Centimeters in the Field, A users Perspective of Real-Time Kinematic Positioning in a Production Environment

Nicholas C. Talbot

Abstract:	Surveyors and Geodesists have been quick to take advantage of the Global Positioning System for precise positioning applications. Static surveying techniques have been used to accurately determine baseline vectors for mapping projects and geodetic control. GPS postprocessing techniques have rapidly evolved to include kinematic and FastStaticTM methods, which improve productivity over static surveying and are more suitable for small-scale projects. Postprocessed GPS has several drawbacks. There is no way of knowing how long sites need to be occupied to achieve a desired accuracy level. Postprocessed techniques do not allow an operator to navigate in the field. Most importantly, there is no quality assurance during the point observation - knowing you observed the correct point, identified it properly and achieved the desired accuracy. Real-Time Kinematic (RTKTM) positioning is a new innovation that provides centimeter-level accuracy in the field. The system is comprised of carrier tracking GPS receivers, radio data links, an on-line processor and a hand-held computer for survey control and navigation. With the full GPS constellation in place, Real-Time Kinematic positioning complements conventional terrestrial surveying methods to provide stakeout capability and maximum productivity in the field. A description of a Real-Time Kinematic positioning (RTK) system is covered. A comparison is then made with existing surveying techniques from a productivity and accuracy perspective.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993) September 22 - 24, 1993 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	1049 - 1057
Cite this article:	Talbot, Nicholas C., "Centimeters in the Field, A users Perspective of Real-Time Kinematic Positioning in a Production Environment," Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993), Salt Lake City, UT, September 1993, pp. 1049-1057.
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