This GPS configuration is typically used to pick up the standard, commonly output NMEA string from a variety of receivers, including Magellan, the Sokkia GPS01 Toughbook and some brands of Trimble equipment.

The Sokkia GPS01 Toughbook, for example, has an integrate L1 GPS receiver using WAAS for corrections and has accuracies of 1 to 2 meters.  That same unit can be connected to real-time GPS or total stations and therefore functions as a dual-use device, locating on-the-ground positions (Lat/Long, state plane, UTM) and permitting standard precision surveying.   The GPS receiver is powered on whenever the Toughbook 01 is on, and uses COM3 as the GPS port.  Note the “stabilizer bar” which effectively secures the com port connection for use in the field.

Some low-accuracy (10 to 50 meter) GPS outputs NMEA Lat/Long data by default and has no accurate “setting” or method.  Alternately, certain accurate RTK brands of GPS, if setup with their proprietary equipment to run RTK, will transmit the NMEA string and allow SurvCE to pick up the message from the rover receiver.  For this reason, NMEA has no Configure Base, Configure Rover or Receiver Utilities option.  It is a “plug and play” method, which will pull from the receiver whatever position it is outputting.  That Lat/Long position will respond to the transformation defined in Job Settings, GPS and will also respond to any localization file to transform it further to local coordinates.