Operators of Case IH combines and tractors – and other makes for that matter – can tap into a new high definition guidance system for accurate automated steering, yield mapping and other data-gathering functions.

Case IH parent CNH Industrial has forged an agreement with Britain’s Ordnance Survey to use the national mapping agency’s 110 fixed reference stations to create for a new correction signal network available throughout the country.

“The new Case IH RTK+ service will give users of Case IH mapping and Accuguide steering systems more affordable and reliable high-resolution satellite navigation,” said John Downs, of CNH, when the new service was unveiled.

“CNH Industrial has spent two years creating the infrastructure necessary to utilise Ordnance Survey’s OS Net base stations, which are already used for a number of commercial surveying and vehicle control applications, as well as by the emergency services.”

The RTK+ service collects signals from the reference stations nearest the vehicle, processes them using CNH’s own software to iron out topography and other factors. It then delivers a correction signal via the internet to a SIM card in the navigation device on a combine or tractor.

“For an £850 single-access annual subscription, users can have an RTK system capable of delivering up to 1.5cm but typically +/-2.5cm repeatable accuracy,” said Mr Downs. “This will save investing maybe £10,000 in their own base station or subscribing to a less comprehensive local service.”

A fill-in satellite signal provides 20 minutes of running time if the GSM signal is lost temporarily, which means operations can continue seamlessly, and automatic switching between reference stations means the operator does not have to monitor and switch stations manually to maintain best contact.

Equally, the roaming SIM card seeks out the best available GSM data signal.

The Case IH RTK+ service can be used with any make of farm equipment fitted with compatibility guidance equipment – which is the majority of such systems, says the manufacturer – and users will benefit from Ordanance Survey’s continuous network development to ensure its integrity and reliability.