The most common myths about GPS navigation in agriculture

The most common myths about GPS navigation in agriculture

Internet access is only required when using RTK corrections transmitted via the NTRIP network. Many modern systems also offer alternative solutions, such as PPP corrections received via satellite. This means that even in areas with poor coverage, you can still enjoy high-accuracy guidance.

Automatic guidance is only for large farms

This is one of the most common myths among farmers.

The benefits of automatic guidance are recognized by both owners of several dozen hectares and those of hundreds of hectares. The benefits begin with the lack of overlaps and skips, as well as the comfort of operation in every movement, which is why many farmers choose agricultural guidance for farms of all sizes.

Navigation installation is very complex and time-consuming.

Modern parallel guidance systems are designed for easy installation, accessible to everyone. In many cases, installing the entire system takes just a few hours and can be done independently. An important feature is the ability to transfer the system from one tractor to another, demonstrating the portability of agricultural navigation.

Every agricultural navigation system offers the same accuracy.

Accuracy primarily depends on the signal used, which is selected according to the application:

  • The basic signal can provide accuracy of several or even several dozen centimeters,
  • PPP corrections allow for accuracy of approximately 5 cm,
  • RTK allows for guidance with an accuracy of approximately 2.5 cm.
antena GNSS zestawu PWL

Automatic guidance means huge costs.

A few years ago, this was true, but today, more affordable options are available on the market, making them affordable for every farmer.

Thanks to shorter supply chains and modern technological solutions, agricultural guidance has become much more accessible to a wide range of people.

Guidance is only effective during sowing.

Automatic guidance systems have many more applications, primarily during:

  • sowing,
  • fertilizing,
  • spraying,
  • cultivation,
  • mowing,
  • corn harvesting,
  • and many other field operations.

What does it all look like in practice?

PWL NanoSteer 210 agricultural navigation offers functions that were not available on the market among cheap systems a few years ago. Its main advantages are:

  • RTK accuracy up to 2.5 cm,
  • guidance along straight lines, curves and circles,
  • automatic U-Turn turning,
  • possibility of installation in many models of tractors and combines,
  • simple installation without interfering with the hydraulics.
ZESTAW NAWIGACJI NANOSTEER

There are still many myths surrounding GPS navigation in agriculture, which often result from experiences from several or a dozen years ago. Today's systems are much more available, easier to install and offer functions that really make everyday work easier.

If you are considering purchasing navigation for your farm, it is worth basing your decision on proven information and tailoring the solution to your needs. A well-chosen automatic guidance system can increase work precision, reduce overlaps and improve operator comfort throughout the season.

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