To evaluate planimetric positioning accuracy of a GPS receiver (Trimble/Pro-XL), operating under different conditions of vegetation cover (pasture, rubber trees, eucalyptus and pine trees), 6 control points were located randomly in the study area. For comparison, their coordinates were first obtained by a conventional surveying method, according to NBR 13133 of Brazilian Surveying Standards. Afterwards, the GPS receiver was positioned on those control points, maintaining the acquisition rate of 1 s while changing the time for 1, 5 and 10 min, the DGPS method was used to correct the positioning coordinate data. According to the methodology applied and the results obtained, it was possible to distinguish planimetric positioning accuracy, according to the vegetation cover, in two groups: with and without tree canopy, confirming its interference on the receiver signal reception emitted by the GPS satellites. Increasing the time with the receiver over the control points improved the planimetric positioning accuracy, which emphasizes the importance of appropriate choice of the surveying methodology to be utilized.
global positioning system; accuracy; planimetry
