DEALER-BASED AG RTK NETWORKS

CONTACT LOCAL agricultural equipment and precision ag dealers to check availability of dedicated ag RTK networks. Individual networks typically are specific to navigation systems from AutoFarm, John Deere or Trimble.

CORS RTK networks

Indiana Department of Transportation (DOT) network

The DOT expects the statewide network to be operating by the spring of 2010. For registration and other information, call the DOT Office of Aerial Engineering at 317/610-7251.

Iowa DOT Real Time Network (RTN)

The statewide Iowa RTN has about 100 registered agricultural users. Visit www.dot.state.ia.us/rtn.

Ohio DOT network

The statewide network has about 40 registered agricultural users, up from a single user a year ago. Visit www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/ProdMgt/Aerial/Pages/CORS.aspx. To request access to the system, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 614/275-1359.

Michigan DOT network

This statewide network has about 50 registered agricultural users, up from a single user a year ago. Visit www.mdotcors.org. Click on “RTK User Agreement” to sign up.

Minnesota DOT network

The total number of agricultural users of the statewide network is estimated at about 100. Visit www.olmweb.dot.state.mn.us/CORS.GPS/cors.html. Go to “CORS/VRS FAQ” for information on how to access the network.

Missouri DOT network

The network has covered southern Missouri and will be expanded to the entire state by late 2009. It has no agricultural users. Visit gpsweb.modot.mo.gov. Go to “GPS User Agreement” for information on how to access the network.

Wisconsin DOT network

This network is being built in stages. By the spring of 2010, services will be available in the eastern half of the state. Coverage from southwestern to north-central Wisconsin will be added during 2010. The west-central and northwestern regions will be added in 2011 if funding is available. Agricultural user numbers are not tracked. Visit wiscors.dot.wi.gov. Click on “Accessing WISCORS” to sign up.

PRIVATE CORS RTK NETWORKS

Southern and central Illinois/east-central Iowa

Trimble introduced its VRS Now network in central Illinois and east-central Iowa in September. The private Midwest RTK Network, which covers much of southern Illinois, reportedly will be added to the VRS Now offering. The fee for a typical unlimited 12-month 1-in.-accuracy RTK service is about $1,500 for Trimble Precision Ag Solutions users. Fees for users with equipment from other manufacturers may be higher. Visit www.trimble.com/infrastructure/services.aspx for sign-up details.

Eastern Nebraska

The Exact RTK/Leica 10-station network, which went live in September, covers a region bounded by U.S. Highway 81 on the west. The companies have not yet set a subscription fee but expect it to be $1,000 to $1,200 annually. For information, contact Ron Sadler at 712/371-3900 or [email protected].