GNSS Tablet for Surveying: How to Find the Optimal Solution?

Modern surveying tasks can be significantly simplified through the use of devices based on the Android platform. Special attention should be given to tablets, which, unlike phones, offer several important advantages. Firstly, the large screen of a tablet allows the operator to view information more clearly and have easier access to control elements. This reduces the likelihood of errors by minimizing the risk of accidentally pressing the wrong buttons. Additionally, since surveyors often work alone, it is important to have one hand free while the other conveniently holds all necessary tools.

Should You Choose an Industrial Tablet?

Traditionally, industrial tablets with protection ratings of at least IP67 were used for surveying work. However, these devices have several significant drawbacks. They are much more expensive than consumer tablets, are produced by a limited number of companies, and often run outdated versions of Android without the possibility of upgrades. Some tablets aren’t even Google-certified, which limits their ability to run modern apps. For instance, in the popular surveying software SurPad 4.2, the augmented reality point staking feature is only available starting with Android 13.

The Biggest Drawback of Tablets with Built-in RTK

We also do not recommend using tablets with built-in RTK modules. These devices have limited functionality and can only work with software provided by the tablet manufacturer. Our experience shows that this software usually has a limited set of features, making it difficult to perform surveying tasks comprehensively. Moreover, a tablet with a built-in RTK cannot be elevated to the required height to improve satellite signal reception, which makes such a tablet ineffective in urban areas, under trees, or in any conditions other than ideal ones.

Advantages of Consumer Tablets

We recommend using standard consumer tablets from well-known brands with built-in GSM/LTE modules, in combination with compact and lightweight GNSS RTK receivers, such as Walker RTK or GEORA. This setup allows you to mount the receiver at the top of a survey pole, where the satellite signal quality is optimal, enabling you to achieve RTK FIXED status faster. Additionally, consumer tablets receive regular Android updates for several years, ensuring compatibility with modern software. Using separate equipment, such as a tablet with an external GNSS RTK receiver, gives you the flexibility to upgrade components individually. For example, you can replace just the tablet without changing the entire setup. Moreover, if one component fails, you will not be left without equipment, as the other parts will remain operational.

Industrial-Grade Durability for Consumer Tablets

To make a standard consumer tablet suitable for use in harsh field conditions, we offer accessory kits that include durable waterproof cases and specialized mounts. With these accessories, you can transform your tablet into the equivalent of an industrial-grade device, but with much better specifications. Additionally, we provide a ready-to-use surveying tablet with all necessary accessories. You will not only receive protection against dust, water, and impacts but also benefit from using modern, more powerful equipment with the latest Android versions. This ensures the long-term usability of the device and allows you to quickly replace the tablet in the future while retaining all accessories and mounts. You can also transfer the SurPad 4.2 software license to the new device and continue receiving software updates.

Thus, a modern approach to choosing a tablet for surveying tasks allows significant cost savings and ensures flexibility in software use without compromising the device’s quality and durability.