether you’re planning fieldwork, converting RINEX files, or post-processing raw data — many free tools can get the job done just as well as premium software.
Here’s a curated list of the most useful free GNSS survey tools you should have in your toolkit.
📡 1. Emlid Studio (Windows/macOS)
Best for: Post-processing static and kinematic GNSS data (PPK)
- ✅ Import RINEX or UBX data
- ✅ Process base and rover logs easily
- ✅ Export accurate positions in CSV, POS, DXF
📅 2. GNSS Planning Tools (Online & Offline)
Best for: Planning optimal survey time based on satellite visibility
- 🔭 View satellite elevation and DOP
- 📶 Customize GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo)
- 🕓 Predict multipath risk or low coverage times
Try UNAVCO Satellite Planner →
🗂️ 3. RTKLib (Windows/Linux/macOS)
Best for: Advanced GNSS post-processing (open-source)
- ⚙️ Control baseline distance, frequency band, output formats
- 📊 Convert, visualize, and post-process GNSS logs
- 🔁 Compatible with many proprietary formats
📁 4. TEQC by UNAVCO (Command Line)
Best for: RINEX file quality checking and editing
- ✔️ Trim or combine RINEX files
- 🔍 Check signal quality and satellite consistency
- 📁 Export summary stats
🗺️ 5. GeoConverter Tools (Online)
Best for: Coordinate conversion (UTM ↔ WGS84, local datum)
- 📍 Convert lat/lon to UTM or local grid systems
- 🌍 Supports EPSG codes for most countries
- 🧮 Batch conversions available
🛠️ Honorable Mentions
- QGIS: Open-source GIS platform for mapping GNSS data
- GNSS-SDR: Real-time GNSS signal processing for advanced users
- Google Earth Pro: Free version now available for map overlay & exporting survey points
🧠 Summary
If you’re getting started with GNSS or trying to keep your survey workflow efficient and affordable, these free tools are worth checking out. From raw data to PPK results and map exports, you can do a lot — without spending a cent.
🧭 Want a custom workflow for your GNSS receiver? We can help you build it using these tools.
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