Conventional static GPS surveying has the following characteristics:

(1) The points being coordinated are not moving, i.e. they are "static".

(2) GPS data are collected over some "observation session", typically ranging in length from an hour to several hours (or perhaps days for very precise GPS Geodesy applications).

(3) The results are not required immediately, for in-the-field use.

(4) The relative positioning mode of operation is the only mode employed, requiring the use of a minimum of two GPS receivers for all survey work.

(5) The measurements used for data reduction are those made on the transmitted L-Band carrier wave, requiring specialised hardware and software.

(6) A variety of processing algorithms can be employed, including "bias-free" and "bias-fixed" solutions.

(7) Mostly associated with the traditional surveying and mapping functions.

Since the late 1980's considerable attention has been paid to the first three points, as they were considered to be unnecessarily restrictive for typical GPS surveying applications. As a result of vigorous R&D, new GPS surveying methodologies have been developed, which complement the "conventional static" technique. These modern GPS Surveying techniques are given a variety of names but the following are considered generic: (a) rapid static positioning techniques, (b) "stop & go" techniques, and (c) "on-the-fly" positioning techniques.

Each of the techniques represents a technological solution to the problem of obtaining high productivity (measure as many baselines in as short a period of time as possible) and/or versatility (for example, the ability to obtain results even while the receiver is in motion) without sacrificing very much in terms of accuracy and reliability. None of these techniques is as accurate or reliable as conventional static GPS surveying, and each of these techniques has its special strengths and weaknesses. They represent the state-of-the-art in precision carrier phase-based GPS positioning, and are a direct outcome of considerable innovation by instrument manufacturers seeking to address surveying and non-surveying applications.