Leica Geosystems introduces SpiderNET a new module for GPS Spider V2.0 for Network RTK. Using an array of permanently installed reference stations over a region or entire state removes the need to establish local control in the work area and set up temporary field reference receivers. Using Leica SpiderNET for real-time network analysis and error modeling provides consistent high accuracy and improved RTK performance over the entire network region, with even larger distances between your reference stations. Leica SpiderNET is a new module for Leica Geosystems' well known and proven GPS Spider software suite for GPS reference stations and networks and is available from version 2.0 onwards.

Leica Geosystems is well known for its fast and highly reliable long-range conventional RTK using SmartTrack and SmartCheck technology. In its role as industry leader in precision GPS, Leica Geosystems has been for many years actively researching and promoting Network RTK solutions and working towards an industry standard for Network RTK corrections. The forthcoming RTCM V3.0 Network correction message standard, using the Master-Auxiliary Concept (MAC) will become the future industry standard for Network RTK. The Master-Auxiliary corrections produced by SpiderNET are compact and efficient to transmit to the rover, but also robust and flexible. The concept overcomes all of the weaknesses of the previous approaches that have been used until now by giving the rover the capability to derive the maximum benefit from the information provided by a reference station network, even over a broadcast/one-way communication medium.

With SpiderNET Leica Geosystems makes available a Network RTK solution, which draws on the latest zero-difference processing techniques to take the Master-Auxiliary Concept to the MAX: maximum reliability, maximum performance, maximum flexibility and maximum security.

With SpiderNET, Rover systems benefit from improved RTK performance, homogenous solutions and better availability of network corrections. Network corrections can be provided as based on the upcoming standard RTCM V3.0 Master Auxiliary Network correction messages, which are fully integrated in Leica MAX technology. For that legacy rover equipment not yet supporting the new RTCM V3.0 Network RTK messages, Leica i-MAX technology within GPS Spider can provide network performance by individualized correction information transmitted using conventional single baseline RTK message formats. Whichever method is used, whatever application you have, longer range, consistent accuracy, higher reliability and faster RTK initialization times will increase your productivity. Using Leica MAX or i-MAX corrections provides superior performance over all other existing known methods for Network RTK.

Whether providing corrections from just a single reference station, or an extensive range of services from a nationwide RTK network - Leica GPS Spider reference station solutions from Leica Geosystems offer tailor-made yet scalable hardware and software systems, designed for minimum operator interaction whilst providing maximum user benefit. In full compliance with international standards, Leica's proven and reliable solutions are based on the latest technology. Leica Geosystems has again set a standard that continues to demonstrate the innovativeness of the Swiss manufacturer.

Source: Leica Geosystems, March 21, 2005