GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors Course
Online 300-hour course in GPS navigation systems for tractors. 6 modules covering ISO 11783 (ISOBUS), ISO 12188-1 (testing of satellite positioning devices in agriculture) and John Deere Operations Center. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the fundamentals of satellite positioning and its sources of error.
Compare the SBAS, PPP and RTK correction systems in terms of accuracy and cost.
Install and configure a receiver and a guidance system on a tractor.
Plan guidance lines and working patterns for different operations.
Diagnose signal loss, correction loss and configuration errors.
Manage pass and application data using farm management tools.
Calculate the economic return of implementing GNSS guidance.
Who it's for
- Precision agriculture technician wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Agricultural guidance systems installer wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Service technician at an agricultural dealership wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Agricultural mechanisation consultant wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Advanced agricultural machinery operator wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Farm data manager wishing to specialise in GPS Navigation Systems in Tractors.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter farming operations.
What you'll work with
- ISO 11783 (ISOBUS)
- ISO 12188-1 (testing of satellite positioning devices in agriculture)
- RTCM SC-104 (differential correction messages)
- NMEA 0183
- ISO 25119 (functional safety of tractors and agricultural machinery)
- Regulation (EU) 167/2013 (type-approval of agricultural and forestry vehicles)
- NTRIP (transport of RTCM corrections over the Internet)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Available constellations and signals1.2Measurement principle and error sources1.3Orbit, clock, ionospheric and tropospheric errors1.4Multipath and obstructions1.5Absolute accuracy versus relative accuracy1.6Repeatability between passes and its agronomic importance1.7Required accuracy for each operation1.8Receivers: ranges and characteristics1.9Antennas: types, mounting and care1.10Workshop: choosing the accuracy level for each operation
2.1Satellite correction and paid services2.2Real-time correction with a base station2.3Network of stations and internet-based service2.4Correction transmission protocol2.5Base range and degradation with distance2.6Own base station versus network service2.7Subscriptions, cost and availability2.8Convergence time and reinitialisations2.9Comparison of accuracy and cost2.10Practice: configuring a real-time correction
3.1Antenna mounting and reference point3.2Vehicle geometry measurements3.3Configuring the implement and its offset3.4Working width and desired overlap3.5Creating lines: straight, curved and contour3.6Saving and reusing lines between seasons3.7Autopilot calibration3.8Adjusting aggressiveness and response3.9Field checks and corrections3.10Practice: complete configuration of an equipment set
4.1Guidance during sowing and line repeatability4.2Guidance during treatments and section control4.3Guidance during harvesting and use of working width4.4Controlled traffic and soil protection4.5Working on slopes and on curves4.6Automatic headland turns4.7Changing implements and reconfiguration4.8Night and foggy-weather operation4.9Operation records and documentation4.10Practice: executing and verifying a guided operation
5.1Loss of correction and its causes5.2Apparent drift between passes5.3Geometry configuration errors5.4Antenna and cabling problems5.5Interference and obstructions5.6Diagnosis using receiver data5.7Systematic resolution procedure5.8When to call technical service5.9Documenting the configuration5.10Practice: diagnosing three real cases
6.1Equipment and subscription costs6.2Savings from reduced overlaps6.3Return on investment per area6.4Compatibility between brands and portability6.5Ownership of line and operation data6.6Operator training6.7Indicators of guidance use and quality6.8Common mistakes when implementing guidance6.9Evolution of positioning systems6.10Final project: guidance implementation plan for a farm
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is John Deere Operations Center, Trimble Ag Software, u-center (u-blox), RTKLIB, QGIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real field guidance calibration procedures, practical work with RTK receivers and base stations, and verification of passes and overlaps. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the fundamentals of satellite positioning and its sources of error.
Compare the SBAS, PPP and RTK correction systems in terms of accuracy and cost.
Install and configure a receiver and a guidance system on a tractor.
Plan guidance lines and working patterns for different operations.
Diagnose signal loss, correction loss and configuration errors.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with John Deere Operations Center, Trimble Ag Software, u-center (u-blox), RTKLIB and QGIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative final project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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