RTI is the first solution to provide GPS-assisted forest inventory/mapping in one, integrated, compact and cost-effective package. Developed by LandMark Systems in cooperation with Tripod Data Systems and Haglof, it combines the power of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), electronic field data collection instruments, and collection/processing software to bring about a very powerful solution for field foresters.

The way this system works is through the use of a high-precision DGPS (or any NMEA receiver), with advanced multi-path rejection, the forester is able to navigate throughout a user-defined, and easily generated cruise grid. Once on plot center, the forester is prompted to collect inventory data, then collects cruise data with the same device, or optionally, with a digital caliper and digital hypsometer.

There have been attempts in the past to achieve the same goal of GPS-assisted navigation and data collection to plot center. These used very expensive, and bulky solutions that consisted of separate GPS receivers, batteries, antennas and data recorder and/or field computer.

Now, thanks to the availability of smaller, highly accurate DGPS that excels under canopy, Windows CE and Pocket PC platform, cheaper hardware and better developed software, these systems are not only less bulky, but easier to use and much more affordable.