TERRITORY
Centipede
Centipede‑RTK is a collaborative, open‑source Real‑Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS network providing high‑precision positioning corrections.
FRANCE
AREA TO BE DIGITISED
Production Processes
SUBSECTOR #1
Agriculture
SUBSECTOR #2
Arable crops (extensive)
CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEM 1, 2, 3
Irrigated
Conventional
Open-field
TECHNOLOGY
Location based technologies/systems
DIGITAL SOLUTION CATEGORY
Precision farming
STAKEHOLDERS
Local and regional administrations
IMPACT
Productivity
Centipede‑RTK is a collaborative, open‑source Real‑Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS network providing high‑precision positioning corrections. It was initiated by INRAE and partners to make centimeter‑level geolocation accessible and affordable for agriculture and other applications. The network relies on a distributed mesh of base stations deployed by farmers, researchers, institutions, and community members. Centipede‑RTK aims to democratize precision navigation independent of proprietary services.
Assistance / Boost program
INRAE.
Innovative features of the initiative / solution
- Open, collaborative GNSS RTK network with free access to correction data worldwide.
- Open‑source software stack and open‑data approach for transparency and community contribution.
- Distributed mesh of reference GNSS base stations that broadcast real‑time corrections for centimeter precision.
- Developed as a non‑profit, community‑driven initiative involving farmers, public institutions, scientists, and local authorities.
- Compatible with DIY deployments: users can build and register their own RTK base and rover stations.
- A global server infrastructure using technologies like anycast ensures reliability and redundancy.
- Supports a variety of precision use cases, including agriculture, surveying, mapping, robotics, and environmental monitoring.
Results obtanied
- Widespread deployment: Over 860 RTK base stations installed.
- Significant adoption in agriculture.
- Improved access to centimeter‑level positioning without subscription costs or proprietary constraints.
- Strong community engagement, with farmers and local actors contributing installations and local support.
- Expanded use beyond agriculture into environmental and research applications via collaborative deployments.
- Establishment of a formal association (Centipede‑RTK) in 2024 to support international growth and partnerships.
Lessons learned
Centipede proves to be a relevant low cost solution for precision farming, easy to use with current agricultural machines.
