NovAtel (Hexagon)

Overview

NovAtel manufactures GNSS receivers and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning systems that surveyors use to achieve centimeter-level accuracy in the field. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with approximately 500–600 employees. As a subsidiary of Hexagon AB (Swedish multinational), NovAtel concentrates on satellite positioning hardware and firmware rather than integrated surveying platforms, making it a component supplier to the broader geospatial technology ecosystem.

For surveying professionals, NovAtel's importance lies in receiver architecture—the ability to track multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), reject multipath interference, and deliver stable corrections in challenging environments. Surveyors deploying [GNSS receivers](/instruments/gnss-receiver) often evaluate NovAtel against competitors like Trimble, Leica, and CHC because the choice of receiver directly affects project accuracy, initialization time, and cost per control point.

Company History and Technical Evolution

Founding and Early GNSS Development (1978–1990s)

NovAtel was established in 1978 in Calgary when commercial GPS was still in development. The company's early focus on receiver design gave it a first-mover advantage. During the 1980s and early 1990s, as the U.S. Department of Defense made GPS available for civilian use (with intentional degradation via Selective Availability until 2000), NovAtel engineered receivers that could extract maximum precision from the available signals.

This period defined NovAtel's technical culture: firmware optimization, signal processing algorithms, and receiver sensitivity became core competencies. Unlike companies that entered surveying later through acquisition or market expansion, NovAtel built its reputation on the receiver itself.

Modernization Era (2000s–2010s)

When Selective Availability ended in 2000, GNSS accuracy improved dramatically. NovAtel capitalized on this by introducing receivers compatible with modernized GPS satellites and the emerging GLONASS constellation. The company also invested heavily in RTK technology, which requires precise correction algorithms and low-latency data handling—capabilities that matter when surveyors need to establish control points in one setup.

During the 2000s and 2010s, NovAtel expanded product lines to serve not only surveying but also agriculture, marine, and autonomous vehicle markets. This diversification reduced dependency on surveying but also meant engineering resources were split across multiple verticals.

Hexagon Integration (2012–Present)

In 2012, Hexagon AB acquired NovAtel. Hexagon is a portfolio company, assembling geospatial, industrial measurement, and enterprise software brands. The acquisition integrated NovAtel's receiver hardware with Hexagon's surveying software platforms (HxGN SmartNet, proprietary post-processing tools), creating a more complete solution stack.

Post-acquisition, NovAtel has focused on multi-constellation receivers, Real-Time eXtensible Markup Language (RTCM) standardization, and networked RTK correction services. The integration also positioned NovAtel receivers as the default hardware in Hexagon's surveying workflows.

Product Lines and Specifications

Core Product Categories

NovAtel organizes its portfolio into receiver classes based on use case and accuracy tier:

| Product Line | Key Model | Use Case | |---|---|---| | High-Precision RTK | PwrPak7 / ProPak7 | Centimeter RTK surveying, deformation monitoring, machine control | | Multi-Frequency GNSS | PWRPAK GNSS | Surveying control networks, baseline establishment, kinematic surveys | | Compact/Embedded | OEM7 series | OEM integration, UAV payloads, autonomous systems | | Correction Services | InCom RTK (via HxGN SmartNet) | Real-time corrections for RTK workflows | | Post-Processing | Inertial GNSS (SPAN) | INS/GNSS integration, challenging urban/canopy environments |

RTK and Real-Time Positioning

NovAtel's strength in RTK stems from receiver sensitivity and firmware architecture. The PwrPak7 and ProPak7 lines track up to 440 satellite signals simultaneously across GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. For surveyors, this multi-constellation approach reduces time-to-fix (the initialization period before centimeter accuracy is achieved) and improves reliability in obstructed sites like urban canyons or forested areas.

RTK correction delivery now occurs primarily through HxGN SmartNet, Hexagon's subscription-based network. Surveyors with NovAtel receivers can subscribe to SmartNet for region-specific corrections without operating their own base station—a business model shift toward services rather than hardware-only.

SPAN (Inertial Integration)

NovAtel's SPAN technology couples GNSS with inertial measurement units (IMUs). This is significant for surveyors working in challenging signal environments (dense forest, tunnels, urban canyons) because the IMU allows the receiver to bridge GNSS outages and maintain position continuity. SPAN-equipped systems cost more but serve specialized applications like underground mapping or structure deformation monitoring where signal loss is inevitable.

Market Position and Competitive Context

Receiver Hardware Versus Platform Software

NovAtel's positioning is distinct from integrated survey solution providers like Trimble or Leica. Trimble manufactures receivers, field software, and post-processing suites under one brand; surveyors buy a complete workflow. NovAtel, conversely, manufactures the receiver component and relies on Hexagon's software ecosystem (HxGN SmartNet, Leica Infinity, proprietary plugins) for the broader solution.

This means NovAtel receivers are compatible with third-party software (some surveyors pair NovAtel hardware with Trimble software, though this is less common in practice due to ecosystem lock-in). However, the tightest integration and support occurs within Hexagon's portfolio.

Accuracy and Multipath Rejection

Surveyors evaluate GNSS receivers on initialization time, multipath rejection (the ability to ignore reflected signals), and post-processing accuracy. NovAtel receivers consistently rank high on multipath performance due to proprietary tracking algorithms. In independent benchmarks, NovAtel and Trimble receivers often perform similarly in open-sky conditions but diverge in challenging environments—where receiver architecture matters most.

Application Areas for Surveyors

Control Network Establishment

When surveyors establish geodetic control networks (the reference points for all downstream surveys), they typically use [GNSS receivers](/instruments/gnss-receiver) in static or rapid-static mode. NovAtel's multi-frequency receivers excel here because they can resolve ambiguities faster and with higher confidence than single-frequency receivers. A surveyor can occupy a point for 5–10 minutes rather than 30+ minutes, reducing fieldwork time.

RTK and Machine Control

Construction and agricultural surveys often require real-time positioning for grading operations, drone flights, or equipment guidance. NovAtel RTK receivers feed positioning data to machine-control systems or field tablets. The receiver's ability to maintain centimeter accuracy while moving (kinematic RTK) is critical; delays or loss of lock waste time and money on the job site.

Deformation and Structural Monitoring

For long-term monitoring applications (dam safety, bridge settlement, landslide tracking), surveyors deploy permanent GNSS stations. NovAtel's receivers support long-term field deployment with robust power management and self-recovery features. Inertial SPAN systems are used in more complex scenarios where continuous signal is unavailable.

Technical Considerations for Specification

Frequency and Signal Tracking

NovAtel receivers are available in dual-frequency (GPS/GLONASS), triple-frequency (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo), and quad-constellation configurations. Surveyors specifying equipment must balance cost against the number of constellations needed—a remote area with clear sky can use dual-frequency; an urban corridor benefits from quad-constellation for reliability.

Correction Methods

NovAtel supports multiple correction formats: RTCM, proprietary formats, and Hexagon's SmartNet protocol. When integrating receivers into existing workflows, compatibility with the survey office's post-processing software is essential. See [RTK Systems](/instruments/rtk-system) for broader context on correction delivery.

Power and Antenna Requirements

Field receivers require external power (batteries) and compatible antennas. NovAtel receivers work with multiband antennas from multiple manufacturers, though Hexagon's integrated antennas (like the HxGN SmartAntenna) optimize performance within the ecosystem.

Integration with Survey Workflows

Surveyors using NovAtel receivers typically follow this workflow:

1. Planning: Assess satellite visibility, determine constellation requirements, and select receiver class (RTK vs. static). 2. Data Collection: Deploy receiver at control points or rover positions; collect observations in the field. 3. Real-Time or Post-Processing: Either apply corrections in real-time (RTK) or submit raw observation files to post-processing software. 4. QA/QC: Validate accuracy against known points and project specifications. 5. Adjustment: Use network adjustment software (often Leica Infinity, GeoLab, or open-source packages) to refine control coordinates.

NovAtel's role is step 2 and partially step 3. The receiver collects high-quality observations; the software makes sense of them.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

NovAtel manufactures receivers in Calgary, with some assembly and testing at Hexagon's facilities. The company sources semiconductors, RF components, and antenna elements from global suppliers. Supply chain reliability is relevant to surveyors who depend on receiver availability; Hexagon's scale provides better security of supply than smaller competitors.

Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership

NovAtel RTK receivers range from $25,000 to $60,000+ depending on configuration (dual/triple/quad constellation, with or without inertial). This positions them in the mid-to-premium tier. Entry-level alternatives (like CHC or South Surveying) cost less but may sacrifice multipath rejection and initialization speed. Trimble's receivers often cost slightly more but enjoy stronger post-processing software integration.

Survey firms evaluating NovAtel must factor in receiver cost, RTK correction subscription (typically $100–$300/month via SmartNet), and software licensing. Over a 5-year ownership horizon, the correction service cost often exceeds hardware cost.

Relationship to Hexagon Ecosystem

NovAtel functions as a hardware OEM within Hexagon. Surveyors who adopt Hexagon's broader suite—HxGN SmartNet (corrections), Leica Infinity (post-processing), HxGN Construction (field software)—enjoy seamless integration. This creates switching costs for surveyors; migrating from Hexagon to Trimble or Leica requires replacing multiple components simultaneously.

For independent surveyors or firms using best-of-breed software, NovAtel receivers remain viable but require more manual integration effort.

Applications Beyond Surveying

While this profile focuses on surveying use cases, NovAtel also serves agriculture (yield mapping, precision planting), autonomous vehicles, marine hydrography, and defense. This diversification stabilizes revenue but also means surveying is a secondary market for NovAtel engineering teams. Surveying-specific feature development (e.g., new GNSS signal tracking algorithms) may be slower than at dedicated surveying firms.

Outlook and Technology Trends

Multi-Constellation and Signal Modernization

GPS and GLONASS continue to modernize; Galileo expands; BeiDou and QZSS offer regional coverage. NovAtel's receivers must continuously track new signals. The company's firmware-centric business model supports rapid updates—an advantage over hardware-locked competitors.

Inertial Fusion

The integration of GNSS and inertial sensors (SPAN) is becoming standard in premium receivers. This allows positioning in GPS-denied environments and is critical for UAV surveys and urban applications. NovAtel is well-positioned here.

Networked RTK and Correction Services

The shift from base-station-owned RTK to subscription-based correction networks (HxGN SmartNet) represents a business model change. Hexagon benefits from recurring revenue; surveyors benefit from simpler logistics but face ongoing service costs.

Summary for Surveying Professionals

NovAtel manufactures precision GNSS receivers valued for multipath rejection, multi-constellation tracking, and inertial integration. Founded in 1978 and now part of Hexagon, the company focuses on receiver hardware and firmware rather than complete survey platforms. Surveyors evaluating GNSS equipment should consider NovAtel for high-accuracy control networks and RTK applications, particularly in challenging environments. The company's tight integration with Hexagon's correction and software services makes it most cost-effective within that ecosystem, though receivers can work independently. Compared to Trimble and Leica, NovAtel is a specialized receiver manufacturer rather than a full-stack solution provider—a distinction that affects purchasing decisions and total cost of ownership.

For more context on GNSS in surveying workflows, see [Surveying Instruments](/instruments) and [RTK Systems](/instruments/rtk-system). Broader Hexagon positioning is covered under [Survey Software Providers](/software-providers).