Accurate Real-time GNSS positioning assisted by tablets: An innovative method for positioning and mapping

Kinematic satellite positioning consists in estimating the trajectory of a moving receiver, by processing observations from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This is a well-known technique if geodetic or GIS receivers are considered but nowadays it is also possible to make a precise positioning with other devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This study shows the performances of an external mass-market GPS L1 receiver connected to a tablet in NRTK positioning for GIS purposes. Impressive performances of mass-market GNSS instruments coupled with tablets are shown: with this kind of confguration it is possible to reach a centimetric level of accuracy in real-time. This means that interesting future developments could arise for different purposes, such as mapping and navigation.