Carlson SurveyGNSS Post Processing Software

Carlson SurveyGNSS 3 GNSS Post Processing Software

Carlson SurveyGNSS 3 is GNSS post-processing software designed for land surveyors, geodetic professionals, engineers and GIS users who need to calculate accurate positions from raw satellite observations after fieldwork has been completed. It provides an alternative or additional workflow to real-time RTK by processing stored GNSS observations against another receiver or suitable reference-station data.

This makes SurveyGNSS particularly useful when a project is outside reliable RTK network coverage, when the mobile data or radio link is unstable, when additional quality assurance is required or when observations need to be processed again using different reference information. Rather than depending entirely on a correction arriving in real time, the raw GNSS data can be taken back to the office and evaluated before final coordinates are accepted.

Process Static Stop and Go and Kinematic GNSS Data

SurveyGNSS supports several common post-processing methods. Static observations can be used for survey control and other work where receivers occupy known or unknown points for a period of time. Stop-and-go processing suits workflows where a rover remains stationary at individual survey points before moving to the next location. Kinematic processing handles observations collected while the receiver is moving.

For a surveyor, this means the same office application can be used for different types of GNSS fieldwork. A control network, topographic survey and moving-rover dataset do not necessarily require separate post-processing programs.

Useful When RTK Corrections Are Unavailable

RTK is fast and practical when a stable correction source is available, but not every site has reliable network coverage or radio communication. SurveyGNSS provides a way to continue collecting raw satellite observations and process them later instead of making the complete survey dependent on a live correction connection.

This can be valuable in remote areas, on large sites near the edge of a correction network or on projects where temporary communication problems would otherwise interrupt the work. Post-processing can also provide an independent check for important control points that were originally measured with RTK.

RINEX Support for GNSS Receivers from Different Manufacturers

SurveyGNSS accepts GNSS observations in the industry-standard RINEX format, including RINEX 2 and RINEX 3 data. Because RINEX is designed as a receiver-independent exchange format, observations from many different GNSS receivers can be processed without tying the office workflow to a single hardware brand.

The software also supports a range of proprietary observation formats from manufacturers including Carlson, Hemisphere GNSS, Altus, Javad, NovAtel, FOIF, Leica, NVS, Septentrio, Sokkia, Topcon, Trimble and u-blox. Support for a particular raw receiver file can depend on the relevant format and available conversion tools, so RINEX remains a useful common format when combining equipment from different manufacturers.

Multi Constellation GNSS Processing

Current SurveyGNSS processing supports observations from the major GNSS constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou when suitable receiver data is available. Carlson also documents support for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, now commonly known as NavIC or IRNSS.

Multi-constellation data can be particularly useful where the field receiver tracks a large number of satellites. More usable observations can improve the geometry available to the processing engine, although the final quality still depends on factors such as multipath, obstructions, observation time, satellite geometry, antenna setup and baseline length.

Calculate High Quality GNSS Baselines

At the centre of SurveyGNSS is its baseline processor. The software compares simultaneous code and carrier-phase observations between GNSS stations and calculates vectors between them. Carlson specifies automated ambiguity resolution and cycle-slip detection and removal as part of this processing workflow.

Once a vector has been processed, the results can be inspected rather than treated as a simple pass or fail measurement. Information such as solution status, baseline length and quality indicators helps an experienced surveyor determine whether the observation is suitable for the accuracy required by the project.

Faster Processing in SurveyGNSS Version 3

SurveyGNSS 3 introduces multi-thread processing so multiple baselines can be calculated simultaneously where the computer hardware allows it. This can reduce processing time on projects containing many observations compared with handling every baseline sequentially.

A processing sample interval can also be selected independently of the interval used while recording the field data. For example, a long observation recorded every second can be processed at a longer interval when appropriate, reducing the amount of data that needs to be calculated. Carlson currently provides 5, 15, 30 and 180 second processing interval options.

Version 3 also provides a dedicated baseline processing transcript view. This gives survey professionals more information about what happened during the calculation and can be useful when examining results that require additional review.

Use Reference Station Data for Post Processing

SurveyGNSS can search supported geodetic reference networks for published GNSS observations and known control information. Instead of always setting up and operating your own base receiver beside the project, suitable continuously operating reference station data can be used where it is available and appropriate for the survey.

For users working with the United States NGS CORS network, SurveyGNSS 3 also allows a preferred CORS station ID to be specified. The program can retrieve the required observation data for the period covered by the project rather than requiring the user to manually obtain a complete day of station data.

Precise Ephemeris and Ionosphere Information

SurveyGNSS can retrieve SP3 precise ephemeris information and supported ionosphere model files for use in GNSS processing. These products provide more precise satellite information than the broadcast navigation data available directly from the receiver and can be useful in demanding post-processing workflows.

The practical benefit is most relevant when processing longer baselines or observations where greater control over the satellite information used in the solution is required. Availability of the most precise products can depend on how much time has passed since the observations were recorded.

Least Squares Adjustment for GNSS Networks

After vectors have been calculated, SurveyGNSS can perform a rigorous least-squares adjustment of the GNSS network. Instead of treating every baseline independently, an adjustment evaluates the complete network and distributes the measurement differences according to the observation information.

This is particularly important for survey control networks containing redundant observations. A closed and well-designed network gives the surveyor more information for checking consistency than a simple collection of independent GNSS points. Statistical testing and adjustment information can then help identify observations that deserve further inspection.

Quality Control Before Coordinates Leave the Survey Department

SurveyGNSS is not only intended to calculate coordinates. Its tables, maps, graphs and processing information provide tools for reviewing the GNSS observations and results before they are passed to CAD, GIS or other office software.

This makes post-processing useful even for teams that normally work with RTK. Important control points can be recorded with raw GNSS observations in the field and checked again in the office, giving the surveyor another source of information before the coordinates are used for construction, mapping or final deliverables.

Process Data with or without an Internet Connection

SurveyGNSS can perform vector processing while working offline. This is useful for offices or projects where an internet connection is restricted or unavailable. Functions that depend on online information, such as downloading reference-station observations or loading an online background map, naturally require a connection.

This separation means locally available observations and reference data can still be processed even when the workstation is not continuously connected to the internet.

Optional Precise Point Positioning

Carlson also offers Precise Point Positioning or PPP functionality as an additional SurveyGNSS module. PPP processes raw phase observations from a single receiver without requiring a local base receiver or conventional nearby reference network.

This can be useful for remote projects where setting up a base station is inconvenient and suitable real-time corrections are not available. PPP performance depends strongly on observation duration, receiver data and the correction products available, so it is best viewed as another positioning method rather than a direct replacement for every RTK or local-base workflow.

GNSS Resection and Virtual Reference Station Workflows

SurveyGNSS includes tools for GNSS resection and can use locally available observations and positions in supported Virtual Reference Station workflows. A calculated virtual reference station can be created as a RINEX observation file and then used as a post-processing base for suitable static or stop-and-go surveys.

These functions are useful for experienced GNSS professionals who want more control over how the reference information for a project is established, especially where the nearest physical reference stations are not ideally positioned around the working area.

Integration with Carlson SurvPC SurvCE and Office Software

SurveyGNSS is designed to fit within the wider Carlson surveying workflow. Raw observations and project information collected with Carlson field software such as SurvPC and SurvCE can continue into post-processing, while calculated positions and vectors can be transferred onward to Carlson office applications and other compatible software.

This is useful for survey companies that want field collection, GNSS post-processing and CAD preparation to remain connected. The survey does not have to end as soon as the rover stores an RTK position; raw data can be retained for additional processing and verification when the project requires it.

Useful for GIS and Mapping Workflows

SurveyGNSS is also relevant to GIS professionals who collect raw GNSS data and need better positioning than a basic standalone receiver solution can provide. Carlson specifically supports workflows intended to improve single-frequency GIS observations through differential post-processing.

After processing, the resulting coordinates can continue into survey or GIS applications. This is useful for asset mapping, utilities, environmental surveys and other projects where field attributes are important but the geographic position also needs to meet a defined accuracy requirement.

Typical Carlson SurveyGNSS Applications

• Static GNSS control surveys
• Post processed topographic surveys
• Stop and go GNSS point collection
• Kinematic GNSS processing
• RTK quality assurance and independent checks
• Surveys outside reliable RTK correction coverage
• Geodetic and reference network measurements
• GIS data improvement and quality control

When SurveyGNSS Makes Sense in a GNSS Workflow

SurveyGNSS is especially useful for crews that want access to the raw GNSS observations instead of relying only on the coordinates calculated in the field. It provides another route to a final position when real-time communications fail and gives professional users tools for examining vectors, network adjustment and measurement quality before the data is accepted.

It is important to remember that post-processing software cannot compensate for poor field procedures. Antenna height, receiver setup, multipath, obstructions, observation duration and the quality and distance of the reference data all affect the final result. Good field observations remain the foundation of accurate post-processed GNSS coordinates.

Choosing Your Carlson SurveyGNSS Setup

The appropriate setup depends on the GNSS receivers being used, the raw data format they produce, the type of survey and whether advanced options such as PPP are required. Surveyors already using Carlson SurvPC or SurvCE can also consider how raw logging and office post-processing will fit into their existing field procedures.

Global GPS Systems can help determine how Carlson SurveyGNSS fits with your GNSS receivers, field controllers and existing Carlson software. This is particularly useful when combining different receiver brands or building a workflow that uses RTK for day-to-day measurements while retaining post-processing for control, difficult sites and quality assurance.