Whether it is the GPS in our phones or the RTK GPS in our surveying equipment, it is hard to deny that satellite constellations are a part of our daily lives in a rather significant way. Since the first satellites launched back in the late 70s, the applications for positioning satellites have only grown, as has the number of satellites in orbit. As a result, it can be hard to think of a world without this technology.
So, what would happen if we lost this “invisible utility?” One of the first considerations with this question is understanding the full breadth of RTK GPS applications, so let’s take a look at how widespread this technology really is.
GPS failures can occur for several different reasons, ranging from natural space weather events to equipment and network problems on the ground. Understanding the source of the issue is the first step toward maintaining reliable positioning accuracy.
Common GPS failure causes include:
Any of these issues can reduce accuracy, delay position fixes, or cause complete signal loss.
Most consumers use GPS-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets and navigation systems. These devices themselves have endless GPS applications, from tracking user data to generating an augmented reality viewpoint and beyond. Plus, drone hobbyists and others would no longer be able to use their equipment effectively without the help of satellite systems.
In just about every industry, there is some use for RTK GPS or an equivalent. Dock cranes use GPS to position themselves. Delivery and transport businesses use GPS to determine vehicle locations and scheduling constraints.
Infrastructure also relies on GPS equipment, from surveying to vehicle movement on active build sites and far more. Without GPS support, many of our infrastructure programs would take significantly longer to implement.
Looking at this long list of applications makes it evident that GPS has become an integral part of our daily lives, and without it, we would likely suffer significant consequences. Luckily, there are professionals who help maintain the elaborate system that helps RTK GPS exist in the first place.
GPS is part of a broader group of satellite navigation systems known as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which also includes GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. A GNSS receiver determines its position by measuring the travel time of signals transmitted from multiple satellites orbiting Earth. The receiver calculates its location by comparing these timing measurements and solving for latitude, longitude, and elevation.
For high-precision surveying applications, standard GNSS positioning is enhanced through Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology. RTK uses a known reference point, called a base station, to calculate positioning errors and transmit correction data to a rover receiver in real time.
These corrections are delivered through radio communications or NTRIP networks that distribute correction data over the internet from permanent reference station networks. By continuously correcting satellite errors, RTK allows surveyors to achieve centimeter-level accuracy rather than the several-foot accuracy typically associated with standard GPS.
Because RTK depends on satellites, base stations, correction networks, communication links, and rover receivers working together, multiple points of failure can exist within the positioning chain. If correction data is interrupted, network connections fail, satellite visibility decreases, or atmospheric conditions distort signals, positioning accuracy can quickly deteriorate.
Because this process depends on precise timing, uninterrupted signal paths, and stable satellite health, any disturbance can cause errors or temporary failures. Common issues include atmospheric interference, dense urban environments that block satellite visibility, hardware malfunctions within the receiver, jamming or signal noise from nearby equipment, and planned satellite maintenance.
When any of these factors interrupt the signal chain, users may notice reduced accuracy, delayed fixes, or complete outages.
Solar storms are among the most significant natural threats to GPS accuracy. These events occur when the Sun releases charged particles and electromagnetic energy that interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
During a geomagnetic storm:
For surveyors, these effects can translate into larger horizontal and vertical position errors. In severe cases, GPS receivers may display locations that slowly shift even when the equipment remains stationary.
Although most solar storms cause only temporary disruptions, major space weather events can affect GPS users across large geographic regions, impacting surveying, aviation, transportation, and construction operations.
One of the most challenging GPS failure symptoms for surveyors is signal drift. During periods of atmospheric disturbance or unstable corrections, a receiver may appear to move gradually even while sitting motionless on a known point.
Signal drift can introduce horizontal and vertical position errors that affect boundary measurements, flood elevation certifications, site grading calculations, and construction layout work. Depending on conditions, errors may range from a few centimeters to several feet.
Because these errors are not always immediately obvious, professional surveyors routinely verify observations against known control points before accepting field measurements.
Professional surveyors rarely rely on a single positioning method. Established quality-control procedures allow projects to continue even when GPS performance becomes unreliable.
When GPS becomes unreliable, surveyors typically follow several verification steps:
These procedures help prevent hidden positioning errors from affecting project outcomes.
When satellite positioning becomes unreliable, total stations provide an effective alternative. Unlike GPS equipment, total stations measure angles and distances using optical observations rather than satellite signals.
Many surveyors switch to total stations for boundary retracement, construction staking, and control verification when GNSS performance deteriorates. While these methods may require additional field time, they allow projects to continue with high levels of accuracy even during GPS outages.
If GPS stopped working, the impact would be immediate because so many modern systems depend on continuous positioning data. Navigation apps, aviation systems, maritime operations, and logistics fleets would lose real-time tracking, creating delays and safety concerns.
Emergency responders would struggle with dispatch accuracy, and financial networks that rely on GPS time-stamping would face synchronisation errors. Even everyday tools like map apps, fitness devices, and location-based services would stop functioning correctly. For surveying and construction teams, RTK workflows would come to a halt, slowing or stopping active projects until service returned.
Transportation and logistics networks would lose real-time tracking capabilities, making route planning less efficient and causing delivery delays. Aviation and maritime operators would face navigation challenges that could affect both safety and scheduling.
Telecommunications infrastructure relies on GPS timing to synchronize networks, while financial institutions use GPS-based timestamps for transaction processing and regulatory compliance. Extended outages could disrupt these critical systems.
Emergency responders would face reduced dispatch accuracy, making it more difficult to locate incidents quickly. Everyday services such as navigation apps, ride-sharing platforms, fitness trackers, and location-based applications would also be affected.
Construction projects would lose access to RTK machine control systems and high-precision layout workflows. Surveying operations would need to shift toward conventional methods, increasing project timelines and labor requirements.
In short, even a temporary outage would ripple across multiple sectors and disrupt routine operations.
Yes, surveying can continue without GPS, although field procedures often become slower and more labor-intensive. Long before satellite positioning existed, surveyors relied on total stations, levels, traverses, benchmarks, and established control networks to perform accurate measurements.
Common alternatives include:
While productivity may decrease during a GPS outage, experienced surveyors can still achieve highly accurate results using these alternative methods.
Although GPS failures cannot always be prevented, several best practices can significantly reduce their frequency and impact.
Best practices for reducing GPS failures include:
Following these practices can improve RTK reliability, reduce downtime, and help prevent costly rework.
GPS can lose signal because of physical obstructions, poor satellite visibility, atmospheric interference, hardware failures, network interruptions, or intentional signal jamming.
Normal weather has minimal impact on GPS performance, but severe atmospheric conditions and ionospheric disturbances can reduce positioning accuracy.
Yes. Solar storms can disturb the ionosphere, causing signal delays, correction instability, reduced accuracy, and temporary positioning errors.
When RTK corrections are interrupted, the receiver typically falls back to standalone GNSS positioning, causing accuracy to decrease from centimeters to several feet.
Yes. GPS signals are relatively weak when they reach Earth, making them vulnerable to intentional jamming devices and certain forms of electromagnetic interference.
Signal drift occurs when a receiver’s reported position gradually changes despite remaining stationary. It is often associated with atmospheric disturbances, unstable corrections, or degraded signal quality.
Yes. Multi-constellation GNSS receivers can use satellites from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, improving satellite availability and positioning reliability.
Yes. Surveyors can use total stations, levels, traverses, control networks, and post-processed observations to continue working when GPS is unavailable.
Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at 403-286-0333 or email us at [email protected]
