1. Surveying Laws and RTK Positioning

Overview of Surveying Laws

Japan's surveying laws establish strict standards for the installation of reference points and surveying methods to ensure the accuracy and safety of public surveying. The GEONET network, operated by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI), has over 1,300 electronic reference stations installed nationwide, serving as the foundation for RTK positioning. The correction information obtained from these electronic reference stations is provided through network-based RTK (such as VRS) and is utilized by private enterprises to achieve high-precision positioning.

However, reference points used for public surveying data are under strict management, and the use of this data requires procedures in accordance with regulations. As a result, there are certain restrictions on its use by private entities.

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Impact of Surveying Laws on RTK

When utilizing RTK positioning, the correction data transmitted from electronic reference stations is based on an accurate public coordinate system (such as JGD2011). By applying this correction information, the mobile station (rover) can obtain high-precision positions that align with the public surveying standards. This offers a significant advantage over traditional relative positioning, as it ensures that the surveying results comply with the standards set by the national or local authorities, providing higher reliability. However, when using public data, procedures such as restrictions on usage, reporting obligations, and regular inspections required by surveying laws must be followed. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly review relevant regulations in advance.

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2. Radio Law and Drone RTK Positioning

Overview of the Radio Law

RTK positioning systems rely on wireless communication to exchange correction data in real-time between the base station and the mobile station. Japan's Radio Law imposes strict regulations on the frequency bands, output, and installation locations for wireless devices, and the communication methods used by RTK systems are also subject to these regulations. In particular, for the RTK receivers installed on drones, appropriate radio wave management is required. Certification and output restrictions are applied to avoid interference with other radio stations.

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Impact of the Radio Law on Drone RTK

In drone surveying, a stable wireless communication environment is essential for the drone to receive RTK correction data during flight. The regulations based on the Radio Law limit the frequency bands and output levels that can be used, making it critical to ensure that adequate radio waves are available within the flight area. In areas with public radio stations, measures to avoid interference are required, which may impact the transmission of RTK correction data. Therefore, when conducting drone surveying, it is important to thoroughly check the radio environment of the flight area in advance and, if necessary, adjust or install wireless equipment for correction.

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3. Trends in Drone Surveying Regulations
Use of Drones for Public Surveying
In recent years, both the national government and local municipalities have been promoting the adoption of drones for public surveying by advancing revisions to surveying laws and aviation laws. Drone-based surveying is being increasingly used for disaster recovery, urban planning, and infrastructure inspection because it is lower in cost and more efficient compared to traditional aerial surveying and total station surveying. However, public surveying using drones requires adherence to various regulations, such as flight permits under the aviation law and reporting obligations under the surveying law. These regulations also apply to drones that use RTK positioning, with particular challenges posed by the restrictions on wireless devices under the Radio Law and the requirements to ensure the reliability of data under the surveying law.

For example, in drone surveying, network-based RTK, which uses reference station data (such as GEONET) to receive stable RTK correction information, is commonly used. However, its use may require prior approval or contracts, making compliance with regulations essential.

Furthermore, in restricted flight areas under the Aviation Law, the flight altitude and duration of drones are limited. Therefore, even when using RTK positioning, the establishment of planned flight routes is required. These regulations are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of drone surveying operations, but they also contribute to increased operational costs and complexity in work planning.

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Trends in Regulatory Reforms
Recent government efforts have been focused on improving the convenience and ensuring the safety of public surveying using drones by revising regulations in the Surveying Law, Radio Law, and Aviation Law. For example, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan has indicated its policy to expand the use of electronic reference point data for private sector purposes. This is expected to allow private companies to more easily utilize network-based RTK services. Additionally, the Aviation Law is being revised to simplify the flight permission procedures for drones and to liberalize flights in specific areas. These regulatory reforms are expected to promote the widespread adoption of drone surveying using RTK.

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4. Relationship with LRTK and Benefits of Introduction
Our LRTK series is highly regarded in the field of drone surveying as a high-precision GNSS solution that enables easy utilization of RTK positioning. LRTK is a lightweight device that can be attached to a smartphone, receiving data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's electronic reference points via a dedicated app, allowing for centimeter-level positioning.

• Easy Setup: Products like the LRTK Phone can easily connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, making them suitable not only for drone installation but also for ground workers to carry and perform RTK positioning themselves.

• Cloud Integration: By using LRTK Cloud, positioning data and photos obtained on-site can be uploaded to the cloud in real time and instantly shared with relevant parties. This accelerates the reporting and verification processes required for public surveying operations, ensuring smooth compliance with regulations.

• Compliance with Regulations: LRTK is designed with consideration of various regulations such as the Radio Law, Surveying Law, and Aviation Law. By using certified equipment, it ensures compliance with these laws. This reduces risks in the application of drone surveying and public surveying, providing a reliable positioning environment.

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5. Future Outlook
With the relaxation of regulations and ongoing reforms, the private use of RTK positioning, including drones, is expected to expand further in the future. The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's electronic reference point network will continue to maintain its reliability as the foundation for public surveying, while also becoming widely utilized by private companies. Moreover, with the spread of 5G communication and the evolution of cloud technologies, real-time transmission of RTK correction data and data sharing will be further enhanced, significantly improving the operational efficiency of public surveying.

Drone surveying, backed by these technological innovations and regulatory reforms, is gradually establishing itself as a new operational model that frees users from the high costs of traditional surveying equipment and the labor-intensive field preparations, allowing for the acquisition of high-precision positioning data at a lower cost and greater speed. The widespread adoption of RTK technology will serve as the foundation for driving DX (Digital Transformation) across various fields, including construction, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance, and autonomous driving.