Help with software required for Sokkia Stratus

If you were offered a single Sokkia Stratus receiver, that is sort of like the Indian (I think) adage about the sound of one hand clapping.

What I mean is that without at least two, and preferably three such receivers, it is a quite time consuming task that you would be undertaking to put control on your site. It is not so much that it cannot be done, as it is that it is probably impracticable to do so.

Deriving precise positions from GPS receivers requires differential positioning where you have at least two receivers. The Stratus receivers were intended for post-processed work.

If you are looking for topographic data, they could be used in a stop-and-go fashion, but being single frequency, that typically requires that you have data from a receiver that can be the "base" to process your rover data against. And the distance between the base and rover should be relatively short, making downloaded CORS data an unlikely source for data to process your rover data against.

Thanks Jerry, we'll have the rethink that one!

Would you be able to recommend the minimum sort of equipment we would need? (within a reasonable budget?) We've been on site with someone using a Leica Rover etc., but looking at the cost, that would make it out of reach to own and potentially hire for one-off uses.

As Jerry said, one Stratus unit gets you nothing. Also, even with two units you'd need a known base location, (known coordinates), to set one on, as these are single frequency units. They're terrific small, simple, and inexpensive GPS units, but you need to understand their limitations to get the results you're looking for.

Do you actually need any GPS?
Can you access quality aerial photography to cover your areas of interest. It sounds like you can/do.
With those can you pick accurate coordinates and reference them in Cad?
Google Earth can be useful.
Does your government agencies have an online GIS with cadastral, topographical features?
We have an excellent service here (LIST for those interested) and one can glean much useful data.

If you need GPS, look at some of the sub metre options available. EBay would be a good source, Trimble offers many options and their older ones are still very reliable. Software maybe a problem, but others can chime in on that.
Google Trimble Geo and you'll find many options.

They would allow you to log points anywhere with a single independent unit.

Thanks Richard, I'll look into the Trimble options.

The reason for looking into GPS hardware etc. is to do with the increasingly detailed methodologies that are required for creating the photomonatages. Although plotting/mapping coordinates with ordnance survey data has worked ok, clients and planning consultants are requesting the use of hardware for accuracy - that can then be included in their reports when communicating with planning authorities.

A Single Sokkia Stratus Should Work In TN

With the 40 CORS in state it should be easy to Post Process from 3 CORS to a single L1 receiver and get results within 0.2'. With 3 points on the ground that you could get some confirming tape distances and you should be confident. With photo overlays 0.5' is usually close enough.

The Sokkia Locus, the Sokkia Super CA (don't remember the number) and the Sokkia 2300 are all recognized by Ashtech Solutions and GNSS Solutions.

I do not know if the Stratus uses a similar file layout as I never worked with other than the above Sokkia GPS units.

I believe Sokkia Spectrum software can be had for $400.00.

Paul in PA