RTK correction services white paper
Single sourcing hardware, connectivity and RTK corrections simplifies precise positioning and accelerates time-to-market
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How to overcome GNSS limitations with RTK correction services
Although GNSS offers ubiquitous coverage worldwide, its accuracy can be hindered in some situations – signals can be attenuated by heavy vegetation, for example, or obstructed by tall buildings in dense urban canyons. This results in signals being received indirectly or via the multipath effect, leading to inaccuracy, or even blocked entirely. Unimpeded GNSS positioning in all real world scenarios is therefore unrealistic – creating a need for supporting technologies, such as real time kinematic (RTK) positioning and dead reckoning, to enable centimeter-accuracy for newer mass-market IoT devices.
RTK techniques can mitigate biases and degradations, greatly improving accuracy by communicating corrections from fixed base stations with known coordinates in the proximity of the roving device, providing position data in real time via a cellular, broadcast radio or satellite carrier. RTK uses carrier- phase differentials to compensate for errors from satellite orbit and clock inaccuracies and atmospheric conditions. Compensations are then accessed by the mobile receiver, such as a delivery robot or e-scooter, which uses them to calculate its own precise position relative to the fixed stations.
By combining GNSS modules with a broad range of connectivity options plus antenna, RTK correction services and design review, Quectel has assembled a comprehensive solution for precise GNSS positioning use cases. This allows more efficient procurement, simplified integrations and faster time-to-market. Customers can adopt the one-stop-shop approach to ensure complete control and visibility into their RTK correction-supported GNSS, or simply take the services or components they want, while avoiding vendor lock-in.
RTK however uses carrier phase measurements requiring a higher level of complexity in terms of antenna design and places more critical attention to detail on RF design. It also requires a reliable real-time low-latency connection between base and rover, and the base stations are complex and time consuming to set up. This can be further complicated by the need to consider services and components from multiple vendors that may not be consistent across state or country borders. To overcome these challenges IoT organizations are increasingly turning to RTK correction service providers who can handle the validation and selection and scaled relationships on their behalf.
To ensure performance we offer a 360-degree service including RF and digital design reviews along with antenna matching and optimization. The combination of modules and services results in cost-effective, flexible offerings that enable cost-effective cm-accurate positioning. In contrast to legacy CORS networks, which are constrained by highly priced business models and often antiquated disparate base equipment with inconsistent constellation support, Quectel’s RTK Correction Services offer uniform performance at highly competitive pricing to provide a scalable, consistent, triple-band service for mass-market adoption on a uniform ITRF2014 datum.
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Read our new white paper to learn how our RTK Correction Services can widen the applicability of precise positioning to applications such as open cast mining, marine port management, construction and precision agriculture through partnerships with multiple best-in-class, modern base station owners across five continents.