Real-time kinematic (RTK)
A breakthrough advancement in GPS accuracy, RTK has transformed the power of positioning technology.
What is RTK
Real-time kinematic (RTK) is used to significantly enhance the accuracy, motion and timing challenges of satellite positioning systems.
RTK ushered in new possibilities for positioning technology to revolutionize work across industries including construction, agriculture, transportation, utilities and more.
It’s a surveying system made by surveyors for surveyors. Before RTK, establishing geodetic control, horizontal and vertical, was a massive, labor-intensive endeavor.
RTK applications
The precision and speed offered by RTK enhances positioning technologies and sets the foundation for a diverse set of applications.
Significant milestones in RTK development
1993
Early in the year, Trimble releases its first commercial RTK product, the Site Surveyor system, which was sold to the U.S. Forest Service. A few months later, Trimble adds on-the-fly (OTF) capabilities and testing to its RTK product.
1994
In March, Trimble releases its first commercial RTK receiver with on-the-fly (OTF) capabilities at the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) conference in Melbourne, Australia. Later in the year, Trimble lays out its “Centimeters everywhere for everyone” vision, which serves as its guiding principle for innovating positioning technology.
1995
Trimble partners with Caterpillar to create blade-mounted GNSS equipment for bulldozers, allowing for the highest levels of accuracy.
2000
In May, Trimble acquires Spectra Precision, which comes with geodesy/mathematics expertise and a software development team from its subsidiary, Terrasat. Terrasat pioneered Virtual Reference Station (VRS) networks, which corrects most satellite orbit and clock errors, plus atmospheric errors across the network.
2011
The Trimble RTX correction service begins to take shape. RTX is delivered via satellite and internet and is available in rural and urban environments.
2016
Trimble Catalyst becomes one of the first commercially available software-defined GNSS systems with RTK. Catalyst requires only a 300-gram (less than one pound) antenna and a smartphone.
Unleashing new possibilities for the use of positioning technology
Improving accuracy for autonomous technology
Stan is a fully autonomous valet robot. RTK enables it to move vehicles from outside to inside and park them with high-precision navigational accuracy.
Saving time on remote pipeline projects
Atwell, a Michigan-based construction firm, was challenged with performing GNSS corrections on a remote, long-corridor project. Next-gen positioning services enabled them to save an hour each day.