What does open or closed GNSS receiver mean for surveyors
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When discussing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, the terms "open" and "closed" refer to the design and functionality in terms of software, hardware, and user accessibility.
Open GNSS Receiver (think of it like an Android phone)
An "open" GNSS receiver typically means one or more of the following:
- Open Hardware: The hardware design is openly shared, allowing users to understand, modify, and potentially replicate the receiver. This can be particularly useful for educational purposes, research, and custom applications.
- Open Software: The software (firmware) running on the receiver is open source. Users can view, modify, and improve the software. This enhances flexibility and adaptability, enabling the receiver to be tailored to specific applications.
- Open Data Access: Users have access to raw GNSS data, such as pseud orange measurements, carrier phase data, and more. This is valuable for advanced applications like precise positioning, scientific research, and algorithm development.
- Community Support and Development: An open GNSS receiver often has a community of users and developers who contribute to the improvement and support of the system. This can lead to faster innovation and problem-solving.
Closed GNSS Receiver (think of it like an Apple iPhone)
A "closed" GNSS receiver generally means:
- Proprietary Hardware: The hardware design is not publicly shared. Users cannot easily understand, modify, or replicate the receiver's hardware components.
- Proprietary Software: The software running on the receiver is closed source. Users cannot access the source code, limiting the ability to modify or customize the receiver’s functionalities.
- Restricted Data Access: Access to raw GNSS data might be limited or entirely unavailable. The receiver might only provide processed data like positions (latitude, longitude, altitude) without giving users the ability to perform their own processing on raw measurements.
- Limited Community Involvement: The development and support of the receiver are typically managed by the manufacturer, with limited input or contribution from the broader user community.
Implications
- Flexibility and Customization: Open receivers offer greater flexibility and the ability to customize, which is advantageous for research, development, and specialized applications.
- Security and Trust: Open designs can be audited for security purposes, potentially making them more trustworthy. However, this also means that any vulnerabilities in open designs are visible to everyone.
- Support and Reliability: Closed receivers are often associated with professional support from the manufacturer, which can be crucial for commercial and critical applications. They may also undergo more rigorous testing and quality control.
- Cost: Open receivers might be less expensive as they leverage community contributions and avoid proprietary licensing fees, but this is not always the case.
Summary
Whether a GNSS receiver is open or closed affects its flexibility, accessibility, and suitability for different applications. Open receivers are typically favoured in research and development contexts, while closed receivers are often preferred for commercial and critical use cases where support and reliability are paramount.