DGPS (91 products)

DGPS stands for Differential GPS, and is the process of applying corrections to a normal GPS signal to improve accuracy. A standard consumer GPS or  smart watch has an accuracy of 5 metres or worse. This accuracy can be improved by systems in Australia where real-time errors are logged within a network of accurate coordinate stations. The error corrections are applied simultaneously to your own GPS receiver and are carried by internet log-in or by augmented satellite messages such as OmniSTAR/Trimble RTX/Hemisphere Atlas which do not rely on internet or 4G/5G coverage. Access to DGPS corrections is by periodic subscription and are applied in real-time while you are using the equipment in the field. The better accuracies work with and enhance any type of mapping or computer application, just like connection to a normal GPS unit.

DGPS systems provide sub-metre (50-70cm), or deci-metre (10-15cm) real-time accuracies. The position results are shown and applied in real-time on your device. We specialise in Hemisphere, Trimble, and OmniSTAR systems for all budgets.

If you need a DGPS system for only a short period or project, you may wish to take advantage of our hire rates. We have daily, weekly, and monthly hire rates to suit any project length. You choose if you want decimetre, submeter, or standard GPS accuracy.

Discover the Power of DGPS Technology

DGPS technology is an essential tool for many industries, especially those that rely on the most accurate location and mapping solutions.

When improving accuracy by accounting for specific errors that often impact general GPS’s, Differential GPS can provide a much clearer picture of an individual or group’s actual location.

In general, GPS and DGPS differ as follows when it comes to positional accuracy:

  • Standard GPS has a horizontal accuracy of 5 to 10 metres and a vertical accuracy of 10 to 20 metres.
  • Differential GPS has a horizontal accuracy of 10 to 50 centimetres and a vertical accuracy of around 30 centimetres to 1.5 metres.

Benefits of Using a Differential Global Positioning System

While the average person will rarely need to make use of a technology like DGPS, it’s a technology that is of significant value within set industries and professions.

DGPS systems can be invaluable in fields such as agriculture (precision farming), transport and logistics (being able to more accurately track cargo), construction, aviation, and environmental monitoring (accurately tracking wildlife migration).

Explore Our Range of Differential GPS Solutions

No matter the DGPS solution you’re seeking, we’ve got you covered. We provide a range of products, including antennas, correction signals, accessories, and subscriptions. View the range below.

FAQs About DGPS

As noted above, DGPS is a differential global positioning system. It’s an enhancement to standard GPS that results in more accurate location tracking. It is primarily used in specific use cases and within industries that heavily rely on near-pinpoint accuracy as part of their operations.

In essence, DGPS aims to improve accuracy by addressing and accounting for the errors that can impact standard GPS. To do this, reference stations with known fixed positions are utilised. In very basic terms, it works as follows:

  • Your location based on standard GPS (using satellites) is determined
  • DGPS taps into nearby reference stations with known fixed positions to assess how accurate or inaccurate the GPS location is - essentially, is the reference station’s known fixed position being properly relayed based on satellite (GPS) positioning
  • However accurate or inaccurate the satellite positioning is, the fixed positioning information of the reference station is used to correct accuracy and refine it

As we touched on, DGPS is an enhancement to standard GPS that helps provide more accurate location data. While GPS utilises multiple satellites to relay a generalised current location, Differential GPS also uses reference stations to yield better location accuracy.

In most cases, individuals do not need DGPS. Using it requires you to purchase specialty equipment (compatible receivers, for example) and DGPS providers tend to require a subscription to their service. For most people, standard GPS is more than enough.

The story is different for companies, especially those involved in industries where location and mapping data are critical. In these instances, DGPS is a worthwhile investment.

Again, this applies to industries such as logistics, environmental monitoring, maritime, mining and excavation, agriculture, aviation, and so on.

Different DGPS providers can specialise in these services for set industries or use cases. Some providers may be built more around DGPS for the maritime and fishing industries, while others may provide for agriculture, construction, and on-land applications.

Finding the right solution for your business involves understanding a relatively technical and complex product.

To help you make the right choice, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us so that we can guide you towards the best system and options to match your operational needs.

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