Towards the use of low-cost GNSS receivers for permanent networks in precision agriculture

Abstract

The use of GNSS for precision farming is not a novelty. In many cases, the GNSS receivers and antennas are only a subset of instruments usually considered and used in complex monitoring systems, e.g., for guidance, where more often continuous tracking and a precise location of the vehicle are required. In this case, the installed GNSS solution is composed of a dual frequency receiver, with a geodetic antenna and a display available to the driver, and a radio connection to one or more permanent stations to reduce the biases and increase the positioning accuracy. The management of the collected data is the most critical aspect because the approach, which is commonly used, assumes a kinematic position of the GNSS antenna during the acquisition time window. Several positioning solutions may be selected according to time, economy, and infrastructure readiness in the field. The methodology for data acquisition and positioning (real-time or post-processing), the type of receivers and antenna used (single or multi-constellation, single or dual frequency, mass-market or geodetic), and GNSS network services available, are also aspects to consider. In this work, the analysis of positioning solutions based on a low-cost GNSS network for precision agriculture is investigated, focusing on pedestrian and vehicular modes.