What makes RTKFnet different?

Glad you asked...

We own it.

Rather than piggybacking off other networks, we own and manage the base stations and server that make up our network. So, you know who you’re really dealing with. If you are having problems with your existing supplier, go with a true alternative, not more of the same – give us a try.

Flexibility.

As a comparatively ‘small’ company, we are not held back by red tape and bureaucracy that tends to stifle larger companies. We can quickly adapt to meet your business needs and have the technical and service teams to back it up.

Ever evolving.

Rather than just paying for access to a base, subscribers are joining a network that never stands still. We are constantly expanding and upgrading to keep customers at the forefront of RTK Technology.

No Distractions.

The network is our primary and sole product offering. All time, resource and focus are aimed in this direction to ensure the best service possible is available for dealers and end users.

Traceability.

Our accounts and administration systems have been designed from the ground up to ensure full traceability. We make it easy to internally source rover and account information which enables transparent invoicing, clarity of account status and gives easy access to historic information.

Service.

Our service is first class. Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of our agenda. Our team work incredibly hard to ensure that we live up to our reputation for incredible service and support… Care to meet them?

Would you give us a try?

Get in touch...

Thanks for your time! For further information or to arrange a trial - Speak to one of the team on 01223 902 331, contact us here, or book a demo.

We look forward to meeting you!

What does RTKFnet do?

We will keep it brief...

Let's dive a bit deeper into how Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS technology work In short, we are an RTK signal supplier covering England, Scotland and Wales. The basics -

• Operate a network of base stations.
• Generate real-time correction data for highly accurate GPS.
• Transmit this data to subscribers.
• Provide subscription services and user support.
• Ensure data quality, security, and compatibility.
• Expand coverage and network density.
• Enable users to access precise real-time GPS data for applications like surveying, agriculture, and navigation.

Although we like to think we are a little different from your average supplier!  

Tell me More!

Of course...

Let's dive a bit deeper into how Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS technology works:

Base Station Setup: To use RTK, you need two important components: the base station and the rover (your GPS device). The base station is set up at a known, fixed location with very precise coordinates. This location is carefully surveyed and its coordinates are accurately measured. The base station is typically placed on a tripod or a permanent secure mount.

Rover (Your GPS Device): This is the device you carry or install on a vehicle. It communicates with both the GPS satellites in the sky and the base station on the ground. The rover and the base station have a radio link to exchange data.

GPS Signals from Satellites: Both the base station and the rover receive signals from the same GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. These signals contain information about the satellite's location and the time the signal was transmitted.

Error Correction: The base station calculates its precise position using the known coordinates. Simultaneously, it also calculates the errors in the GPS signals it receives. These errors can be caused by factors like atmospheric interference or signal delays. The base station then sends correction data to the rover in real-time,  typically via radio or cellular signal.

Rover's Position Calculation: The rover receives the corrected data from the base station. It then uses this data to adjust its own calculations. By comparing the corrected data from the base station with the raw GPS signals it receives from the satellites, the rover can determine its precise position with much higher accuracy.

Centimetre-Level Accuracy: Thanks to the correction data from the base station, RTK can achieve extremely high accuracy, often down to a couple of centimetres or even less. This level of precision is essential for applications where exact positioning is crucial, such as surveying land boundaries, guiding tractors for precision agriculture, ensuring construction projects are on target, or helping autonomous vehicles navigate safely.

Real-Time Updates: The "real-time" part of RTK means that the correction data is continuously updated and sent to the rover as it moves. This ensures that the rover always has the most accurate information, even if it's on the go.

In summary, RTK GPS is a technology that uses a base station with a known precise location to correct the GPS signals received by a rover, allowing for highly accurate and real-time positioning. It's a powerful tool used in various industries where centimetre-level accuracy is essential for tasks like mapping, navigation, and monitoring.

Got it, so...

What is RTK?

The Basics...

RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic, and it's a technology used in navigation and surveying to determine precise positions on the Earth's surface. A super-accurate GPS system.
Here's how it works:

Regular GPS: When you use your phone or a standard GPS device, it connects to satellites in space. These satellites send signals to your device, and it uses the information from multiple satellites to figure out where you are. However, this method isn't super precise; it can be accurate within a few meters, but not centimetres.

RTK GPS: RTK takes GPS accuracy to the next level. It still uses signals from satellites, but it does something extra. It adds another piece of equipment called a "base station" with a known, very precise location. This base station communicates with your GPS device. It sends correction data to your device in real-time.

How it works:

The GPS device on the ground receives signals from satellites just like regular GPS.

The base station also receives signals from the same satellites.

The base station knows its exact position because it's carefully placed and calibrated.

The base station compares its known position with the position it calculates from the satellite signals.

Any differences between the known position and the calculated position are errors.

The base station sends these error corrections to your GPS device.

Your GPS device then applies these corrections to its calculations. This makes your GPS location super accurate, often down to just a centimetre.

RTK is incredibly useful in activities like precise land surveying, farming, construction, drone flight, and even self-driving cars. It helps these applications know their exact location in real time, and navigate with incredible accuracy. Fantastic, isn’t it?!