Tech Chat | What’s the difference between GNSS land leveling and laser land leveling?

No matter in agriculture or construction industry, the land leveling as first step shows great importance for subsequent working procedures. For new users of land leveling systems, they may be faced with a choice – the laser land leveling system or GNSS land leveling system?

In today's blog, let's compare the differences between the two most common methods on the market to help you choose.

1. Accuracy

The leveling accuracy of both laser system and GNSS system can reach 2-3 centimeters, satisfying most user demands.

2. Working range

For laser leveling system, the working range is limited to the laser transmitter range, which can normally reach 400m. And for some superior laser systems, the range can be extended to 800 – 1000m.

For GNSS leveling system, the working range is limited to the base station signal coverage, which can normally reach 3 – 5km. And for some long-range base stations such as SL100 GNSS land leveling system, the range can be extended to 10 – 15km.

Based on working range, laser leveling systems are more suitable for small-range tasks.

3. Environmental requirements

Weather

The transmit of laser is limited to the visibility. So when it comes to some low visibility weather, such as wind, sand, dust, fog and haze, the laser leveling system can not work normally.

Terrain 

Laser leveling systems rely on the plane formed by the laser transmitter as a reference. Once the terrain height difference is too large to exceed the range of the laser receiver to receive the laser signal, it will not work normally.

For the GNSS land leveling system, it will not be affected by weather or terrain factors. It can operate 24/7 as long as it is in an open sky environment.

4. Installation

The installation of laser system and GNSS system is roughly the same, which includes laser transmitter/GNSS base station, laser receiver and control panel/GNSS antennas and tablet, hydraulic control valve.

However, the installation of GNSS systems is easier in some cases:

• GNSS users with CORS account can directly connect to local CORS without setting up base station.
• For some larger farm areas, laser user will need to set up the laser transmitter several times to cover the whole area.

5. Cost

As the traditional land leveling method, the cost of laser system used to be cheaper than the GNSS system. However, with the rapid development and population of GNSS technology, the price of GNSS land leveling system is becoming more cost-effective now. (Contact us for the detailed price: singularxyz@singularxyz.com)

In conclusion, as a new land leveling method, the comprehensive performance of GNSS land leveling system is better. Users can choose the system according to their own situation.

Learn more about SingularXYZ SL100 GNSS Land Leveling System
https://www.singularxyz.com/SL100_GNSS_Land_Leveling_System.html