Types of rtk gps

Technical Differences Between Real Time Kinematic GPS Types

The differences in the various types of RTK GPS are mainly in the frequency of the signals they use and the methods they employ to measure. Some of the differences are explained below:

• Classical RTK

  It employs single basestation and uses carrier signals of L1 and L2, which operate on a frequency of 1575.42 MHz and 1227.60 MHz, respectively. Since it uses one basestation, the accuracy is approximately 1-2 cm in ideal conditions.

• Network RTK

  This system uses multiple basestations and a wider network of stations. It uses carrier signals of L1 and L2 that operate on frequencies of 1575.42 MHz and 1227.60 MHz, respectively. This system improves users’ availability and area coverage. Accuracy is approximately 1-2 cm in ideal conditions.

• Fixed RTK

  It uses a single basestation and phase measurements of L1 and L2 signals like classical RTK, which operate at frequencies of1575.42 MHz and 1227.60 MHz, respectively. The accuracy it can attain is approximately 1 cm in ideal conditions.

• Float RTK

  This uses single basestation and employs carrier signals only for the L1 frequency, which operates at a frequency of1575.42 MHz. This makes it a simpler and less hardware-demanding type of RTK GPS. Float RTK has an accuracy of approximately 3 cm in ideal conditions.

• Kinematic RTK

  Kinematic RTK uses a single basestation like fixed and classical RTK but can track position while in motion, which makes it different from the rest. It uses carrier signals of L1 and L2, which operate on frequencies of 1575.42 Mhz and 1227.60 MHz, respectively. Kinematic RTK has an accuracy of approximately 1-2 cm in ideal conditions.

• Static RTK

  Static RTK can collect data from one fixed location and make computations as required later. It uses carrier signals of L1 and L2 like kinematic RTK, which operate on frequencies of 1575.42 MHz and 1227.60 MHz, respectively. Static RTK has an accuracy of approximately 1 mm in ideal conditions.

Industry Applications Of Real Time Kematic Gps Types

• Precision Agriculture

  Farmers have been able to improve crops yields and reduce operational costs by using RTK GPS for guiding equipment such as tractors in field mapping, planting, and harvesting. Different basestation types have different areas of application in agriculture. The fixed basestation is suitable for small farms, while the netwerk RTK basestation is effective on large acreage farms.

• Construction

  It is used in various activities like site surveying, earthmoving, and machine control. In surveying for example, classical RTK may be applicable for small construction area projects while network RTK may be preferred for bigger constructions.

• Mining

  Real time kinematic GPS plays a role in aspects such as excavations, haulage, and resource evaluations. RTK GPS contributes to efficiency and precision by enabling accurate mapping of resources and monitoring the position of machinery. Classical and fixed RTK are suitable for small mining location applications, while network RTK is applicable at larger mining projects.

• Surveying and Mapping

  RTK GPS is used here for property borders definition, topographic investigations, and infrastructure mappings. Because of its pinpoint location accuracy, it has totally eliminated the use of conventional total stations, making it the surveyors’ preferred choice.

• Transportation and Logistics

  In this industry, it is used for fleet coordinating, routing optimization, and tracking. Examples are shipping and trucking uses. Such accuracy helps companies lower costs while improving efficiency and delivering better customer satisfaction.

• Aviation

  It is used in this field for aircraft landing, navigation, and tracking. In particular, RTK GPS is used for precision approaches and landings in poor weather or other near-zero visibility conditions. The two types of RTK basestation are applicable in aviation, the classical fixed and network RTK.

• Marine

  It is used for vessel navigation, fishing, and resource exploration. Real time kinematic GPS enables accurate positioning in this industry, especially in rough sea conditions. Network and classical RTK are suitable for offshore applications, while fixed and floating RTK are applicable for inshore and smaller water bodies.

How To Choose Real Time Kinematic GPS Types

• Accuracy Requirements

  They greatly determine the RTK choice on the basis of accuracy. In cases high accuracy is not a priority, then floating RTK which provides basic accuracy will suffice. However, if the situation permits, then fixed RTK and network RTK are the most accurate types of RTK GPS available.

• Baseline Length

  The type of RTK GPS to use is determined by the distance between the GPS receiver and the fixed basestation. Floating and classical RTK are the preferred options for short baselines. Network RTK is the most appropriate for long baselines since it uses multiple basestations.

• Terrain and Environment

  Desirably, different types of RTK GPS work better in different terrains and environments. Features such as tree cover, urban settings, and topography affect the signal strength and quality, adding to positioning accuracy. For instance, GNSS augmentation networks are suitable for challenging environments because they improve signal strength and quality by providing multiple basestations.

• Cost Considerations

  This plays an important factor in choosing the type of Kinematic GPS in real-time. Floating and classical RTK are less expensive because they only require one basestation. Network RTK tends to be more costly because it needs multiple basestations and sophisticated infrastructure.

• Application Specific Requirements

  Factors like time of day, speed and type of work influence the choice of real-time kinematic GPS. For dynamic applications like machine control in construction, preferable types are fixed and classic RTK, which provide continuous position updates. For static applications like mapping and surveying, either fixed RTK, floating RTK, or network RTK can be used.

Maintenance and Repair Of Real Time Kinematic GPS Types

However, with proper case, the RTK GPS instrument can last and accurately measure for many years. The following tips can be taken to maintain and repair the equipment:

• Keep Equipment Safe

  This involves placing the instrument in a safe location where it cannot fall or be accidentally damaged. For example, total stations should not be left on open tables or near the edges of surfaces where they might get knocked over. Only keep them in closed boxes or cabinets, where the doors protect them from being bumped into by mistake.

• Stay Safe From Water

  This entails stopping the instrument from getting wet, since lots of damage can be caused by water getting inside. For example, wet total stations or GPS devices are usually not working accurately or at all. Keep the instrument dry by not using it when it is rainy or by covering it with something waterproof if it starts to drizzle.

• Handle With Clean Hands

  It is important to clean the working environment where the instrument is to be used and ensure its lens. Dust on the lens or exposed parts can create problems. For instance, on a dirty lens, it would be hard to see the aiming sights, and on grime-covered controls, it would be difficult to push the buttons to take readings. A clean area among the instruments and a cleaning habit help avoid dirt from causing troubles.

• Watch Out for Bumps, Jars, and Hits

  A small bump, a jar, or a hit can misalign parts or break delicate mechanisms inside the instrument. For example, a total station with its eyepiece knocked out of line will give wrong readings. Always keep the instrument on stable surfaces and handle it gently, especially when moving it.”  

• Check Settings Are Right

  This means making sure the instrument's settings match the real conditions before taking measurements. For example, if the RTK GPS is set to use one type of correction signal but the job requires another, it will give inaccurate results. Always double-check things like which satellite system to use. The settings should also be compared with the operator's handbook for the type of job being done.

• Make Adjustments When Needed

  This means regularly checking the instrument's position and angle to make sure it stays perfectly aligned. Small mistakes at first get bigger over time. For example, if the telescope is slightly off, all the measurements will also be off. The instrument's alignment should be adjusted using its built-in sensors to keep it exactly on target.

• Keep Batteries Charged

  Without a working battery, no readings can be taken at all from the instrument. This is because the RTK GPS needs power for it to be able to function. To avoid such a situation, the battery should always be charged fully and there should be a backup battery just in case the primary one fails. Also, ensure the important parts have juice in them, like checking that the remote battery is charged since it powers the base while the rover uses the battery.

• Check for Software Updates

  Software updates help fix problems and make the instrument work better. However, the operating system should be kept up-to-date by frequent checks for updates to install from the manufacturer. Without the latest patches, the equipment might act up or slow down. Updates should always be downloaded and added on a computer linked to the instrument.

Q & A

Q1: What is RTK GPS system?

A1: Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS is a high-precision positioning system that uses satellite signals and a base station to determine locations within centimeters. It sends real-time corrections to a rover GPS receiver for accuracy.

Q2: What are the advantages of using RTK?

A2: Some of the advantages of the RTK GPS are accuracy, real-time, efficiency, versatility, and reliability. It provides centimeter-level precision, operates without delay in receiving position data, reduces time and labor by automating tasks, works for many applications like surveying, agriculture, and construction, and gives dependable positioning even in challenging environments.

Q3: How does RTK GPS work?

A3: The base station sends out correction signals to improve the accuracy of the satellite data received by the rover GPS receiver. The rover then calculates its precise position using these corrected signals, achieving centimeter-level accuracy.

Q4: What are the applications of RTK?

A4: Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System uses corrections from a network of ground stations to determine precise locations for mapping and surveying, guiding agricultural equipment, controlling construction machines, managing drone flights, and tracking assets in real-time across various industries.