Tag: reference station

Onocoy’s Loop Back gives reference station operators RTK corrections for their devices
New feature eliminates the need for a self-hosted NTRIP caster and delivers enterprise-grade correction data to up to three devices simultaneously at no additional cost to the operator

Onocoy, a decentralized GNSS reference station network, is launching Loop Back, a new platform feature that routes quality-assured RTK correction data back to each station operator’s own devices free of charge. More than 7,800 active reference stations contribute to the onocoy network.

Operators who also needed precision positioning for their own drones, survey rovers, precision agriculture equipment, or autonomous machinery face a common friction point: the reference station they owned and operated produces valuable correction data, but routing that data back to their own field equipment requires either a separately maintained NTRIP caster or an additional subscription. Loop Back eliminates both.

Loop Back is immediately available to all onocoy station operators as a standard platform feature. Full documentation and setup guides are available at docs.onocoy.com.

How Loop Back works

When a GNSS reference station is connected to onocoy, raw observation data flows from the operator’s hardware into onocoy’s quality validation pipeline. The platform continuously checks position stability, multi-constellation health (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), uptime and other parameters before producing a quality-assured RTCM 3 correction stream.

That validated stream has two destinations simultaneously: enterprise data clients who purchase GNSS reference station data through onocoy’s pay-per-use model, and the station operator’s own devices via Loop Back. The operator receives the same production-grade correction stream used by commercial clients, free of charge and with no data credits consumed.

Key capabilities at launch:
- Up to three simultaneous active connections from an operator’s own devices to their own station’s corrections, with unlimited devices configurable
- Compatible with any NTRIP-capable station regardless of hardware brand or model
- Quality monitoring identical to that applied to enterprise client streams
- No separate NTRIP caster required; onocoy manages the infrastructure
- Free of charge: No data credits consumed for the operator’s own station data.
Who benefits

Loop Back is designed for the growing segment of professionals who both operate a reference station and rely on precision positioning in their daily work. Target use cases include:
- Precision agriculture: Farmers running auto-steered machinery, UAV-based crop monitoring, and variable-rate application systems
- Geomatics and surveying: Professionals running a base station and multiple rover units across a site, eliminating the overhead of a local base-rover setup
- Autonomous systems, robotics and drones: Operators deploying multiple vehicles or aircraft requiring cm-accurate positioning for mapping, inspection, or delivery workflows
- Research: Academic and scientific teams running parallel measurement campaigns from a shared base station.
Economics of station operation

Most professionals who deploy a GNSS reference station do so because their business in precision agriculture, surveying, drone operations and construction demands one. By connecting that station to onocoy, operators put the same hardware to work a second time: contributing data to onocoy’s global network and earning rewards worth several hundreds of U.S. dollars per year.

That additional income is enough to amortize the station in under two years before accounting for potential savings on subscriptions. Because onocoy applies continuous quality monitoring to every stream, operators also safeguard the positioning accuracy their business depends on.
May 18, 2026
Verizon to deploy RTK stations for ‘hyper-precise’ location info

Using RTK’s pinpoint-level location data in the Verizon network is a building block to bring to scale emerging technologies such as driverless city zones, expansion of precision agriculture and drone delivery.

Verizon has launched what it calls hyper-precise location using real-time kinematics (RTK) to provide accuracy within one to two centimeters on the Verizon network.

Verizon has built and deployed RTK reference stations nationwide so that compatible internet of things (IoT) devices can receive the higher accuracy. Verizon is working to make RTK accessible with myriad device makers.

RTK will also support emerging technologies that depend on high-level location accuracy, such as delivery drones and customer-approved location data for first responders in emergencies.

RTK technology reduces the cost and risk associated with inaccurate location data, Verizon said in a press release. “Billions of IoT devices across a multitude of industries will benefit from improved location accuracy, with hyper-precise location information enabling a host of new services.

“For instance, robotics at distribution centers will be able to perform more efficient, accurate and safe logistics operations. More accurate positioning can help speed deployment of high-value assets in emergency situations to the precise location, and more precise tracking of emergency equipment can provide faster redeployment in disaster response scenarios.”

The rollout of its hyper-precise location services along with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and 5G Edge will pave the way for more autonomous technologies, the company said.

“We are scaling RTK to enable mobile location accuracy to within a few centimeters, transforming what is currently possible when it comes to location-enabled services and new IoT solutions coming onto the market,” said Nicola Palmer, chief product development officer for Verizon. “Continued growth in the IoT environment means billions of devices in fields where precision location services are becoming more critical, such as vehicle automation, unmanned aerial vehicles, precision agriculture technology, infrastructure monitoring, asset tracking and high-value shipping.”

Image: 4X-image iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Reimagining road safety

In partnership with HERE Technologies, Verizon is building next-generation technologies for vehicle and pedestrian safety using hyper-precise high-definition mapping and RTK.

This work paves the way for connected services that are designed to drive road safety improvements. By creating a vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication system equipped with hyper-local location accuracy, collision avoidance applications can precisely identify vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, and relay the information through Verizon’s 5G Edge and HERE’s AI to predict likely travel paths and warn vehicles of impending potential collisions. This partnership is one of multiple recent initiatives Verizon has taken to increase road safety.

“Moving beyond the static fidelity of satellite-based location data enables an exciting new generation of connected, autonomous experiences,” said Jørgen Behrens, SVP, chief product officer at HERE Technologies. “By pairing HERE’s live, hyper-precise HD Map and HD Positioning technologies with intelligent RTK algorithms, and making that scalable, Verizon is putting a transformative level of location insights into the hands of developers and consumers alike.”

Powering the autonomous future

Hyper-precise location accuracy will be critical to advancing autonomous driving and together, Verizon and Renovo are ushering in a new era of transformative solutions critical for the future of autonomy on the road. These solutions leverage machine learning and RTK technology, powered by a combination of next-generation solutions such as 5G.

“RTK is a critical technology for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Accurate positioning helps ADAS vehicles navigate better, drive smoother, and react faster to the surrounding environment,” said Christopher Heiser, CEO and Co-Founder of Renovo. “Nationwide, reliable RTK networks make for a viable way to deliver these enhanced capabilities to mass-market cars and trucks. For companies that manage the huge datasets that power next-generation vehicle platforms like Renovo, this is very exciting.”

IoT devices currently using RTK can be accessed and managed through Verizon’s ThingSpace management platform and APIs.

August 14, 2020
CHC Navigation launches P2 GNSS sensor series
Designed for demanding positioning and heading applications

The P2 Elite GNSS sensor. (Photo: CHC Navigation)

CHC Navigation has released the P2 GNSS sensor series, which the company says provides high-accuracy positioning and heading in a compact, rugged enclosure.

The P2 GNSS sensor series is suitable for a wide variety of applications such as reference station, marine systems, unmanned navigation, industrial automation, robotics and machine control.

Integration. The P2 GNSS series is designed to significantly reduce system integration efforts by combining numerous connectivity interfaces including RS232, low-latency PPS output, Ethernet, CAN bus protocol and a comprehensive web interface for configuration set-up.

The series integrates the latest GNSS technology in an extremely rugged IP67 and lightweight enclosure. It delivers reliable, uninterrupted, high-accuracy, real-time positioning and heading measurements.

Scalable with 3 models. The P2 GNSS series is available in three different models to match various application requirements.
- The P2 GNSS sensor offers cost-effective and powerful real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning.
- The P2 Pro GNSS adds a dual-antenna input for precise heading data.
- The P2 Elite integrates additional 4G and UHF modems to provide a powerful, all-in-one, GNSS sensor.
“The P2 GNSS sensor series is leveraging our expertise in providing high-performance and reliable GNSS solutions,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHC Navigation. “Back-up by CHCNAV’s professional integration support, the P2 GNSS sensor series offers exceptional feature set to system integrators and machine manufacturer partners.”
April 11, 2019
Septentrio reference station receivers now shipping to UNAVCO

Septentrio has started shipments to UNAVCO of its all new multi-frequency PolaRx5 reference receiver. This follows the 2015 announcement by UNAVCO that Septentrio was selected at the Geodesy Advancing Geosciences EarthScope (GAGE) Facility preferred vendor for next-generation GNSS reference station products.

The Septentrio PolaRx5 GNSS receiver.

The PolaRx5 incorporates Septentrio’s most advanced multi-frequency GNSS engine, with support for all major satellite signals including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, as well as the regional QZSS and IRNSS satellite systems.

According to the UNAVCO GNSS Receiver Preferred Vendor RFP Evaluation Report, Septentrio consistently ranks highest in many areas of measurement quality and interference mitigation of the instruments tested. Moreover, the PolaRx5 offers low power consumption for its multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS reference receiver, operating on less than 2 Watts when receiving GPS and GLONASS satellite signals.

“At UNAVCO, we are excited about the selection of the PolaRx5 for enhancement of the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory, the international standard for geodetic networks,” said M. Meghan Miller, president of UNAVCO. “We will work with Septentrio to modernize UNAVCO GPS networks, and explore the science innovation and broader applications that are possible in the rapidly evolving GNSS era.”

UNAVCO is a non-profit university-governed consortium that facilitates geosciences research and education using geodesy. UNAVCO operates the GAGE Facility for the National Science Foundation with additional core support from NASA. The GAGE Facility includes more than 2,000 continuously operating GPS/GNSS reference stations around the world.

UNAVCO-supported networks include EarthScope’s Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO), the Continuously Operating Caribbean GPS Observational Network (COCONet), the Trans-Boundary Land and Atmosphere Long-Term Observational and Collaboration Network (TLALOCNet) and the Polar Earth Observational Network (POLENet).

Septentrio’s close cooperation with UNAVCO continues a tradition of partnering with leading scientific institutions and agencies that require high-performance GNSS technology in challenging environments. Septentrio partners include the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European GNSS Agency (GSA).

“These deliveries mark a huge step in the modernization program for UNAVCO and UNAVCO partner networks around the globe,” said Neil Vancans, vice president of Septentrio Americas. “The use of new satellite technology will be the foundation for greater understanding of our planet. The entire Septentrio team is proud to be a part of this pivotal program.”

February 1, 2016
Sokkia Announces Next-Generation Geodetic Reference Receiver

The Sokkia GNR5 geodetic receiver. Photo: Sokkia

Sokkia announces the latest addition to its line of geodetic GNSS reference receivers — the GNR5. Making use of 452 channels optimized to track the full GNSS spectrum, the GNR5 is designed to assign any visible signal to any available receiver channel.

“The GNR5 is a comprehensive connectivity solution,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the GeoPositioning Group. “Whether using the built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless communication options, or standard Ethernet, serial and USB connections — the system provides a powerfully integrated reference station that is capable of tracking the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS and SBAS constellations.”

Additional features include high-precision code and carrier phase measurements up to 100 Hz, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and advanced receiver management features.

The new receiver is on display at InterGeo 2014, being held this week in Berlin.

October 8, 2014
Veripos Upgrades Reference Stations with Septentrio GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou Receivers

The Septentrio PolaRx4 reference receiver.

Veripos, a global provider of precise satellite positioning solutions to the international offshore and marine industries, is concluding the upgrade of its global network of GNSS reference stations with high-performance multi‑frequency GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou receivers from Septentrio.

Veripos owns and operates a network of more than 80 reference stations worldwide that is used to determine estimates of the orbit and clock errors of multiple GNSS satellite constellations. Veripos uses these estimates to calculate corrections which are then broadcast to end users to significantly improve the accuracy of positioning. At the heart of the network is Septentrio PolaRx4, a full-featured reference receiver that provides high-quality tracking and measurement of all available and upcoming GNSS signals.

The upgrade of the Veripos global network of reference stations with the latest Septentrio reference receiver technology is an outcome of the multi-year collaboration between the two companies. Septentrio also supplies Veripos with multi-frequency GNSS and heading receivers for its marine business, including the LD series of integrated mobile units that deliver the complete range of Veripos augmentation services to its customers worldwide.

“Septentrio reference stations are renowned for their excellent data-quality and robustness,” commented Bobby Johnson, Chief Technical Officer of Veripos. “Septentrio technology enables us to provide a full range of services and to remotely manage and upgrade the hardware to enhanced features, which is crucial for managing a worldwide reference network, where the equipment is often not easily accessible.”

“We are delighted to see continued positive outcome from the technical and commercial relationship we have established with Veripos over the years and that has developed into Septentrio enabling Veripos to deliver a variety of solutions with high-quality and robust industrial performance everywhere on the globe to the benefit of a multitude of users in one of the most demanding industries,” said Jan Van Hees, head of sales and business development at Septentrio.

March 11, 2014
TerraStar GNSS Establishes Base at Nottingham University’s GRACE Facility

TerraStar GNSS, a supplier of precision positioning services for land and near-shore applications, has established a base at Nottingham University’s GNSS Research and Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE). GRACE operates operates under the auspices of its Institute of Engineering Surveying & Space Geodesy (IESSG).

TerraStar GNSS maintains and controls a worldwide network of more than 80 GPS and GLONASS DGNSS reference stations and associated control centers on behalf of a diverse range of users. Under the collaborative venture, TerraStar GNSS will contribute and have access to GRACE’s support facilities. These include customized incubation units, project offices, state-of-the-art test equipment, secure research and development laboratories, and dedicated training suites.

Expected projects include joint research and development of new GNSS-type solutions, in addition to provision of support for continued commercial exploitation of academic research endeavors. Also available will be mutual access to general geospatial expertise consistent with TerraStar GNSS’ present capability of providing year-round meter and decimeter-levels of precision for both land and aerial survey applications using software and a series of advanced purpose-designed integrated receivers.

Headed by General Manager Gary Wilcock, TerraStar GNSS’s new base facilities are at Office A03, The Nottingham Geospatial Building, University of Nottingham Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham NG7 2TU, UK.

August 12, 2013
Topcon Announces Upgrade to Reference Station Network Software
Topcon Positioning Group announces new reference station network software — TopNET+ v10 — bringing new features and functionality to the TopNET+ reference station software suite.

Topcon’s TopNET+ software is a scalable solution supporting everything from a single CORS station to multiple CORS sites covering a large geographical area. Users of a TopNET+ reference network get GNSS RTK correction data generated using information from all reference stations in a network. This feature allows regional use of RTK while providing data that is specific for each local rover, Topcon said.

New features available in the latest TopNET+ v10 include:
- Custom sub-networks based on a rover’s position within a larger regional network, which better supports the network RTK rover to local field conditions;
- RINEX (Receiver Independent Exchange Format) shop with expanded data management functionality for conversion of data from Topcon and third party reference stations connected to the network;
- Background maps and BING Maps allow multiple perspectives of the network orientation and regional surroundings;
- Expanded network RTK engine logging providing detailed metrics of TopNET+ results.
“This upgrade of TopNET+ software provides increased capabilities and a more visual and detailed presentation of network status to the users of Topcon networks,” said Tom Morris, TPS senior product development manager. “Users will have a customized solution better adapted to local conditions and a better view into the hard processing and statistics being generated in TopNET+.”
August 9, 2013