Good Morning,

It was a pleasure to meet some of you last week!  I am so happy I attended the conference, well worth it. 

I am forwarding a question the public works director here in Rochester has seeking feedback on GPS devices.  He said he has prior experience with a Topcon unit with a bad processor.  He’s not sure if he had a lemon, but would not want to by another.

Looking for thoughts and suggestions on purchasing a GPS Unit.

Wright-Pierce is going to create a map of our stormwater collection system – while doing so we are asking them to GPS locate & map some of our water, sewer & highway assets. 

Wright-Pierce plans to use a Leica GPS unit – we have the option to buy one as part of the project.  A link to the Leica unit is below.

http://www.leica-geosystems.us/en/Leica-Viva-GS14_102200.htm

I’m more familiar with Trimble and Topcon units.  Wright-Pierce mentioned a new Trimble unit is coming out that they would be willing to work with.  A link to the Trimble is below.

http://www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/R2-GNSS-Receiver.aspx

I had an overall poor experience with a Topcon unit – link to the comparable unit is below.

https://www.topconpositioning.com/gnss/integrated-gnss-receivers/gr-5

Does anyone have any experience or preferences that we should consider?  Do any other local entities or municipalities have one of the above?

In absence of any recommendations – I would likely want to proceed with the Trimble, but only because of manufacture reputation.

John B. Storer, P.E.

Director of City Services

Rochester, New Hampshire

45 Old Dover Road

Rochester, NH 03867

Tel: (603) 332-4096