|
Australia | Paul,
RTK networks are in their infancy in Ag, but people don't realize the first dedicated Ag RTK 'network' was established in California in 2000.
In 7 years, the typical Ag dealer infrastructure remains a 'single point' basic network and not a true 'multi-baseline' network. The future of Ag RTK networks is the professional grade multi-baseline networks that govt DOTs are implementing nationwide. The main advantage is that the base stations can be separated by up to 60 miles instead of the current 6-18 miles. You can imagine the acreage increase with a cost decrease per user. The suppliers of these networks provide additional benefits that the current networks cannot. 1) true roaming between stations 2) remote fault monitoring and upgrading 3) true redundancy in that if one station goes down the other compensates 4) true geodetic positioning management. The downsides and reasons for poor adoption in Ag are 1) high upfront capital costs (but lower operating costs) 2) Lack of standards across GNSS receivers which has been addressed with the new RTCM3.x correction standard. 4) lack of radio transmission standards and infrastructure. All of these shortcomings are being worked on as we speak.
I have spoken to quite a few dealer network operators who are struggling to maintain and manage their networks profitably. Many are looking for a way out. While I am sure there are excellent operators of single point networks, ultimately the future is going to multi-baseline networks with full fault monitoring capability. The good news is that all the gear currently being used by dealers could be re-used in a new multi-baseline network. Maybe even neighboring networks could join and provide better coverage with more reliability?
More likely is that as communications in rural America improves, as DOT networks expand, the average farmer will have quite a bit of choice in 5 years time.
There are two main suppliers of network RTK systems. Here are the links if you are interested:
http://www.trimble.com/vrsnow.shtml
http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corporate/en/products/gps_systems/l...
Nearly every DOT in the country is either upgrading or expanding their network, or has a tender out to cover the state. Globally, there are hundreds of countries and states that are building networks. The momentum is there right now. The great thing is that US DOT's provide the RTK correction for free (not including cell charges).
Expect a lot of change in the next 5 years.
John | |
|
RTK subscription $$$
