Performance Evaluation of Low-Cost GNSS Receiver Using Different Geodetic Antennas in a Zero Baseline Configuration

Abstract

The performance of a low-cost GNSS receiver (ZED F9P) is evaluated using a zero-baseline configuration and compared with a geodetic-grade receiver through the use of different geodetic-grade and low-cost antenna models, as well as different GNSS constellation combinations. The study focuses on the analysis of ENU coordinates, bias, and total standard deviation, considering both single-constellation and multi-constellation configurations. The results demonstrate that low-cost GNSS receivers can achieve precision and accuracy comparable to those of geodetic-grade equipment when appropriately calibrated antennas are used. The GPS+GALILEO combination improves performance only when calibrated antennas are used, whereas the GLONASS and GALILEO constellations, processed independently or in combination, exhibit significant limitations when applied to low-cost receivers, preventing the attainment of robust solutions under the evaluated conditions. The results indicate that low-cost GNSS receivers constitute a viable alternative for topographic–geodetic applications, provided that the GPS constellation is available and that the project requirements and observation conditions allow it. Furthermore, it is shown that the inclusion of multiple constellations does not, by itself, guarantee an improvement in positioning precision when low-cost receivers are used.