Do you know that GPS ≠ RTK
RTK is a high-precision enhancement technology built on top of GPS.
But, what is GPS?
GPS is a global satellite positioning system used to tell you where you are.
The accuracy of standard GPS is typically:
1–5 meters (vehicle navigation level)
In agriculture, this may look sufficient at first glance, but in reality, it is not precise enough for modern precision farming needs.
What is RTK?
RTK = Real-Time Kinematic
It is not another satellite system. Instead, it is:
A technology that improves GPS accuracy from meter-level to centimeter-level.
Simplified principle:
A fixed RTK base station is placed on the ground
It continuously corrects satellite signal errors
The correction data is transmitted to the drone or tractor
Result:
Positioning accuracy improves from 2–3 meters → 2–3 centimeters
An easy-to-understand analogy
GPS: Driving navigation Approximate location on phone map
RTK: Laser-precise positioning
GPS: Drawing lines Freehand chalk line
RTK: Precise line using a ruler
GPSPlanting rows Roughly this row
RTK: Exactly centered in this row
Real differences in agricultural use
Standard GPS:
Row spacing easily drifts
Overlapping or missed spraying
Accuracy fluctuates with signal changes
RTK GPS:
Precisely repeats the same path
Perfect alignment with operation lines
Ideal for variable-rate fertilization, precision seeding, and auto-steering
Final Summary
RTK is not an independent positioning system.
It is a high-precision enhancement technology based on GPS, used to improve positioning accuracy from meter-level to centimeter-level.
W Béziers ONDERFULL INC. | DJI AGRICULTURE
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