Setup GPS

How to use GPS with NDEVR

GPS integration allows users to quickly map coordinates in the real world for later use. This page provides an overview of how to use GPS within any NDEVR-GPS enabled application.

Some terms that are useful to know and understand:

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a general term for a network of satellites that provide positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional scale. GPS, the most common network, is one of many satellite systems that can be used to derive location.
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a high-precision satellite navigation technique that enhances the accuracy of standard GPS positioning. It relies on an unmoving base station and a rover receiver to provide real-time corrections, enabling centimeter-level accuracy.

Setting Projection

While latitude and longitude are essential for global navigation and mapping on the Earth’s curved surface, coordinate plane transformations offer advantages in clarity and precision for localized mapping and geometric calculations. In fields like survey, engineering, and physics, Cartesian coordinates provide a straightforward way to express exact positions, distances, and transformations using simple algebraic equations. This methodical approach allows for easier integration with mathematical models, simulations, and graphical representations, making it particularly useful in disciplines where accuracy and computational efficiency are crucial.

By default, the software will automatically choose the best UTM Projection. However, for more advanced users, they may choose a particular projection from Settings > Projection

ConFiguring Application GNSS Settings

From the Settings > GNSS Page you can adjust several options.

Single GNSS: Only connect to one receiver. Creates a quick and easy workflow for one device
Multiple GNSS: Allows assignment of more than one reciever to multiple devices.
Connect Automatically: Will automatically attempt to connect to the receiver at the start of each project
Out-Of-Bounds Warning: Warns if the GNSS is not inside the bounds of the NMEA

Hardware Setup

The NDEVR applications work by receiving a NMEA steam. Most receivers have various options for outputting NMEA to files, Bluetooth, or a TCP/UDP port. In general, we recommend enabling the following streams.

GGA @ 1-10Hz: Provides position and time. Required
GST @ 1-5Hz: Provides Error Estimation
GGA @ 1Hz: Provides Error Estimation
GSV @ 1 Hz: Provides Location in the Sky of Satellites
GSA @ 1 Hz: Provides Quality Information for Satellites

Guides for Setting up NMEA Streams:

Connecting And Setting Up Reciever

The interactive demo can be used to visualize how GNSS Connection works and can be used to test the compatibility of your system. This menu is normally accessed via Settings > GNSS > “Settings”

Connection: From here you can choose a connection port corresponding to the NMEA stream enabled in the previous step
Location: Shows important fields of Projection and GPS
Quality: Shows a bar chart of satellites in use and the associated quality of the satellites
Plan View: Shows the position of the satellites in the sky overhead. Useful for planning around obstructions.

Field Data Collection

For those with limited experience collecting data with GPS/GNSS. We highly recommend reviewing the guide for Field Collection Best Practices.