I want this to put in state plane control for me to occupy with my total station, and it seems the three receiver package is the way to go. For the money, I don't see how I can keep traversing in from my monuments.
How well does the unit work, do you get the accuracy they say you do? How hard is the software to learn, I am not a rocket scientist, I am a surveyor!
I've used the Promark 2 system (3 receivers) for about a month. As long as you let them receive data for the required time period (45 min. +), centimeter accuracy is attainable.
I have used them stand alone and along with dual frequency Ashtech Z Surveyors and the results are excellant.
The software is easy enough for most surveyors in todays market to use right of way.
The only draw back I see is the durability of the receiver unit. It seems a little flimsy when compared to Locus or Z receivers, but if your careful with them I believe they will last for a number of years.
Dig through the last few months of messages about the ProMark2 right here.
Study the "Practical GPS Surveying" from the manuals folder on the Ashtech ftp server at
ftp://ftp.ashtech.com
In that same manuals folder get into the Ashtech Solutions and the ProMark2 folders and download even more to look at.
This is something you can learn to do. If you already understand state plane coordinate systems you have a leg up already.
Some of the folks who are getting into the GPS business with the ProMark2 are also having to learn how to use their computers. For some it will come more quickly than for others.
I am still a surveyor in my heart and not a rocket scientist. Don't know, and don't care, what frequency L1 and L2 are transmitted on. Don't want to use a $15 calculator to compute spherical geometry. I do know how to make GPS surveys that are tied to the NSRS and have spent some years using Ashtech tools to do just exactly that.
How do I know that I got it right? By practicing with the things I already knew were right - the FBN and CBN B and better stations. Surveying is about following footsteps.
Sorry guys, did it again, NSRS = National Spatial Reference System.
FBN = Federal Base Network
CBN = Cooperative Base Network
AA,A,B order of accuracy - I will let you scrounge the NGS web page for that one.
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/
I have more experiences and lots more links but don't want to bore anybody. If you want a "Phil Phone Book" or a "Weekly Wipe" just let me know. I will even send you my "Poor Man's GPS Network".