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XAG AUSTRALIA
equiPment Positioning moDe
GPS (Global Positioning System):
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on
Earth. In agriculture, it's used for basic navigation and mapping, offering global coverage without
the need for additional equipment. However, its accuracy is lower compared to other technologies,
making it susceptible to interference and multipath errors.
VRTK (Virtual RTK):
Virtual RTK (VRTK) represents a significant advancement in high-precision positioning technology. By
eliminating the need for a physical base station and providing real-time centimetre-level accuracy,
VRTK offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for precision agriculture and other applications
requiring high accuracy. While VRTK technology eliminates many traditional requirements, users
should be aware that Offset Correction may be necessary after periods of inactivity. This alignment
process ensures that the system continues to provide optimal positioning corrections.
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic):
RTK is a high-precision GPS technology that uses a base station and a rover to provide centimetre-
level accuracy. It's commonly used in precision agriculture for tasks that require very high accuracy
and difficult terrain. The real-time corrections are a significant advantage, but the technology requires
a base station.
CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations):
CORS is a network of reference stations that provide corrections to GPS signals, enhancing the
accuracy of standard GPS. It's used in various applications, including agriculture, to provide improved
accuracy without the need for a personal base station. While it offers wide network availability, it
requires an internet connection, and subscription fees may apply. Its accuracy is slightly lower than
RTK.
Positioning Mode Comparison Table:
Positioning
Mode
Accuracy Pros Cons
GPS 1-5m
No Additional Equipment
Low Cost
X Low Accuracy
X Susceptible to Interference
X Multipath Errors
VRTK 1-2cm
No Additional Equipment
Provides centimetre-level
accuracy, similar to traditional RTK
X Susceptible to Interference
X Potential Inaccuracies after inactivity
X Field Alignment Required after
inactivity
RTK 1-2cm
Very High Accuracy
Real-Time Positioning Correction
X Requires Additional Equipment
X Requires Station Setup
CORS 1-10cm
No Additional Equipment
Improved Accuracy
X Requires Internet
X Subscription Fees
X Slightly less accurate than RTK