Consumer-grade global positioning systems (GPS) receiver performance

Abstract

This study reports the relative measurement accuracy and reliability of six consumer-grade global positioning system (GPS) receivers that were tested in several distinct forest settings. The settings included open sky, young forest, and closed forest canopy conditions. In addition, the influence of whether a single position measurement is more accural than the average of 30 or 60 measurements is examined. Significant differences in accuracy existed among the six GPS receivers and forest setting also influenced accuracy and reliability. We also found varying operating characteristics among the GPS receivers. The most accurate consumer-grade GPS receiver had average measurement errors of approximately 2 m or less in open sky conditions, 3 m less in a young forest setting, and 9 m or less under a closed canopy. The number of averaged positions (1, 30, or 60) was a significant factor for accuracy with only two of the six GPS receivers. Copyright © 2008 by the Society of American Foresters.