From Cabled to Wireless GNSS Technology: We’ve come a long way.

In my early days, satellite positioning technology was quite a handful! In fact, it wasn’t even GNSS most are used to today. It was just GPS. Tracking 8 satellites was considered very good.

Systems were bulky. We used cabled systems with about 5 pounds of camcorder-style batteries, external antennas, and cabled dataloggers that felt like a workout to carry around. No gym membership needed if you did much mapping work, just a chiropractor. This article is like the older generation’s ‘we walked uphill both ways in the snow to get to school’ kind of memory. As I speak to the younger users of this amazing technology, they just don’t know how good they have it. It is so commonplace in applications that it is just expected to work.

In this modern era, we now have the privilege of using Bluetooth-connected, fully integrated GNSS receivers with internal batteries and antennas. This advancement has revolutionized the way we navigate and collect geospatial data, making our work more efficient and enjoyable.

So, why is wireless connectivity between GNSS receivers and phones or tablets a better solution? Let me tell you!

1?. Safety: With a wireless setup, we eliminate the likelihood of a cable catching on a tree branch and yanking the equipment out of our hand. During an unfortunate recovery session years ago after a disaster, the cabled antenna on top of a pole coming out of a backpack proved to be painful. Riders on horses during the search were getting pulled from or nearly pulled from their horses as branches would snag the cables. So, the teams switched from backpacks to handhelds that could be more easily carried. Problem solved.

2?. Cutting the Cord: Gone are the days of relying on cumbersome cables that seemed to find every opportunity to get tangled or snagged. The freedom of movement offered by wireless GNSS receivers enhances our mobility and productivity. You can now use the same receiver on top of a pole, as a handheld with a tray accessory, by itself, or even in an armband.

3?. Say Goodbye to Failures: Remember when a loose cable connection disrupted the data flow right in the middle of an important mapping session? No more! The absence of cables eliminates a common point of failure, ensuring uninterrupted data collection. As cables wear out, they can start corrupting data files and of course at some point just fail. Without a replacement cable handy then work comes to a stop. You could buy extra cables, sure, but why would you?

4?. Streamlined Integration: The integration of GNSS technology into devices like smartphones and tablets is seamless with wireless connectivity. It enhances the user experience by providing real-time navigation on familiar devices we already carry. At Leica we have Zeno Connect available on Android and Apple app stores for free. This app will allow you to configure our Leica Zeno GNSS products to provide accurate positioning to 3rd party applications such as Esri Field Maps, Microsurvey Field Genius, Geolantis360, Ecobot, PointMan, VertiGIS, and many, many more.

5?. Efficiency Amplified: The ease of connecting GNSS receivers wirelessly to our devices means less setup time and more time for actual data acquisition. Efficiency gains are a real game-changer for projects large and small.

6. Less weight. Less freight: Cases were much larger and heavier in the old backpack systems that were standard ‘back in the day’. Now you can carry a 2cm network GNSS rover in your pocket…..unless you're wearing skinny jeans that is.

It's been an exciting journey from those cabled systems to the present-day marvels, and I'm thrilled to be part of this incredible transformation. The past twenty plus years has proven out that cables are bad and Bluetooth connectivity is good. Glory days of the past are fine to remember, but no reason to work with yester-year’s tech when something smaller, lighter, and greater value is available. Check out the Leica Zeno FLX100 plus and you will see what I mean. Leica Zeno FLX100 plus | Smart Antenna (leica-geosystems.com). Contact me and I will help you get one, or two, or twenty. Will be great to see how this technology continues to evolve.