GPS receivers can be operated in several modes such as logging data to a single file, logging data according to pre-programmed sessions, logging stop-and-go kinematic files, or streaming data to an external device. The mode selected depends on the particular data collection method used (Section 3). Typically data collection is started and a file name and antenna height information are entered in the receiver, field notes, or both. The user also selects the survey data collection sample rate and the elevation cutoff angle depending on field objectives. There must be enough free memory in the receiver for the desired survey:

For example, a 5Mb memory Trimble 4000 SSi receiver at a 30-second sample rate, 15 degree elevation mask can log data for about 7 days before the internal memory fills up. Once a survey is started, the front panel status screen will display an estimate of the memory remaining. This number is optimistic, and should be multiplied by 0.75 for a realistic estimate.

A Trimble 4700 receiver can log data for about 4 days at the default 15 second sample rate with a 13 degree elevation mask.

Typical sample rates and elevation cutoff:

1. Trimble 4000 Quickstart summary
2. Trimble 4000 Sessions summary
3. Trimble 4000 Kinematic summary
4. Trimble 4700 and 4800 Quickstart summary
5. Trimble 4700, 4800, and 5700 Kinematic summary

Sled mounted stop-and-go kinematic survey