RTK for Surveying:
Achieve 1-2 cm Accuracy
RTK surveying delivers 1-2 cm accuracy in the field, no base station, no post-processing. RTKdata streams real-time NTRIP corrections from 20,000+ reference stations in 145+ countries, so every RTK surveyor can work faster with a single rover.
- 1-2 cm horizontal, 2-3 cm vertical
- Emlid, Trimble, Leica & any NTRIP receiver
- One-person operation, no base station needed
- RTK FIX in 5-20 seconds
Coverage: select a location…
RTK Precision
2 cm
10 cm
What Is RTK Surveying?
RTK surveying uses real-time GNSS correction data to achieve centimeter-level positioning. Your receiver connects to an NTRIP service like RTKdata, which streams corrections from a nearby reference station for 1-2 cm horizontal and 2-3 cm vertical accuracy. Whether you call it GNSS RTK survey, survey RTK, or simply RTK positioning, the principle is the same: corrections from a known reference point fix errors in your rover’s satellite observations.
RTK has become the standard for boundary, topographic, and construction surveys because it eliminates setup time, range limitations, and the cost of a dedicated base receiver.
RTK GPS Surveying: Precise in 3 Steps
From account creation to your first RTK FIX in under 5 minutes.
01
Choose a Plan
Create a free account at rtkdata.com. Start with 30 days free, no credit card required.
02
Enter NTRIP Credentials
Copy your NTRIP server, port, mountpoint, and login from the RTKdata dashboard. Enter them in your rover or field software.
03
Verify FIX
Power on your GNSS rover and watch: SINGLE → FLOAT → FIX. Typically 5-20 seconds to centimeter-accurate data.
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Why Use RTK GPS for Surveying?
From boundary work to GIS data collection, RTK GPS for surveying eliminates the base station and accelerates every workflow.
RTK Boundary & Cadastral Surveys
Locate property corners and close boundaries with centimeter confidence. RTK survey solutions eliminate the base station bottleneck, letting crews complete up to 50 parcels per day.
Topographic RTK Surveys
Collect 500+ points in 3 hours for terrain models and contour maps. An RTK GPS survey captures the terrain faster than any total station workflow with no post-processing delays.
Construction Layout & As-Built
Stake out building corners, utilities, and grade control points with centimeter accuracy. RTK GNSS surveying delivers 40-60% time savings compared to total station layout on large sites.
GIS Data Collection & Monitoring
Collect sub-centimeter asset locations for GIS databases with QField/QGIS or SW Maps. Also ideal for long-term deformation monitoring using permanent NTRIP reference stations.
Compatible GNSS Survey Receivers
RTKdata is hardware-agnostic. Any GNSS receiver with NTRIP support works out of the box.
GNSS Survey Receivers
| Receiver | Brand | Use Case | Setup Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emlid Reach RS3 | Emlid | Survey, stakeout, GIS | Setup Guide → |
| Trimble R12i | Trimble | Boundary, topo, construction | Setup Guide → |
| Leica GS18 | Leica | Cadastral, topo, monitoring | Setup Guide → |
| Septentrio mosaic-X5 | Septentrio | OEM, high-precision integration | Multi-band, multi-constellation |
| ArduSimple simpleRTK2B | ArduSimple | Custom builds, robotics, research | u-blox ZED-F9P module |
View all 15+ compatible receivers and setup guides →
Field Software
| Software | Platform | Setup Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Emlid Flow | iOS / Android | Setup Guide → |
| Carlson SurvPC / SurvCE | Windows Mobile / CE | Setup Guide → |
| MicroSurvey FieldGenius | Windows / Android | Setup Guide → |
See all compatible field software →
Hardware-agnostic: RTKdata works with any GNSS receiver that speaks NTRIP. If your receiver has NTRIP settings (server, port, mountpoint, credentials), it works with RTKdata. No proprietary corrections, no vendor lock-in.
Ready to Survey Without a Base Station?
Replace your $10,000-$25,000 base station with a simple NTRIP subscription. Same accuracy, zero hardware.
Trusted by Surveyors Worldwide
⭐ 5.0 from 26 Google Reviews
“Fantastic service, hooking up with the network with a simple user name password was a breeze, up and going with high precision in just an hour. Thank you Felix.”
BLAIR SURVEYING
“Hello to everyone involved in geodesy, photogrammetry, or surveying. I’ve had a very positive experience with RTKDATA, who provide excellent RTK GNSS service. Here in Peru, they offer coverage and good accuracy. I recommend you visit their site.”
Edgardo Prado
“RTKdata has become an essential part of our geospatial workflows. The precision and reliability of their correction data allow us to deliver results our clients trust, every time. Setup was straightforward, coverage is excellent.”
Thomas Cargill — Lone Star Geospatial LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RTK surveying and how does it work?
RTK surveying is a satellite positioning technique that delivers 1-2 cm accuracy in real time by streaming corrections from a nearby reference station to your GNSS rover. No base station or post-processing is needed, which is why RTK in surveying has become the industry standard.
Is RTK GPS accurate enough for professional surveying?
Yes. With a stable RTK FIX you get 1-2 cm horizontal and 2-3 cm vertical accuracy, meeting survey-grade requirements for boundary, topographic, and cadastral work. Many licensed surveyors use RTK GPS surveying with NTRIP corrections as their primary positioning method.
What GNSS receivers work with RTKdata?
RTKdata works with any GNSS receiver that supports NTRIP, including Emlid Reach RS3/RS2+, Trimble R12i/R10, Leica GS18/GS16, Septentrio, and EOS Arrow Gold. See our Integration Hub for step-by-step setup guides.
Do I need a base station for RTK survey work?
No. RTKdata connects your rover to 20,000+ permanent reference stations in 145+ countries, eliminating the need to own a base station. One RTK surveyor with one rover does the work of a two-person crew.
What coordinate system do RTKdata corrections use?
RTKdata corrections are referenced to the coordinate frame of the underlying reference station network (typically ITRF or a national realization). Your field software handles the transformation to your local coordinate system.
What happens in areas with poor cell coverage?
RTK requires a data connection to the NTRIP caster, so in areas with weak signal you can use a mobile hotspot or external antenna. For truly remote areas without any cell coverage, a local base station may still be needed.
Can multiple survey crews share one RTKdata account?
Yes. Depending on your plan, you can connect multiple rovers simultaneously using the same credentials. This is ideal for firms with multiple field crews, and plans start at $40/month.
Start Surveying Without a Base Station
Get your GNSS rover connected in under 5 minutes. Reliable NTRIP corrections from 20,000+ stations. No base station, no long-term contract.