The VerticalPoint RTK system is the first of its kind.  Recently launched by Trimble, the patent-pending system for grade control in agriculture offers a significantly enhanced vertical accuracy and stability of standard single-baseline RTK.  The new system has less downtime and fewer delays than previous systems and is currently available in the North America and Australia on the Trimble FmX integrated and TMX-2050 displays with the Trimble FieldLevel II system.

When vertical accuracy inconsistencies occur, agriculture contractors must wait to re-start leveling until the vertical signal is once again accurate, and in some instances even rework portions of the field that were incorrectly leveled before the vertical signal inconsistency was discovered. VerticalPoint RTK significantly reduces vertical design errors in leveling and land forming projects, which occur from inconsistent vertical GPS signals resulting from atmospheric interference. With VerticalPoint RTK, contractors can experience an approximate 25 percent increase in overall uptime. Currently the industry experiences about 75 percent uptime; however, with VerticalPoint RTK uptime can increase to approximately 95 percent. In addition, this increase in uptime occurs even in the most challenging environments and at any time of year.

“The vertical accuracy capabilities of VerticalPoint RTK allows the whole project—from bulk hauling to finish passes—to be more efficient. The more accurate bulk hauling is, the less work to be done while finishing,” said Jarrett Lawfield, owner of Lawfield Land Grading, a custom land leveling business. “From first thing in the morning until the evening or even to the next day, VerticalPoint RTK is consistent and repeats elevation, so it has virtually eliminated the times when we are unsure of the vertical GPS accuracy. It has helped us to be more timely and efficient in our work.”