California Startup Unveils Cloud Tech That Makes GPS 100x More Accurate

A California-based company, Swift Navigation, has announced a major leap in location technology, claiming its new system can make GPS up to 100 times more accurate using cloud computing.

The company introduced Skylark, a cloud-powered positioning service that aims to fix one of GPS’s biggest limitations—its inaccuracy in precision-based tasks. While traditional GPS gives location data with an error margin of 3 to 10 meters, Skylark claims to reduce that to just a few centimeters.

How It Works

Skylark doesn’t depend on local base stations or dense ground infrastructure like older positioning systems. Instead, it uses advanced atmospheric modeling, carrier-grade networks, and a fully cloud-based architecture to correct GPS signal distortions in real time.

GPS signals traveling from satellites are often distorted by various factors—satellite clock errors, orbital shifts, ionospheric interference, and even weather-related issues in the troposphere. Skylark tackles all these challenges by processing the signal data through its cloud platform, which calculates and sends real-time corrections to supported devices.

This cloud-based approach allows the system to offer centimeter-level accuracy, making it especially valuable for autonomous vehicles, delivery drones, agriculture machinery, and mobile robots—applications where even minor errors can lead to failure or danger.

Industry First

Swift Navigation says Skylark is the first real-time, cloud-based positioning system to receive certifications that meet key road vehicle safety standards. That means it’s not only precise, but also compliant with strict requirements for use in public transport systems and autonomous driving.

The benefits extend beyond accuracy. Since there’s no need for installing local correction towers or infrastructure, deployment is easier and more cost-effective across various industries.

Big Funding to Go Global

To bring Skylark to a wider audience, Swift Navigation recently raised $50 million in Series E funding. The investment round was led by Crosslink Capital, with support from major backers like New Enterprise Associates, Eclipse Ventures, and First Round Capital. New investors Niterra Ventures, AlTi Tiedemann Global, and EnerTech Capital also joined in, pushing Swift’s total funding beyond $250 million.

According to CEO Timothy Harris, the new capital will help the company expand its partnerships, scale up deployment, and drive adoption in both civilian and military sectors.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of such a strong group of investors who recognize the transformative power of precise positioning,” Harris said. “This funding enables us to accelerate growth and continue to innovate.”

With Skylark, Swift Navigation is not just making GPS more accurate—it’s setting the foundation for a future where precision location is standard, scalable, and affordable.