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INNOVATION

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.

PRECISION
Achieve precise positioning in real time.

ACCURACY
Ensure the accuracy of positioning data within centimeters.

PRODUCTIVITY
Increase productivity with precise corrections to satellite-based positions while you work.
It’s a surveying system made by surveyors for surveyors. Before RTK, establishing geodetic control, horizontal and vertical, was a massive, labor-intensive endeavor.
— Steve DeLoach
Retired civil engineer and land surveyor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

How Trimble helped pioneer this game-changing technology

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

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.

1993: Site Surveyor released

Unleashing new possibilities for the use of positioning technology

Laptop showing Trimble autonomous technology in car parking lot
Case study

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.

Read more
Laptop showing Atwell truck with person in the background using Trimble Geospatial equipment by a pole
CASE STUDY

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.

Read more
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