The GEO-Jobe Blog

Before Trimble released the test results for their new postprocessing engine, they allowed us to see their three “test sites.”  Trimble uses three, very different, testing sites to research receivers under two extreme environments and one “typical” environment.   Each test site contains 26 carefully planned survey locati0ns offering different test and research results within each test area.

Test Site One is an ideal open environment with zero obsticles.  The GPS antennas are mounted on stationary survey pillars.  The test lab shows how performance is improved without other variables to consider.  Because of its ideal environment, most receivers greatly exceed their specifications.

Test Site Two is a suburban industrial area down a two way street surrounded with one to two story buildings, parking, and street signage.  Mature trees are scattered across one side of the street and are sparsely planted on the other.  The 26 test locations are actual utility and city asset features including; telecom cable boxes, electrical transformers, fire hydrants, street lights, boundary begs, etc.  Trimble uses Test Site Two to validate GPS receiver specifications because it most closely resembles the working environment of a “typical” user.

Test Site Three is a heavily forested environment with densely planted forestry.  Trimble tests the performance and yield results of some of the most demanding conditions around.  The tree canopy hardly allows sunlight to pass to the forest floor.  Tests are conducted along the forest roads to provide “truth points.”  Testing is also conducted within the forest to measure yield and accuracy.