Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal
Vol 5 No 1 (2026): Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal (January - June 2026)

Accuracy Assessment of Smartphone-Based 2D Positioning: Checking ItsSuitability for Non-Survey Geospatial Applications

Edward Guma (Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria)
Akoji Augustine Haruna (Department of Building Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria)
Ojonumi Felix Idoko (Department of Architectural Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria)
Abdulrasheed Salihu (Department of Architectural Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study explores the potential of smartphone-based 3rd order 2D surveying as a cost-effective alternative for mapping and geospatial data acquisition. Traditional surveying methods rely on expensive equipment, but smartphones offer a promising solution, leveraging their widespread availability and accessibility. The study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of smartphone-based 2D surveying techniques, focusing on environmental factors that impact accuracy. The research uses a Vivo Y04 smartphone with SW Maps and Geo++ RINEX Logger apps to collect data at seven control points in Lokoja, Nigeria. Results show that environmental factors like buildings, trees, and telecommunication masts significantly impact accuracy, with deviations ranging from 0.337m to 8.036m.Control points in open fields with good satellite geometry achieved deviations of less than 100cm, while those near obstacles showed larger discrepancies. The SW Maps app demonstrated more reliable results compared to Geo++ RINEX. A hybrid approach combining satellite surveying with traditional methods can help achieve accurate results. The study highlights the potential of smartphone-based surveying for small-scale projects, developing countries, or applications with limited budgets. However, careful planning and selection of survey locations are crucial to minimize errors. The findings have implications for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development, and suggest that smartphone-based 3rd order 2D positioning can be a viable alternative for geospatial data acquisition. By understanding the limitations and capabilities of smartphone-based surveying, professionals can leverage this technology to achieve accurate and reliable geospatial data. Further research is needed to optimize location-based services in urban settings and to investigate the impact of different smartphone models and surveying techniques on accuracy

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Journal Info

Abbrev

nuce

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal is the open-access peer-reviewed journal of civil engineering and environment. This journal is published by the Department of Civil Engineering, Balikpapan State Polytechnics, it has scopes and focuses in: 1. Road & Bridge Construction 2. Transportation System 3. ...