Purpose. The article is devoted to the analysis of the accuracy of GPS and RTK navigation and to the assessment of their impact on reducing overlaps, skips, and technological losses during field operations within precision agriculture systems. The main purpose of the study is to determine the role of different levels of satellite navigation accuracy in improving the efficiency of agricultural operations, reducing resource consumption, and increasing crop yields. Methods. The study employs methods of GNSS satellite navigation analysis, a comparative assessment of standard GPS, differential corrections (SBAS, DGPS), and RTK navigation, as well as the generalization of practical data on the implementation of high-precision navigation systems in agriculture. The research is based on the analysis of positioning accuracy, trajectory repeatability, the influence of the human factor, and the technical characteristics of agricultural implements on the quality of field operations. Efficiency was evaluated using indicators of overlaps, skips, seed, fertilizer, and plant protection product consumption, as well as machinery productivity. Results. It was established that the use of standard GPS without corrections provides limited accuracy that is insufficient for the implementation of precision agriculture principles and leads to significant overlaps and skips. The application of differential corrections significantly improves the accuracy of basic operations; however, the maximum effect is achieved with the implementation of RTK navigation, which provides centimeter-level horizontal and vertical accuracy. Practical results demonstrate a reduction in overlaps and skips by 9– 13%, a decrease in seed and fertilizer consumption by 10–20%, increased machinery productivity, and stable trajectory repeatability between seasons. Economic analysis showed that investments in RTK navigation are most justified for medium and large farms employing intensive production technologies. Practical significance. The obtained results have important practical value for agricultural enterprises, engineers, agronomists, and precision agriculture managers. The proposed generalizations enable a well-grounded selection of navigation accuracy levels depending on farm size and the type of field operations, optimization of resource use, reduction of environmental risks, and improvement of the economic efficiency of agricultural production. The use of RTK navigation forms the basis for further digitalization and automation of agricultural technologies.
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