As far back as 1973, the U.S. Department of Defense began developing the world’s first GPS system.  In 1978, the first satellite was launched into twice-daily orbit at a 55 degree angle to the Equator. Today, twenty-four satellites orbit the Earth at a 60 degree angle with at least five satellites in view at nearly all times from any point on Earth.  These satellites continuously broadcast data including the time to 1 billionth of a second and their precise location relative to Earth at that instant.



On the ground, a GPS receiver containing a computer and almanac determines its position by continuously calculating is distance from three or more GPS satellites based on their time and location, a processes known as “triangulating”. Because of this process, GPS systems currently utilized by RTK of Iowa can guide massive agricultural machines as accurately as +/- 1 inch or closer from an established row while moving at  general operating speeds.

The tangible benefits of using GPS Guidance systems include:

• Economic savings on crop inputs such as fuel, fertilizer and chemicals
• Reduced operator fatigue while operating machinery longer
• Lower operating costs
• Year to Year repeatable accuracy

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RTK of Iowa uses Real Time Kinematic technology that can deliver +/- 1 inch year to year accuracy or “repeatability” on previously marked run-lines (A-B lnes) that need to be revisited weekly, monthly or yearly.

For a visual demonstration of how GPS Guidance Systems work for agriculture implements, click the Flash Demo.