Real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS technology

Created roughly three decades ago, RTK has far surpassed the dreams of its pioneers – among them, the Trimble leaders integral to its development. By correcting common inaccuracies in real time, RTK unleashed new possibilities for the use of positioning technology to revolutionize the way we work across countless industries including construction, agriculture, transportation and utilities.

Achieve precise positioning in real time.
Ensure the accuracy of positioning data within centimeters.
Increase productivity with precise corrections to satellite-based positions while you work.

A tough problem to solve

RTK was created to solve GPS surveying problems, ensuring location measurements are always on point. But it’s evolved to become so much more.

Birth of a utility

Today, RTK is a utility that powers workflows and technologies used every day — from faster surveying to finely-tuned machine control.

From GNSS systems to total stations, RTK empowers highly precise, reliable, and portable positioning.

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RTK makes it easy for everyone, from farmers to surveyors, to be confident in their accuracy.

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RTK improves productivity and accuracy so machine operators can get it right the first time.

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RTK helps semi-autonomous and autonomous machines position themselves as they work.

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As part of an open, collaborative effort, Trimble leaders, along with engineers and scientists from the public, private, and academic sectors, worked together to develop commercial RTK systems.

In anticipation of the need for a solution that evolved beyond GNSS, Trimble played a central role in advancing the capabilities of RTK technology.

Portability

Miniaturized RTK hardware, better integration of system components, and reduced power consumption improved portability in the field.

Performance

Increasing the position update rate and decreasing latency eased navigation to stake-out coordinates. These advances also made future innovations in machine control and robotics possible.

Efficiency

Supporting the development of a common reference station protocol promoted interoperability of RTK-based technologies.

Significant milestones in RTK development

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.

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.

Trimble partners with Caterpillar to create blade-mounted GNSS equipment for bulldozers, allowing for the highest levels of accuracy.

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.

The Trimble RTX correction service begins to take shape. RTX is delivered via satellite and internet and is available in rural and urban environments.

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.

INNOVATION