Main features:
The horizontal error of the free GPS signal is about 10 m. This error is caused by the distortion of the GPS signal coming from the satellite to the antenna. There are several technologies designed to increase the accuracy of GPS positioning. They differ in their complexity and are divided into five levels.
The Fifth level provides GPS accuracy within ± 20 mm. This is the highest possible accuracy given by the most complex and expensive types of DGPS receivers with additional modules supporting RTK technology. The RTK base station is mounted stationary according to a special algorithm. RTK-navigation receives corrections every minute and determines the position of the machinery with an accuracy of ± 2 cm. This position is absolute to the position of the RTK base station, it will not change the next day, or in a year/10 years.
This technology is the most popular among progressive farmers in developed countries. It gives many opportunities for implementing all existing technologies for field automation: inter-row tillage, precise fertilization, the section control of sprayers and drills, etc.
Automation of horticulture fieldwork is best implemented with RTK-technology.