”Nordluft achieved high-precision navigation by fully integrating RTK GPS technology across its drones and base stations, resulting in a control system capable of centimeter-level accuracy for agricultural operations,” says Per Bröms, Innovation Lead, Aero EDIH.
Challenges
Nordluft develops drone-based spreading systems for forestry and agriculture, leveraging a fleet of heavy-lift drones autonomously controlled by a centralized system called NGC (Nordluft Ground Control). While a prototype of NGC was operational, it lacked the precision and robustness required for real-world deployment. The key challenge was to integrate RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS technology to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, which is critical for tasks such as automated refilling and precise navigation in complex environments.
The upgrade required not only hardware integration – RTK GPS units on drones, a base station, and markers connected to NGC – but also significant software adaptations, including graphical user interface (GUI) adjustments and system-wide synchronization.
Solutions
Aero EDIH supported Nordluft through Oskar Enoksson AB via HireQuality, with additional GUI expertise from Netlight. The project began in late 2024 and involved full-time development and testing at Barkarby airfield.
The work included implementing RTK positioning across NGC’s architecture, adapting navigation algorithms, and updating the user interface to reflect enhanced precision. A detailed action list guided the process, addressing both core RTK integration and related improvements in the control system. After development, the upgraded NGC was validated using a scaled-down drone in real-world conditions.
Results and Benefits
The project successfully delivered an NGC version capable of RTK-precision navigation, significantly improving operational accuracy for Nordluft’s autonomous drone fleet. This enhancement enables more reliable mission execution, optimized refill point indication, and better alignment with regulatory requirements.
The improved system positions Nordluft to scale its solution for forestry and agricultural applications, where precision is essential for efficiency and environmental sustainability. Although minor refinements remain, NGC is now practically usable for commercial operations.
Parallel to this technical upgrade, Nordluft initiated the process of obtaining flight permissions under the SORA framework (Specific Operations Risk Assessment), which introduces new requirements for data logging and user feedback. The RTK integration lays the foundation for meeting these standards and supports Nordluft’s long-term roadmap, including advanced route optimization and energy consumption estimation.
Perceived Social and Economic Impact
By enabling high-precision drone operations, Nordluft contributes to the digital transformation of forestry and agriculture. The upgraded NGC system supports sustainable resource management, reduces manual labor, and enhances operational efficiency. These advancements strengthen Nordluft’s competitiveness and promote environmentally responsible practices in sectors critical to rural economies.
Lessons Learned
Prioritize precision technologies early in system design to avoid costly retrofits. Engage specialized expertise for both hardware integration and GUI adaptation to ensure seamless functionality. Validate improvements through real-world testing under representative conditions.
Do not underestimate the complexity of integrating RTK into existing architectures; it affects multiple subsystems beyond navigation. Avoid delaying regulatory alignment—technical upgrades should anticipate compliance requirements to prevent future bottlenecks.
“Nordluft’s spreader system has always had certain moments where precision in flight navigation is of great importance, for example when landing drones. Various solutions have been evaluated, and it was decided that RTK GPS would most likely be sufficient in an initial stage. This needed to be integrated into the control system and this effort was supported through Aero EDIH. The result is a safe control system ready to be put into operation when flight permits have been obtained from the Swedish Transport Agency”, says Elof Winroth, Founder, Nordluft Automation.
