What is SmartNet?

SmartNet is basically a 24/7, accurate, reliable, robust, traceable and repeatable National GPS Network solution, based on a common datum, for the entire positioning community of Great Britain & Ireland. Users of SmartNet can expect centimetre level Network RTK accuracies, through to sub-metre DGPS; or raw data for post processing.

SmartNet is the first commercial GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Network based on raw data from the Ordnance Survey GPS networks in both Great Britain & Ireland. This network comprises around 150 sites, including additional sites from Leica Geosystems permanent nationally deployed GPS reference stations. In addition Leica are deploying up to 30 extra reference stations, which include GPS & GLONASS receivers.

Who can use it?

Anyone with any make of GPS receiver that can accept RTK or DGPS corrections broadcast by GSM or GPRS (general packet radio). So whether you own a Leica Geosystems or another make of GPS receiver you are able to gain access to the service via mobile phone technology.

What are the correction formats?

Leica Geosystems, jointly with other RTCM members, has developed and driven the Master Auxiliary Concept (MAC), the future of networked RTK and the basis of the newly approved RTCM 3.1 network RTK messages. Up until now there have been no official internationally accepted standard for network RTK corrections. Today SmartNet already uses these official correction standards.

Standard formats include: RTCM 3x - RTCM 2.3 - DGPS 2.3 (9,2) - CMR, CMR+ - Leica

What is the RTK (Real Time Kinematic) accuracy?

Assuming the standard GPS RTK protocols and best practice methods are employed for maximum precision i.e. good satellite coverage, good geometry of precisions, low multipath environments etc, SmartNet typically achieves an RTK rmse accuracy of 1-2 cm plan and 2-3 cm height, in Great Britain.

How do I handle OS Scale Factors on the Network?

The OS grid systems have an inherent grid scale factor, therefore if you require ground distance values, for total station work there are a few simple options that can be applied. Quick guides and newsletter on mixing GPS &TPS data are available on our UK Download area section at www.leica-geosystems.com/uk/en/lgs_25742.htm

Sim Cards

Users may purchase their own data sim cards, however, Leica Geosystems UK has signed a partnership agreement with UK's leading specialists in SIM based communications over GPRS, the mobile internet data communications for field users. The partnership will enable users to purchase private Vodafone or O2 fixed IP data sim cards for SmartNet at costs as low as £10 per month. For further details click here mobile communications

What is GPRS and it‘s coverage?

This stands for General Packet Radio Services and is one of the latest advancements in mobile data and one of the key reasons why it is now possible to deliver a Network RTK service. It is a GSM Packet Based bearer for the delivery of data services. With GPRS you only pay for the amount of data that you download rather than the duration of the connection.

GPRS providers specify their coverage by a) population and b) Landmass; typically these figures are 99% and 90% respectively. Coverage maps are normally available from the provider’s web site.

Users also have the possibility of using dual sim card phones or adding dual sim slot extensions, so that they have the ability to switch between providers and have maximum coverage and availability between the network providers, such as Vodafone, O2, Orange etc…

What extra benefits do I get with the SmartNet service?

We believe that as a network provider the user requires other added value services over and above the corrections themselves. All subscribers therefore have access to the following services as soon as they subscribe.

• Full backup systems
• Immediate SMS text updates on the status of OSNet stations
• SmartNet e-news
• SmartNet newsletters
• SmartNet user workshops
• SmartNet Guide sheets
• SmartNet config sets
• Backup config sets for GSM in case there is a problem with GPRS in the area of survey.
• SmartNet answer phone service to dial into and get the latest SmartNet status
• SmartNet support centre
• Densification of the network with also GPS & GLONASS receivers!
• Full network quality monitoring

Can I use SmartNet on EA work?

YES, SmartNet has been approved to work with EA projects, subject to using the TSA Network RTK best practice guidance. The guidance can be downloaded here tsa best practice guides