In the surveying industry, accuracy is not just a requirement; it’s the foundation on which every project stands. Yet, for many surveyors working in remote or rural parts of Nigeria, achieving reliable GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) accuracy can seem like an uphill battle. So many have struggled with their receiver losing fix under tree cover or watched their RTK connection drop in the middle of a job as a result of poor GSM coverage, absence of nearby CORS networks, dense canopy cover, and vast project areas.
We are here to tell you that you’re not alone. These challenges are common, but they’re not insurmountable
At Geosso Technologies, we’ve been in the trenches with surveyors all over the country, from the busy ports of Lagos to the farmlands of Taraba and the thick forests of Eastern Nigeria. We know the realities on the ground, and more importantly, we know what works.
From our years of fieldwork across Nigeria, here’s how to consistently achieve reliable GNSS accuracy no matter where your project takes you.
- Choose the Right GNSS Receiver for Harsh Environments
Not every GNSS receiver will perform well in Nigeria’s diverse terrains. In areas with dense vegetation or canopy cover, a standard receiver often struggles to maintain satellite lock.
Tip: Go for multi-constellation receivers with strong signal tracking and anti-interference features.
From experience, models like the SinoGNSS N3, N2, Jupiter, T30, and MARS are highly reliable, even in thick vegetation.
Example from the field:
A client in Anambra was constantly battling unstable GNSS connections due to heavy forest cover. After switching to the SinoGNSS N3, the canopy issues disappeared, and they were able to complete the survey without a single drop in accuracy.
- Be Independent, Set Up Your Base and Rover
If you’re working far from any CORS station, don’t rely solely on network corrections. Setting up a local base and rover gives you full control and ensures you can still get centimeter accuracy without the internet.
Example from the field:
During a route survey in Taraba State, our team found there were no reliable CORS nearby. We set up a SinoGNSS N5 base paired with a CDL5 external UHF radio for extended range, and used an N3 rover. The result? Seamless RTK accuracy across the entire site, all offline.
- Extend Your Range with External Radios
Large sites can push your GNSS system to its communication limits. An external UHF radio like the CDL7 radio can transmit correction signals several kilometers, keeping your rover fixed even at the far edges of a project.
This is especially useful for vast sites, road alignment projects, mining sites, and agricultural layouts in rural areas.
- Plan for Canopy and Multipath Challenges
Vegetation and nearby structures can cause signal reflection and positioning errors. Receivers with advanced anti-multipath technology, like the MARS Laser RTK and theJupiter Laser RTK, can take measurements with a laser even where a direct GNSS signal is blocked. This is invaluable for as-built surveys or construction staking in obstructed areas
- Prepare for Power Challenges in Remote Areas
In remote locations, power supply can be nonexistent, so you must plan to keep your GNSS receivers running. Carry spare batteries, high-capacity power banks, or portable solar kits to ensure your work is never interrupted.
For GNSS units with internal batteries, such as the SinoGNSS N2, T20, and Jupiter, a quality power bank can be a lifesaver in the field. Choose a reliable brand with a stable voltage output to avoid damaging sensitive electronics.
When Using a Power Bank for GNSS
- Use it as an emergency backup in the field, not as your primary charging method.
- After returning from the site, recharge the receiver from a stable power source to maintain battery health.
- Avoid very cheap power banks that may cause voltage spikes.
- Keep both the GNSS and power bank dry and dust-protected, especially during the rainy season or near water bodies.
- If charging while operating, monitor the receiver for heat buildup.
Field Tip: A power bank can keep you working during an unexpected long day, but your main defense against downtime is going to the site with fully charged units and backup power sources.
- Leverage PPP (Precise Point Positioning) for Offline Work
If internet-based RTK corrections aren’t possible, PPP can be used. While it’s slower and requires post-processing, it can still deliver sub-decimeter accuracy without a base station. This is ideal for isolated project sites such as oil exploration areas or inland water surveys.
Surveying in Nigeria’s remote areas demands preparation, the right tools, and the right know-how. With solutions like the SinoGNSS N3, N2, Jupiter, T30, MARS, and N5 base systems, you can work confidently anywhere from the forests of Anambra to the open plains of Kano.
At Geosso Technologies, we’ve faced these conditions and know what works. We’re here to help you choose the right GNSS solution for your next big project.
Contact us today for a demo or consultation.
Call/WhatsApp: +234 706 176 9934 https://wa.me/2349048332623
Email: sales@geossotech.com
Website: www.geossotech.com
