Precision GNSS is the independent technical reference for Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning technology. Explore applications, hardware guides, and use-case deep-dives — written for engineers, researchers, and precision technology professionals working with GNSS/RTK systems.
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Are you developing a drone and not sure which RTK module is best for your project? Here is a side-by-side comparison of the three recommended dual-antenna modules. All...
Read the guide ›Technical publications, product updates, and field insights for professional high-accuracy positioning teams.
By: Editorial Team, Precision-GNSS.com Ref: Sensors for Digital Transformation in Smart Forestry (BOKU, 2024) In the world of high-precision positioning, we have long lived by a binary code: Fix or Float. It is a digital “all or nothing” that dictates whether a surveyor can proceed or must wait, frustrated, for
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Share your operational goals and deployment context. We will help map the right GNSS approach for your workflows, implementation phases, and long-term performance objectives.
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a technique that improves standard GNSS positioning from meter-level accuracy down to centimeters. It works by analyzing satellite signals much more precisely, focusing on the carrier phase measurements instead of just basic position data. By comparing these signals and resolving their small differences, RTK can determine position with extremely high precision.
Standard GNSS provides 1–10 meter accuracy due to common signal errors, which RTK can correct because nearby receivers experience similar errors.
RTK uses a fixed base station to calculate signal errors and send corrections to a moving rover for precise positioning.
The base sends real-time correction data (RTCM) to the rover, allowing it to achieve centimeter-level accuracy within a limited distance.
Corrections are transmitted via cable, radio, or internet (NTRIP), enabling flexible setups from local links to global networks.
Centimeter-accurate outdoor navigation for drones, ground vehicles, and unmanned platforms
GCP-free aerial mapping and repeatable precision landing workflows.
Outdoor autonomous path-following with centimeter repeatability.
Rapid prototyping and GNSS algorithm validation in real-world conditions.
Deploy robotic swarms for field operations with strict path and boundary compliance.
Orchestrate vehicle swarms with centimeter-level lane and perimeter precision.
Deploy heavy-duty robotic systems for large-scale operations with precise path-following and perimeter compliance.
Whether you're a developer prototyping a new product or a field engineer deploying a production system, setting up centimeter-accurate RTK positioning is more accessible than ever.
Select an RTK receiver for your use case: a two-board development kit for prototyping, a compact module for drone integration, or a ruggedized unit for field operations. Key parameters: antenna frequency bands (L1 vs L1/L2), output interfaces (UART, USB, CAN), and form factor.
Choose between a local base station (best for baselines under 10–30 km), an NTRIP caster connected to a public or commercial network, or a LoRa/UHF radio link for remote field deployments without internet access. Each option has different latency, coverage, and cost trade-offs.
Configure the base to output RTCM3 messages: 1005 (base position), 1077/1087/1097/1127 (MSM observations for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou). Verify the correction link latency — correction age should remain below 2 seconds for optimal RTK Fixed performance.
Confirm RTK Fixed status in NMEA GGA sentence (quality indicator = 4). Parse position output at your required update rate (up to 20 Hz). Integrate via NMEA 0183, proprietary binary protocol, or a middleware framework such as ROS2 for robotics applications.
Complete base + rover sets including everything for your first centimeter fix — receiver boards, survey antennas, cables, and factory-configured firmware for RTK operation out of the box.
Browse Starter Kits ›Compact, high-performance RTK GNSS receivers for drone payloads, robotics, field survey, and embedded integration across all budgets and form factors.
Browse RTK receivers ›Survey-grade GNSS antennas from compact helical stick antennas for UAV integration to high-gain ground-plane antennas for fixed base station deployment.
Browse RTK antennas ›Step-by-step hardware setup, firmware configuration, and integration tutorials for RTK receivers across survey, robotics, agriculture, and drone use cases.
Read RTK tutorials ›Cloud-based NTRIP correction network services for rover-only deployments — no local base station required. Global and regional coverage with low-latency correction streaming.
Explore RTK services ›From your first prototype to production deployment, the hardware and knowledge you need to build precision positioning solutions is here — accessible, well-documented, and field-proven across dozens of industries.
