what is real time kinematic
In today’s world, the use of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) methods has become increasingly popular in the geospatial industry. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this technology, its applications, and benefits.
Real-Time Kinematic Mode – Geospatial Education Platform
Abstract:
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology provides cm level positioning accuracy, making it ideal for precision applications in various industries such as agriculture, construction, and surveying. This article delves into the technical workings of RTK, its accuracy level, and its various applications.
Introduction:
RTK is a GPS/GNSS positioning technique used to achieve centimeter-level accuracy in real-time. This technique is achieved by having a base station at a fixed known location that sends correction signals to an RTK receiver located on a moving rover. This rover can be a drone, a vehicle, or a person carrying the RTK receiver. The correction signals provide the difference between the calculated position of the rover using the GPS/GNSS signals and the actual position of the rover. This difference is used to update the position of the rover in real-time, providing cm level accuracy.
Content:
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) methods
The RTK method is divided into two techniques, the single-baseline RTK method between the base station and the rover and the network RTK method that uses multiple base stations for its correction signals. The single-baseline RTK is an efficient and straightforward method, primarily used in surveying applications.
The network RTK method, on the other hand, utilizes a network of reference stations, providing GPS corrections to the rover in the field. Since there are multiple base stations, a rover can operate even at unobstructed areas where Line-of-Sight communication isn’t feasible.
There are three types of network RTK techniques: the master-slave architecture, the VRS (Virtual Reference Station) technique, and the FKP (Fixed Ambiguity) technique.
The master-slave network RTK method has one base station and multiple rover stations that operate as slaves to the base station. This technique can simultaneously provide corrections to multiple rovers, providing a cost-efficient solution in construction applications.
The VRS technique uses multiple reference stations and creates virtual reference stations around the rover’s current location. This method can provide high accuracy in dense urban areas with obstructed views of the sky.
The FKP technique is a less common network RTK technique that uses carrier-phase measurements instead of code measurements to provide corrections to the GPS/GNSS receiver’s ambiguities. This method can provide higher accuracy, especially under challenging environments, such as foliage, multipath, or tall structures.
Real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS (El-Mowafy 2000)
The RTK GNSS technology has a wide range of applications, including surveying, mapping, machine guidance, and precision agriculture. Surveying applications require high-precision measurements of positions, elevations, and angles. GNSS-based surveys can quickly and accurately provide this information.
Machine guidance, also known as machine control, is a technology that utilizes GNSS-based correction signals to guide machines such as tractors, bulldozers, and excavators in various construction applications. This technology can significantly reduce operational costs and increase efficiency
Precision agriculture uses RTK GNSS technology to optimize crop yield by providing centimeter-level accuracy in planting and harvesting operations. RTK GNSS receivers mounted on tractors or drones can accurately map fields, identify crop health, and reduce waste and input costs.
Conclusion:
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology provides cm-level accuracy, making it an ideal solution for precision tasks in various industries. The RTK method is divided into two techniques, the single-baseline RTK method, and the network RTK method. The network RTK method has multiple techniques, including the master-slave architecture, the VRS technique, and the FKP technique. RTK GNSS has many applications, including surveying, mapping, machine guidance, and precision agriculture.
In conclusion, RTK technology has revolutionized the geospatial industry’s precision, accuracy, and efficiency, saving companies time and resources. RTK technology’s applications will continue to grow in various industries, improving processes and reducing waste.
Source image : www.researchgate.net
Source image : www.researchgate.net
Source image : www.polyu.edu.hk