How do I gain access to SmartNet?
Gaining access to SmartNet is quite easy, simply click 'Subscribe' anywhere on the website to be immediately taken to our online store. You can also 'Contact Us' and we can put you in contact with your local representative about becoming part of SmartNet.
What is SmartNet?
SmartNet was built to provide high-precision, high-availability Network RTK corrections for any application, using any constellation, while at the same time being open. With a robust, traceable and repeatable Network RTK correction users of SmartNet can expect centimeter-level accuracies tied to a common datum. In addition to Network RTK, SmartNet can also provide corrections for sub-meter DGPS/DGNSS applications or raw data for post-processing.
SmartNet is the first commercial GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Network to allow for a single connection point for coverages across North America! SmartNet currently contains around 500 sites, providing both GPS only and GPS & GLONASS coverages, with full GNSS coverages being our long-term goal.
Who can use it?
Anyone with a network ready GPS receiver. All corrections are available thru the internet via NTRIP protocol. So whether you own a Leica Geosystems rover or another make of GPS receiver you are able to gain access to the service via mobile phone technology.
Visit our Connection & Configuration page to find Quick Guides for your particular rover. These Quick Guides contain all the information you will need to get connected to SmartNet including a section at the beginning that details the firmware & software versions needed for your particular equipment.
What correction formats available?
SmartNet North America supports a wide variety of correction formats to make sure we live up to 'Open to All'. Prior to the launch of our full GNSS Correction Services, we primarily recommended the use of the RTCM 3.1 Master Auxiliary Correction (MAC). However, to fully support the current GNSS satellite signals we now recommend utilizing the RTCM 3.2 Multi-Signal Message (MSM) with iMAX.
In addition to RTCM 3.2 MSM iMAX, we also support the following correction types.
RTCM 3.2 iMAX, ViRS, Nearest (Full GNSS)
RTCM 3.1 MAC, iMAX, ViRS, Nearest (GPS & GLONASS)
RTCM 2.3 DGPS iMAX, DGPS (GPS Only)
For additional information about SmartNet GNSS Correction Services, please watch our Summer Update & GNSS Launch Webinar - LINK
Can I use the Master-Auxillary Correction to receive full GNSS Corrections?
To be able to receive GNSS corrections you must use one of our RTCM 3.2 MSM Mountpoints. There are currently three (3) RTCM 3.2 MSM Mountpoints, MSM_IMAX, MSM_NEAR & MSM_VIRS. The Master Auxiliary Correction (MAC) is not supported by RTCM 3.2 MSM and therefore unavailable for use with full GNSS Corrections. The standard for RTCM 3.2 MSM does not include the required message segments to support MAC at this time.
Where can I get connection information?
Assuming you have received your activation information you can find connection information for your particular rover on our Connections page.
Where can I download raw data (RINEX) for post-processing?
Assuming you have received your activation information you can access our RINEX Project Tool directly thru the SmartNet User Portal.
All of our RINEX data is available for 1 year and can be accessed either thru our RINEX Project Tool or via XPOS API with valid credentials. The RINEX Project Tool is a streamlined and convenient tool that allows users to easily retrieve RINEX data for Static Processing, DGPS Processing, etc. The RINEX Project Tool not only allows you to select the required time period but also select multiple sites and customize the file for your specific needs.
You can find more information about using the RINEX Project Tool our revised RINEX Policies by watching our latest RINEX Update Webinar.
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 geometric dilution of precision (GDOP), low multipath environments etc, SmartNet typically achieves an RTK RMS accuracy of 1-2 cm plan and 2-3 cm height, in areas of SmartNet network correction coverage.
What is the established datum for SmartNet?
SmartNet broadcast coordinates are tied to NAD83(NA2011) Epoch 2010.00 as defined by the NGS NSRS for a majority of the United States. However, in California, we currently operate under an alternate epoch to compensate for the tectonic movement experienced in this high-dynamic environment. All stations in SmartNet can be found in our Site Database with the current epoch that they are operating on.
In Canada, we are broadcasting NAD83(CSRS) Epoch 2010.00 coordinates to provide a tie to the Canadian NSRS datum and epoch.
Fully Constrained Adjusted Coordinates are reported to be accurate to about +/-0.5 cm in Horizontal and +/- 1. 5 cm in Vertical at 95% Confidence (2-Sigma) Level.
For more information on SmartNet datums and epochs, please watch our Adjustment webinar - LINK
Additionally, you can also watch our updated Adjustment webinar that also covers our launch of Multiple Reference Frame - LINK
How do I handle Scale Factors on the Network?
State Plane 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 here
What type of cell phone do you need and what provider should I use?
Our SmartNet specialists can assist you in understanding the rapidly evolving world of CDMA, GPRS, LTE, HSDPA, 3G and 4G mobile data communication technologies. While any of these technologies will allow you to effectively use SmartNet, the most important component when choosing a cellular data provider is to examine the coverage areas they provide, as well as the types of phones and hardware their network will support.
The most popular and common providers for cellular data service are AT&T and Verizon Wireless in the US.
In addition to manufacturer specific cellular devices, standard cellular phones and portable WiFi access points (MiFI) may also be used. To use a standard cell phone, please verify it has Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking capabilities and a data plan that is capable of "tethering".
What extra benefits do I get with the SmartNet service?
We believe that as a network provider the user requires other value-added services above and beyond the corrections themselves. All subscribers, therefore, have access to the following services as soon as they subscribe.
- Full backup systems
- SmartNet user seminars & webinars
- SmartNet Guide sheets
- SmartNet config sets
- SmartNet Support Portal & Email
- SmartNet User Portal with Live Status Maps, Rover Managment and more...
- Free RINEX downloads from the SmartNet web site
- Full network quality monitoring
Where can I get a map of the stations?
A coverage map is available here.
Where can I find information on network RTK best practices?
You can always visit The Survey Association website and download their Network RTK Best Practice Guide and their full report on using Network RTK on various types of Network RTK systems under "Guidance Notes".
How long do you keep Detailed Log Files for the SmartNet Rover Management tool?
Like most of our features, we maintain Detailed Log Files for 90 days.
How can I know what satellites will available?
Your rover manufacturer should have a Satellite Availability tool available for download for your use. Please contact your manufacturer representative for this information.
Where can get additional information on current solar activity?
You can always visit the Space Weather website to find out the latest about solar activity
Where can get additional updates about what is going with SmartNet North America?
You can sign up for a SmartNet Newsletter or you can follow us on Twitter @smartnet_na. The SmartNet Newsletter goes out once a quarter, while our Twitter account has ongoing information about SmartNet North America.
Where can I watch the latest SmartNet North America Webinar?
You can watch our latest Real-Time Network Topics webinar by clicking here, visit our Downloads page or you visit us on Twitter @smartnet_na to get the latest links to our webinars.
Updated June 22, 2021
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