Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Tracking Infiltration Front Depth Using Time-lapse Multi-offset Gathers Collected with Array Antenna Ground Penetrating Radar
Published on: May 1, 2018
Single-Baseline RTK Positioning Using Dual-Frequency GNSS Receivers Inside Smartphones.
Paolo Dabove1, Vincenzo Di Pietra2
1Department of Environmental, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy. paolo.dabove@polito.it.
Precise positioning is achievable using smartphones with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. Smartphones offer centimeter-level accuracy, showing promise for cooperative positioning applications.
Area of Science:
- Geomatics Engineering
- Satellite Navigation Systems
- Mobile Device Technology
Background:
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning is now widespread due to mobile devices.
- Access to raw GNSS measurements (pseudoranges, carrier-phase) enables precise positioning via smart devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate positioning performance using single-base Real-Time Kinematic (RTK).
- To compare master stations: a geodetic receiver versus a smartphone.
- To assess multi-frequency and multi-constellation capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Single-base Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning setup.
- Utilized both geodetic receivers and smartphones as master stations.
- Tested multi-frequency (L1, L5) and multi-constellation (GPS, Galileo) configurations.
Main Results:
- Geodetic receivers achieved millimeter-level precision.
- Smartphones achieved centimeter-level precision (2 cm for GPS+Galileo L1+L5; 3 cm/2 cm for L1).
- Phase ambiguity fixing was not feasible, yet 3D accuracies remained under 1 meter.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone-based GNSS positioning demonstrates significant precision.
- Results are highly promising for cooperative positioning systems utilizing smartphones.
- Further research can leverage these findings for enhanced mobile navigation.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Global Positioning System Surveys
Field Application of Global Positioning System
Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device
Errors in Global Positioning System
Introduction to Global Positioning System
Distance Measurements by Taping

