GPS-based surveying systems are great for capturing GCPs, supplementing scan data, or mapping a whole scene. Being portable and rugged, they're also ideal for travel. If you’re considering such a tool, Trimble’s DA2 is worth your attention.

The receiver itself is $430 and powered by Trimble’s Catalyst GNSS service, capable of delivering RTK/PPK accuracy. Specifically, with RTK/PPK, accuracy is reported as 10 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically (+1.0 ppm). In static and fast static modes, when you can let the receiver hang out for a bit, horizontal and vertical accuracies are reportedly 3 and 5 mm, respectively (+0.5 ppm).

The Catalyst service is unique, in that you can pay for the service in annual, monthly, or hourly intervals. The 10-hour pack is $1,000 and, according to their site, good for a year. You can also go through the forensics division of Trimble to get an inclusive kit (receiver, pole, battery, and data collector) for $3k with unlimited access to Catalyst for $399/yr. Impressive pricing for such a versatile kit.

If you're interested in learning more, I recommend reaching out to Calvin Rikard, he's always a joy to speak with and knows his stuff!

Thanks to Dan McClain and Jay Gallagher for introducing me to this system, and thanks to you for reading. Keep exploring!

Lou Peck
​Lightpoint | Axiom

P.S. Lightpoint's April photogrammetry course sold out, but another is now available in May. We also just launched part two of the Speed from Video Webinar Series, details for that are here. Lots going on!