# Cheap RTK enabled GPS reciever and phone/tablet

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-rtk-enabled-gps-reciever-and-phone-tablet/815621>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 7, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-rtk-enabled-gps-reciever-and-phone-tablet/815621 "2018-06-07T19:16:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-rtk-enabled-gps-reciever-and-phone-tablet/815621/1 "2018-06-07T19:16:52Z")

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I’m looking to move away from dedicatied mapping grade recievers to tablets. I just can’t stomach the junk Trimble is putting out these days at $2500 a pop.

I’m looking for a combination of a tablet with a GPS reciever. I’d like to take advantage of the RTK network I have access to, but the reality is that I don’t need sub cm accuracy, more like 2-5m. Ruggedness is an issue as the data collection is outdoors but nothing an otterbaox can’t handle.

The tablets will be running arc collector, survey123, avenza and maybe a few others apps.

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-rtk-enabled-gps-reciever-and-phone-tablet/815621/2 "2018-06-07T19:45:41Z")

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Here is an article on phones and tablets gps accuracy. Nearly all were accurate to 3m open sky. 77% were accurate to 1m.

> **[Smartphones, Tablets and GPS Accuracy](https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-online/field-mobility/smartphones-tablets-and-gps-accuracy/)**
>
> Implementing mobile solutions that target the needs of your field workforce, that leverage your investment in the ArcGIS platform, and ar...

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**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\
**Post date:** [June 8, 2018, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-rtk-enabled-gps-reciever-and-phone-tablet/815621/3 "2018-06-08T18:07:24Z")

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> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> Here is an article on phones and tablets gps accuracy. Nearly all were accurate to 3m open sky. 77% were accurate to 1m.
> 
> [https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-online/field-mobility/smartphones-tablets-and-gps-accuracy/](https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-online/field-mobility/smartphones-tablets-and-gps-accuracy/)

Thanks **aceplace57** I’ve actually read that article before. They do a pretty good job of pointing out the issues with phone GPS that I’m trying to avoid.

I’m looking for something similar to their second trial, when they use a “consumer grade” reciever. Perferably a duel band GNSS reciever that can also take advantage of RTK correction and not break the bank.