From celestial navigation to modern precision location
Cut to the chase: Polaris, Point One Navigation’s global RTK corrections network includes a base station on the historic Nantes Astronomic Observatory, once a hub for celestial navigation. Originally used to calibrate chronometers for precise maritime navigation, the observatory now hosts an RTK corrections base station that provides centimeter-level location data.
A beacon of innovation in navigation
High above the streets of Nantes, France, where the Loire River meets the horizon, sits a structure steeped in centuries of maritime heritage: the former merchant marine observatory. Once the heart of precision navigation for seafarers crossing treacherous oceans, this historic site now holds the key to a new era in navigation. But this isn't just another tech installation. It's a symbol of how the past and future are colliding to redefine the way we understand and use location data.
The Nantes Observatory’s legacy
Built in 1827 to house the "Cabinet des Montres" (the Watch Room), the Astronomical Observatory of the Navy was a marvel of its time. It played a pivotal role in an era when accurate timekeeping was the unsung hero of maritime exploration. In the age of sailing ships, precision was everything—especially when it came to determining one’s position on the vast, seemingly endless ocean.
Interestingly, the observatory also has a unique literary connection. Paul Verne, a Navy captain and scientist who studied at the observatory, was the brother of famed author Jules Verne. Paul served as a scientific counselor for many of Jules’ science fiction works, lending his expertise in astronomy and navigation to enrich his brother’s visionary tales. This historical footnote adds another layer of depth to the observatory's legacy, intertwining the pursuit of scientific precision with the imagination that inspired some of literature’s most iconic adventures.
The observatory was an integral part of the city's hydrography school, active until 1887. Designed by the architect Étienne Blon, the 27-meter high tower was dedicated to teaching astronomical navigation, a fundamental aspect for sailors of that time.
Before GPS and satellites, sailors relied on something much more celestial: the stars. But not just any stars, specific ones, observed through powerful telescopes, would serve as guides. The process was meticulous: ships' chronometers, devices that kept time to extraordinary precision, would be brought to the observatory for calibration, ensuring their accuracy was within mere fractions of a second. These timepieces would then be adjusted based on observations of the stars, accounting for environmental factors like temperature and humidity, which affected their performance.
This painstaking attention to detail was crucial. A ship’s ability to calculate longitude (determining its exact position east or west) depended on the precise synchronization of its chronometer with the “celestial clockwork” of the stars. This system of navigation wasn’t perfect, but it was the best humanity had for centuries, and it allowed sailors to navigate the world's oceans with remarkable accuracy. In essence, these chronometers were the original “GPS” for explorers, traders, and sailors, guiding them to safe harbors and across the globe.
Reviving a legacy with real-time location
Fast forward to today, and the observatory is still a testament to human ingenuity. Though the age of celestial navigation has faded with the rise of GPS, the spirit of precision continues to thrive at this very site.
Enter Point One Navigation. We've recently installed one of our Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) corrections base stations on the roof of the observatory, breathing new life into its time-honored mission of precision navigation. For us, this is more than just a base station installation, it’s a perfect example of how modern technology can honor and build upon the legacies of the past. But how do RTK corrections provide precise navigation?
RTK is a modern marvel. These base stations are stationary receivers that know their exact position down to the millimeter. They continuously receive signals from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites orbiting the Earth, of which GPS is one of four such constellations. But satellite signals, while powerful, can be a little “fuzzy” at times—subject to errors caused by atmospheric conditions, satellite positioning, or other factors. That's where the RTK corrections base station comes in.
The base station works by calculating precise corrections to the satellite signals it receives, compensating for errors in real-time. These corrections are sent out to rovers (often called receivers), which are mobile and can achieve centimeter-level accuracy as a result. In short, RTK corrections technology is like the "celestial navigation" of the 21st century—minus the stars, but no less precise.
This incredible technology has already made waves in industries like agriculture, construction, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Drones can fly with pinpoint accuracy, construction crews can build skyscrapers with centimeter precision, and autonomous vehicles can navigate city streets without relying on outdated or inaccurate maps. The applications of RTK corrections are far-reaching, and the technology is just beginning to show its true potential.
By installing one of these base stations on the historic Nantes observatory, we're creating a literal and figurative bridge between two worlds: the celestial navigation of the past and the satellite-guided precision of the present and future.
Honoring the past, embracing the future
After installing the base station on the Nantes observatory we couldn’t help but reflect on the poetic symmetry of the project. The observatory’s original purpose was to guide sailors using the stars. Now, our technology is guiding industries and machines, not with constellations, but with the power of precision location.
This connection did not escape the notice of a local historian, Olivier Sauzereau, who had shared the observatory's history with us. When he learned about the base station installation, his eyes lit up. The project had struck a chord with him, and he spoke with infectious enthusiasm about the parallels between the two types of navigation. For him, this wasn’t just a technical upgrade, it was a beautiful, full-circle moment.
In many ways, this is exactly what we’re trying to achieve at Point One Navigation: to lead the way forward, while never forgetting the foundations laid by those who came before us. Polaris, our RTK corrections technology is not just an advancement in navigation, it’s a tribute to the relentless human pursuit of precision and innovation.
Where are we heading next?
We’re proud to be part of the next chapter in this incredible story. With our RTK corrections base stations standing tall above the Nantes Observatory, we’re not just improving the way industries navigate, we’re reshaping how the world thinks about location data. Precision is no longer a luxury, it’s a fundamental requirement. From farming fields to city streets to autonomous highways, the need for centimeter-level accuracy has never been more critical. And we’re here to provide it.
This isn't just about technology, it’s about transformation. Our precision location solutions are helping companies harness the power of location to unlock efficiencies, reduce costs, and drive innovation. We're excited to see how our work continues to impact industries and evolve the future of navigation, just as the observatory did for maritime explorers centuries ago.
Want to learn more about how Point One Navigation's Polaris RTK corrections solutions are reshaping the future of precision location? Explore the possibilities of Polaris.
