Quick Answer
What is the Leica GS18?
See also: Leica GNSS No Satellites Error Fix
See also: Leica GNSS RTK Float Error Fix
See also: Leica TS16 Total Station
The Leica GS18 is a 555-channel GNSS rover with integrated IMU tilt compensation allowing RTK measurements at up to 30 degrees off-vertical, achieving 10mm horizontal accuracy with or without leveling.
Leica GS18 — Complete Specs, Manual & Guide
Category: GNSS Receiver | Brand: Leica | Model: GS18
The Leica GS18 is Leica Geosystems' flagship GNSS rover, combining a 555-channel multi-constellation GNSS engine with an integrated IMU for tilt-compensated measurements. The GS18 supports all major GNSS constellations and delivers 10mm horizontal RTK accuracy even when the pole is tilted up to 30 degrees — eliminating the need to perfectly level the pole at every measurement point.
Leica GS18 Full Specifications
| RTK accuracy (horizontal) | 10mm + 1ppm |
| RTK accuracy (vertical) | 20mm + 1ppm |
| GNSS channels | 555 channels |
| GNSS constellations | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SBAS |
| Tilt compensation | IMU-based, up to 30 degrees |
| Tilt accuracy at 30 deg | 10mm |
| Connectivity | UHF, 4G LTE cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth |
| IP rating | IP67 |
| Battery life | ~7.5 hours |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +65°C |
| Weight | 1.16 kg (2.56 lbs) |
| Data storage | Internal 32GB |
Accessories & Part Numbers
- CS35 — Leica CS35 tablet field controller
- GS18 LTE — Cellular upgrade module for VRS network access
- GRZ122 — Leica 360-degree prism (TS integration)
- Leica Captivate — Field software for layout and GNSS surveys
Error Codes Quick Reference
| ERR-001 | No satellites — move to open sky area |
| ERR-002 | RTK float only — wait for fixed solution |
| ERR-003 | Age of corrections high — check base station or network connection |
| ERR-004 | Bluetooth lost — reconnect field controller |
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica GS18
What is the Leica GS18 RTK accuracy?
The GS18 achieves 10mm horizontal and 20mm vertical RTK accuracy. With IMU tilt compensation active, horizontal accuracy remains at 10mm at tilt angles up to 30 degrees from vertical.
How does the GS18 tilt compensation differ from the R12i?
Both the Leica GS18 and Trimble R12i use IMU-based tilt compensation to 30 degrees with similar 10mm accuracy. The key differences are field software ecosystems: GS18 uses Leica Captivate; R12i uses Trimble Access. Choose based on your existing equipment and service network.
What GNSS constellations does the GS18 track?
The GS18 tracks GPS (L1/L2/L5), GLONASS (L1/L2), Galileo (E1/E5a/E5b), BeiDou (B1/B2/B3), QZSS, and SBAS across 555 channels. This broad constellation coverage provides excellent redundancy in obstructed environments.
What field software does the Leica GS18 use?
The GS18 uses Leica Captivate software on a CS35 tablet or CS10 field controller. Captivate provides GNSS layout, stakeout, surface modeling, and TS integration workflows.
Can the GS18 be used as a base station?
Yes — the GS18 can function as a base station, broadcasting RTK corrections to other Leica rovers via UHF radio or internet. The base must be set up on a known control point with a clear sky view.
Related models: Leica TS16 | Trimble R12i
Track your GS18 calibration dates, service history, and field verification records with Gradelog's Equipment Registry. Free to start at gradelog.com.
