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Why does RTK positioning technology allow you to draw ultra-accurate lines on the map? Discover how it works!
With the advancement of science and technology, more and more fields rely on high-precision positioning technology. Among them, real-time kinematic measurement technology (RTK) has attracted society's attention with its centimeter-level accuracy. This technology can not only be used in land surveying and hydrological surveys, but also plays an important role in the navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles. So, how exactly does RTK work?
RTK background
The core concept of RTK technology is to perform positioning by using the carrier phase of satellite signals. Unlike traditional satellite navigation systems, RTK technology can significantly improve positioning accuracy by sending real-time correction data through a fixed base station. This system is particularly suitable for applications requiring high-precision measurements such as land surveying.
“RTK uses the phase of the satellite signal carrier rather than its information content. This innovative technology enables positioning to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.”
How carrier phase tracking works
The operation of RTK technology relies on a fixed base station and a mobile receiver. The base station transmits the phase of the carrier it observes, and the mobile unit compares its measured phase to the phase of the signal received by the base station. This comparison of signals helps calculate accurate position data.
The time delay of the signal reaching the receiver is an important factor affecting the measurement accuracy. The sequence of pseudo-random numbers generated internally in the receiver needs to be aligned with the sequence of pseudo-random numbers in the signal received from the satellite. This step takes into account the signal's delay during transmission to calculate an accurate distance.
"RTK technology can calculate the distance to the satellite in real time and control the error within a few millimeters."
Practical considerations
When applying RTK systems, the selection of base stations and signal transmission are crucial. The most common method of signal transmission is the sending of real-time data via wireless modems (such as the UHF band). The successful operation of the technology relies not only on a single base station, but also on its surrounding environmental factors, such as signal clarity and atmospheric effects.
RTK technology can typically achieve centimeter-level accuracy within a range of about 20 kilometers from the base station, but to achieve such accuracy, the base station must be located at a known measurement location to ensure accurate measurements between mobile units.
"Through the network formed by multiple base stations, the application scope and accuracy of RTK technology have been greatly upgraded."
Further expanded applications
Network RTK technology further expands the application of RTK systems and can cover a larger area by building a network containing multiple base stations. This not only improves positioning accuracy, but also effectively reduces erroneous initialization problems caused by a single base station. Accuracy is also significantly improved using a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network because such a network can provide more reference data to help positioning.
Not only that, the concept of VRN (Virtual Reference Network) also aims to improve accuracy and supplement the role of base stations through virtual reference stations. These technologies are the result of continuous advancement in the process of striving for higher positioning accuracy.
"New measurement technologies continue to challenge our imagination of accuracy, reliability and application range."
Conclusion
The precise measurement capabilities of RTK positioning technology have made this technology increasingly important over the past few years. Whether in land surveying, agricultural precision operations or driverless technology applications, RTK delivers remarkable accuracy.
With the continuous advancement of technology, how will RTK and other positioning technologies change the way we live and work in the future?
