Broadacre, row crop and high value crops each have different positioning needs.  Within these agricultural groups, individual practices such as mapping, guidance and machine control for tillage, application and harvest each have their own Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) needs for an optimal price/performance and value equation.  New research and algorithm development by NovAtel has resulted in a significant simplification of positioning methodology with increased reliability and performance worldwide.

 

There are typically two fundamental measurements that are made from GNSS satellites:  the pseudorange and the carrier phase.  Many different kinds of algorithms have been developed to convert these fundamental measurements into positions that can then be used by agricultural applications.  This presentation will illustrate how pseudorange and carrier phase measurements made from the same rover antenna can be processed with very different techniques to produce position solutions with radically different performance characteristics as well as price points. 

 

This presentation will describe the various error sources that contribute to position errors, as well as techniques to mitigate or eliminate these errors.  In late 2013 NovAtel announced its CORRECT positioning technology.  NovAtel’s CORRECT philosophy optimally combines data from multiple GNSS satellite constellations with corrections from a variety of sources, to deliver the best position solution possible. NovAtel CORRECT provides systems integrators with the opportunity to choose pricing and subscription options that best match their OEM business objectives. With NovAtel in control of the entire positioning solution, future innovation including seamless integration with all positioning modes and correction types is assured.

 

Additionally, this presentation will compare and contrast several positioning approaches commonly used by agricultural application.  Advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be discussed, as well as quantification of the accuracy and robustness of the computed position.  The various positioning approaches will include NovAtel’s GL1DE technique (with a comparison of single-frequency and dual-frequency approaches), Precise Point Positioning, as well as Real-Time Kinematic (RTK).  These three approaches allow for positions ranging from sub-meter (GL1DE), decimeter (PPP) to centimeter (RTK).