Do you need to carry out a type mappale, a subdivision or a boundary redefinition? No worries: today, thanks to modern professional GPS devices, you can obtain precise and reliable cadastral surveys in a few steps, even without an Internet connection. In this guide we will explain step by step what a GPS cadastral survey is, how RTK technology works, when centimeter accuracy is needed, and how to start immediately with ProTRACK, the ideal tool for technicians and surveyors. You will also find answers to the most common questions about legality, timing, and required instruments.
If you are about to undertake a subdivision, need to draft a type mappale, or are involved in a boundary redefinition, you probably already know how important it is to be precise.
But no worries: today technology helps us, and with modern GPS surveying tools for the cadastre it is possible to perform surveys simply, quickly, and reliably. In this article we will explain everything you need to know to get started right away.
What is a GPS cadastral survey
If you need to define the exact boundaries of a land, update cadastral maps or resolve a dispute with a neighbor, the GPS cadastral survey is the simplest and most effective solution. This type of survey is used to locate the actual position of points on the land and relate it to the official cadastre maps.
In simple terms, it allows you to know exactly where your property ends and where others’ begins. It is widely used for subdivisions, type mappale and boundary redefinitions.
If you are wondering how to perform a GPS cadastral survey, don’t worry: it’s easier than you think, we will explain everything step by step.
How GPS works in cadastral surveys
The GPS devices we use every day – like those on smartphones – are not sufficient for cadastral purposes, because the localization error can easily exceed 5-10 meters.
For cadastral surveys, instead, centimeter accuracy is required: even one or two centimeters can make a difference.
For this reason, technicians use professional GPS devices called GNSS, which operate with advanced technology called RTK: a fixed Base sends real-time corrections to a mobile Rover performing the survey. Thanks to this data exchange, the error is reduced to a few centimeters or less. This is commonly called the Base + Rover system.
The system also works with permanent GNSS networks that provide corrections via Internet, but – as we will see – you can perform cadastral surveys even without a network, if you have the right tool.
When centimeter accuracy is really needed
Not all surveys are the same. In some cases a simple map may suffice, in others maximum precision is required. Let’s see the differences:
- Survey from map: based only on the graphic representation of parcels. It is not very precise and often insufficient for official purposes.
- Survey with exact coordinates: requires precise instruments and a correct geodetic reference. Here a RTK GPS is indispensable.
- Survey on the land (boundary redefinition): is the most delicate case, because it concerns historic boundaries or disputes. Here it is essential to use a precise and reliable GPS, otherwise legal problems may arise.
How to start with ProTRACK
If you are looking for a simple to use, ready to use but also professional tool, I recommend you start with ProTRACK.
This professional GPS offers:
- Centimeter accuracy even in areas without Internet coverage, thanks to the Base + Rover mode
- Multi-constellation support (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) for greater reliability
- Battery life up to 18 hours, to work all day without interruptions
- Analist Mobile app to manage projects, upload cadastral maps in real time and simplify the survey
- Resistant to extreme environmental conditions, operating at temperatures from -40°C to +85°C
With the Analist Mobile app, you can:
- Manage survey projects directly in the field, even with tablets or smartphones
- Upload cadastral maps to always have a clear reference during work
- Save surveyed points
Once the survey is complete, you can import the data into the Analist CLOUD program, based on Autodesk technology, to:
- Automatically generate the cadastral booklet
- Verify the fiducial points and boundaries
- Prepare the export for Pregeo, already formatted according to the specifications of the Revenue Agency
- Process elevation profiles, contour lines, and 3D terrain models
The entire workflow – from field survey to cadastral documentation production – has been designed to make your life easier. With ProTRACK, you can perform cadastral surveys without a network, working even in rural or isolated environments. It is ideal for surveyors, technicians, and professionals who want a reliable, portable tool, without relying on complex setups. In fact, no complex configurations, additional licenses or advanced skills are required: just turn on the device, start the survey, and in a few minutes you are operational.
Common questions
Can I perform a type mappale with GPS?
Yes, you can. To draft a type mappale, it is important to use a high-precision GPS, like those based on RTK technology. This is because the cadastre requires that the surveyed points be positioned with very low error, on the order of a few centimeters. If your instrument allows it and you follow the correct procedures, you can safely use GPS to perform a type mappale. Today it is one of the most used solutions by technicians.
Is Internet connection always necessary to perform a GPS cadastral survey?
No, it is not always necessary. If you use a GPS like ProTRACK, you can work even without an Internet connection, thanks to the Base + Rover mode. This means you can perform surveys even in isolated areas, such as countryside or mountain areas, without problems. If you have a good connection, you can use the GNSS network to receive real-time corrections. In both cases, the result will be precise.
Is it legal to use GPS for cadastral surveys?
Yes, it is perfectly legal. The important thing is to use suitable equipment, i.e. a GPS that guarantees centimeter accuracy. Moreover, you must follow the technical guidelines provided by the Revenue Agency. If you comply with these conditions, you can safely use GPS to perform cadastral surveys such as subdivisions, type mappale and boundary redefinitions.
How long does it take to perform a GPS survey?
It depends on what you have to do, but in general it takes little time. If you use a simple system like ProTRACK, it only takes a few minutes to turn it on, configure it and start working. For a small cadastral survey, often it takes less than half a day, including data processing. This is one of the reasons why more and more technicians choose GPS for cadastral surveys.
Conclusion
Performing a GPS cadastral survey today is much easier than in the past.
With a tool like ProTRACK, you do not need complex networks or Internet connections: just turn on the device and start.
Whether you need to perform a type mappale, a subdivision or a boundary redefinition, all you need is a GPS tool for cadastral surveys that suits your needs… and you are immediately operational.
