Verizon launched a new GPS solution that provides improved vehicle tracking capabilities and is designed to provide centimeter-level location accuracy.

Verizon has introduced “Hyper Precise Location” capabilities using Real Time Kinematic (RTK), which aims to increase the possibilities of IoT solutions via hyper-precise location data for services where accuracy is critical. Verizon said the Hyper Precise Location solution provides centimeter-level location accuracy, in comparison to an accuracy level of three to nine meters with GPS alone.

“We are scaling RTK to enable mobile location accuracy to within a few centimeters, transforming what is currently possible when it comes to location-enabled services and new IoT solutions coming onto the market,” said Nicola Palmer, chief product development officer for Verizon. “Continued growth in the IoT environment means billions of devices in fields where precision location services are becoming more critical, such as vehicle automation, unmanned aerial vehicles, precision agriculture technology, infrastructure monitoring, asset tracking, and high value shipping.”

The rollout of hyper-precise location services paired with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and 5G Edge is expected to improve the development of autonomous technologies, the company said. Verizon said it built and deployed RTK reference stations nationwide. RTK will also support emerging technologies that depend on high level location accuracy – including delivery drones and customer-approved location data for first responders during emergencies. 

Verizon is developing RTK next-gen road safety and autonomous driving solutions through partnerships with mapping expert HERE Technologies and autonomous mobility specialist, Renovo.

“RTK is a critical technology for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Accurate positioning helps ADAS vehicles navigate better, drive smoother, and react faster to the surrounding environment,” said Christopher Heiser, CEO and Co-Founder of Renovo. 

Verizon is working to make RTK accessible with myriad device makers. IoT devices currently using RTK can be accessed and managed through Verizon’s ThingSpace management platform and APIs.