How do I gain access to SmartNet?

Gaining access to SmartNet is quite easy, simply fill out our "Subscription Inquiry" form here. You will then be contacted by your local reprentative about becoming part of SmartNet.

For existing SmartNet users, we are in the process of transitioning existing accounts from our older infrastructure and access to the new servers will be available to you in the coming weeks. If you are looking for static data you can access the data here.

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-metre 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 containes around 350 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 and TCP/IP protocols. 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 Configurations & Connections 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 are available?

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 industry approved RTCM 3.1 network RTK message. Up until now there has 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)

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 find a map with embedded links to our SpiderWeb servers here. Simply click on the state you wish to download data for and you can taken to the appropriate server.

SpiderWeb is an incredible tool that allows users to easily retrieve RINEX data for Static Processing, DGPS Processing, etc.

Along with standard RINEX files, SpiderWeb can also provide a coordinate computation service, which is similar to OPUS, as well as SmartRINEX files that include network corrections that can be used to augment your Static Processing missions.

We provide our SmartNet Static Data Services at no charge!

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 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 adjusted station coordinates are tied to NAD83 (CORS) Datum for Epoch 2002.00 as defined by the NGS CORS Datasheets of those stations held fixed in the adjustment.

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.

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, and 3G/HSDPA 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 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 e-news
• SmartNet newsletters
• SmartNet user seminar
• SmartNet Guide sheets
• SmartNet config sets
• SmartNet support center & email
• 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 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.

How can I know what satellites will available?

You can download a stand-alone Satellite Availability Program and a current GNSS almanac here. We also have a Quick Guide available to assist you in using the program available here

Where can get additional information on current solar activity?

You can always visit the Space Weather website to find out the lastest about solar activity

Where can get additional updates about what is going with SmartNet North America?

You can sign up for a SmartNet Newletter 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 or you visit us on Twitter @smartnet_na to get the latest links to our webinars.