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Comparison of GPS units and mobile Apple GPS capabilities in an urban landscape

2014; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 42; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/15230406.2014.974074

1545-0465

Ryan Garnett, R. Michael Stewart,

Urban Stormwater Management Solutions

The research tests the accuracy of two consumer grade GPS devices and two GPS-enabled Apple i-devices within an urban landscape. Data collection is an integral component to many GIS mapping projects, specifically within a community-based GIS mapping project. Access to reliable and spatially accurate data is key to the success of GIS mapping projects that require data collection. The relative low cost and availability of consumer grade GPS units and Apple i-devices with GPS capabilities are abundant, making the devices very attractive to community-based mapping projects. The comparison of four receivers utilized 15 locations, occurring over an 8-week period. Overall results indicated that the Garmin 78sc GPS receiver provided the greatest relative accuracy within an urban landscape, with the four devices mean relative accuracy ranging from 3.65 metres to 6.50 metres. The Apple i-devices maintained a relative accuracy and reliability for the needs of community-based mapping approaches, such as those being used for urban stormwater management.