First-Time RTK Positioning: Basic Setup and Survey Guide

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Published March 4, 2025

In construction surveying and infrastructure inspections, conventional GPS can produce errors of several meters, which may be insufficient. This is where RTK positioning comes in. By using two GNSS receivers—the base station and the rover—RTK (Real Time Kinematic) cancels out common errors through relative positioning, achieving centimeter‐level accuracy. Obtaining such high‐precision location data streamlines survey workflows, enhances construction management accuracy, and is gaining attention in a wide range of fields, from smart construction to precision agriculture.
In this article, we provide a guide for those implementing RTK positioning for the first time, covering everything from basic concepts to detailed setup procedures and measurement methods. Using our compact RTK-GNSS receiver, LRTK, as an example, we explain its distinct features (and how it differs from traditional equipment) and highlight key configuration points. Compared to conventional receivers, LRTK is more compact and user-friendly, and its smartphone integration makes it exceptionally convenient. We also introduce the on-site implementation benefits that leverage this ease of use, common troubleshooting strategies, and how to request free informational materials. This article compiles practical information that will be useful even to those searching for keywords like “RTK basic settings” or “RTK positioning procedures,” so please use it as a reference for your RTK deployment.
Basic Concepts of RTK Positioning
Roles of the Base Station and the Rover
RTK positioning employs two GNSS receivers simultaneously: a base station and a rover. The base station is set up at a location with known, precise coordinates and compares the GNSS signals it receives against its fixed position to calculate the “positional offset” (correction data). The rover, located at the point to be surveyed, applies these real‐time corrections to its own measurements. This process reduces the meter‐level errors of standalone GNSS fixes down to just a few centimeters. Because both receivers observe the same satellites, common error sources—such as satellite clock errors and delays in the ionosphere or troposphere—are canceled out, enabling highly accurate relative positioning.
Requirements for RTK Positioning
To carry out RTK positioning, you need several hardware and software components. First, you require two GNSS receivers—one configured as the base station and one as the rover (in this example, both are LRTK receivers). In addition, you need a communication link to deliver correction data from the base station to the rover. Common methods include UHF radio, license-free wireless, or the Internet-based NTRIP protocol (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol). With NTRIP, the base station streams correction data over the Internet, and the rover connects via a cellular or other Internet link to receive those corrections.
You also need an NTRIP caster (server) that distributes GNSS correction information (e.g., in RTCM format) and account credentials to access that service. In summary, the preparations required to begin RTK positioning are: two dual-frequency LRTK receivers, a connection to an NTRIP correction service (or equivalent radio link), and the known coordinates of your base station.
Factors Affecting Positioning Accuracy
Although RTK positioning can theoretically achieve centimeter‐level accuracy, several practical factors influence its real-world performance. First and foremost is the radio‐signal reception environment. GNSS signals are easily obstructed, so both the base station and rover should be placed in locations with a clear view of the sky. Tall buildings or trees nearby can block or reflect signals (multipath), increasing positioning errors and the time required to obtain a fixed solution.
The baseline length—the distance between the base station and rover—also affects accuracy. Short baselines tend to yield higher precision because both receivers experience similar error sources; as distance increases, residual correction errors grow larger. In practice, baselines of a few kilometers generally maintain centimeter-level accuracy, but beyond ten or more kilometers, fixed-solution acquisition can slow and precision may become less stable.
You must also consider the base station’s coordinate accuracy. Any error in the base station’s known position will directly translate into the rover’s absolute coordinates (even if relative positioning remains precise, absolute accuracy suffers). Therefore, when high‐precision results in a public coordinate system are required, install the base station over a control point whose position has been determined with rigorous surveying, or calibrate it using a national electronic reference-station network or services like QZSS CLAS.
Finally, satellite geometry (GDOP), the number of satellites used, and the number of frequency bands tracked all play roles. Using a multi-GNSS, multi-frequency receiver (e.g., supporting L1/L2 and L5 bands) helps prevent accuracy degradation when satellite availability is limited and delivers more stable positioning overall.
Note: Below are representative examples of positioning accuracy for each method (actual results may vary with atmospheric and survey conditions).
While RTK is dramatically more accurate than standalone positioning, by paying attention to the environmental factors discussed above, you can fully harness its potential.
LRTK Setup Procedure
Next, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of performing the basic RTK configuration with LRTK receivers and getting ready to start positioning. In this example, you’ll build your own RTK environment by using one LRTK unit as the base station and another as the rover. Before starting positioning, there are four main steps: (1) powering on the equipment and performing initial setup, (2) configuring the base station, (3) configuring the rover, and (4) verifying the positioning status.
1. Power On and Initial Setup
First, power on the LRTK receiver and perform the initial setup. Press and hold the receiver’s power button to start it; the indicator LED will illuminate and the boot process will begin. On first use or immediately after a firmware update, startup may take longer than usual. Once the unit has booted, connect to it using the companion smartphone app or the PC configuration software. After connecting, verify the firmware version—ensure that the latest firmware provided by the manufacturer is installed, as updates often include bug fixes and feature enhancements. If necessary, update the firmware, then confirm that the positioning mode is set to RTK. If the device allows you to specify separate roles for base station and rover, select the appropriate mode here (most models will automatically assign roles in later settings, but it’s prudent to check).
During this initial setup, also review the GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.) and frequency bands to be used. Since LRTK supports multi-GNSS, enable all constellations unless you have a specific reason not to. You can also configure the output format for positioning data (e.g., NMEA or UBX) and the update rate. For typical surveying tasks, an update rate of 1–5 Hz is sufficient, while applications requiring real-time control may use 10 Hz or higher. Although you can adjust these settings later, it’s best to verify them during your first setup.
2. Configuring the Base Station
Next, set up the first LRTK receiver in base-station mode. The base station must be placed over a point with known, precise coordinates. Begin by mounting the receiver on a surveying tripod (or similar) and measuring the antenna height (the distance from the ground to the antenna’s phase center). Record this value. Then enter the coordinates of the control point: if you’re using a public survey mark (such as a triangulation station or electronic reference point), input its published latitude, longitude, and elevation. If you’ve established your own control point, use the coordinates obtained through a high-precision survey or derive a provisional position via RTK or long-duration GNSS observation; you can later apply a localization shift to align with a known point.
Once the coordinates are registered, configure the NTRIP server settings. Provide the LRTK receiver with Internet access—either via its built-in LTE modem or an external Wi-Fi router—and enter the NTRIP caster’s address, port number, mount point, and login credentials. The base station will act as an NTRIP server, broadcasting raw GNSS observations and RTCM correction streams through the caster. When connected successfully, the base station’s status will change to “Broadcasting.”
If you prefer to transmit corrections via radio instead of NTRIP, configure both ends’ radio settings (frequency channels, power levels in compliance with regulations, etc.) and share the base-station ID or stream name with the rover. Finally, verify that the base station is tracking a healthy number of satellites and check DOP values to ensure stable data reception. If everything looks good, the base-station setup is complete.
3. Configuring the Rover
Next, configure the second LRTK receiver as the rover. Begin by mounting its antenna on a pole (or similar) and entering the antenna height as needed. Then set up the rover to receive correction data from the base station. If you are using NTRIP, configure the same caster settings on the rover that you used on the base station. The rover will function as an NTRIP client, connecting to the specified mount point (the channel streaming the base-station data) to pull correction data. To do this, connect the rover’s LRTK to the Internet—either via its built-in SIM (4G) or through a tethered smartphone—then enter the caster’s address, port, mount-point name, and login credentials to start the connection. Once successful, real-time correction information will begin arriving at the rover.
While receiving corrections, the rover continues to track GNSS satellites and computes its position. Watch the receiver or app display as the solution progresses from “Single” (standalone) to “Float” (sub-meter accuracy) and finally to “Fixed” (integer solution). Achieving a fixed RTK solution means you’ve reached centimeter-level accuracy. In open-sky conditions with sufficient satellite visibility, this typically takes anywhere from a few tens of seconds to a couple of minutes—though some devices and algorithms can converge even faster. During setup, keep an eye on the rover’s indicator lights (for example, a green LED for fixed) and the app’s status readout to confirm when the RTK fix is obtained.
4. Verifying Positioning Accuracy
Once you have configured both the base station and the rover and the rover has achieved an RTK fixed solution, it’s time to check the actual accuracy. Start by monitoring the rover’s current position data to ensure the coordinates remain stable. With a fixed solution, the horizontal position should hold steady within a few centimeters, and the elevation should vary only by a few centimeters as well. Many RTK systems display the solution type (FIX/Float/Single) and the estimated precision (horizontal and vertical standard deviations), so use these indicators to assess accuracy.
If you wish, repeat measurements at the same point several times to observe the spread, or log the real‐time coordinates during a static test and perform a statistical analysis afterward.
For a definitive accuracy check, survey a known control point (such as a public reference station) with RTK and compare the measured coordinates to its published values. If the errors fall within your acceptable tolerance (typically a few centimeters), your system is performing correctly. If you detect larger discrepancies, verify the base station’s input coordinates, check for any datum or ellipsoid‐height mismatches, and confirm all settings.
You can also leave the rover stationary and record its coordinates over a period—then plot the fluctuations to evaluate real‐time stability. Performing these verification steps during your initial setup will give you confidence in your RTK system’s performance.
Practical Guide to RTK Positioning
Once you have completed the basic setup and RTK positioning is available, you can begin applying it to your actual surveying operations. In this guide, we explain the procedures for control‐point surveys and rover‐based surveys, and then present key tips for improving accuracy. Use this know‐how as a reference to perform RTK positioning smoothly in the field.
Preparation and Workflow for Control-Point Surveys
When operating RTK positioning in the field, it’s advisable to begin by measuring or verifying a control point. A control-point survey involves using RTK to measure a known point on-site (whose precise coordinates are already established) or a custom-defined base point. This process confirms both the system’s accuracy and the validity of the base station’s coordinates.
Site Selection: Choose a control‐point location with as wide a view of the sky as possible and no nearby buildings or metal objects that could reflect signals. On a construction site, this might be a natural high point or a designated tripod location; during infrastructure inspections, it could be an open spot on a bridge deck or beside a track. It’s also crucial that the receiver be stably mounted on a tripod or pole—any movement during measurement will introduce error, so secure the setup firmly once in place.
Measurement Workflow: Once you have mounted the rover at the control point, begin RTK positioning. If a fixed solution is already achieved, remain stationary for 20–30 seconds to allow the data to stabilize. Next, record the coordinates for that point. You can do this by using the “Point Measurement” or averaging feature on your data collector or app, or by manually noting the displayed values. If possible, repeat the measurement several times and compare the results—for example, if three readings at the same point vary by only a few centimeters, the system is demonstrating good repeatability. For a known control point, compare your measured coordinates against the published true values to determine the error. If you observe a large discrepancy (several centimeters or more), there may be an issue with your base-station setup or equipment; consult the troubleshooting section below for guidance.
By measuring and verifying a control point first, you can assess the reliability of RTK positioning for that specific day and location. In surveying practice, “measuring a known point first” is the fundamental principle of quality control. Even if no official control point is available, you can confirm system accuracy by repeatedly measuring a self-defined reference point. Once control-point verification is complete, you’re ready to proceed with full-scale surveying operations.
Procedure for Rover-Based Surveying
Here’s how to carry out a survey using the rover. With RTK positioning, the surveyor walks to each point carrying the rover’s antenna and captures the coordinates for that point. Unlike traditional total-station work, you don’t need line-of-sight or survey lines—so long as the rover’s antenna has an unobstructed view of the sky, you can establish a survey point anywhere. The following steps assume a typical terrestrial survey in which an operator walks between points with the rover.
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Planning and Preparing Survey Points: Compile a list of all the points you need to measure in advance. If they correspond to key locations on your drawings—such as boundary corners or design coordinates—register them in your field notes or the point list within your app. When using the LRTK smartphone app, you can import these point definitions ahead of time, eliminating the need to name and save each one in the field. This preparation is especially valuable when you have a large number of points to survey.
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Carrying the Rover: Attach the rover receiver to a survey pole and carry it as you walk between points. Because the antenna at the pole’s tip defines the survey point’s coordinates, always hold the pole vertically (verify with the bubble level). Some modern receivers—like the LRTK Pro2—offer tilt‐compensation, automatically correcting for slight pole lean, but you should still aim to keep the pole plumb. Maintain a consistent pole length (antenna height) and enter this value into your device’s settings.
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Measuring Points: Once you position the rover antenna over a survey point, remain stationary for a few seconds to let the RTK solution stabilize. While maintaining a fixed RTK fix, use the app or controller to “Start Observation” or “Record Point.” You can typically enter a point name or code—such as “Pier 1 Center” or “Test Pit A”—to tag the measurement. Pressing the record button will either average the data over a specified interval (e.g., 5 seconds) before saving the coordinates or capture an instantaneous reading. Select the measurement mode based on your requirements; for maximum precision, record for about 10 seconds per point and use the averaged result.
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Saving and Managing Data: After measuring a point, its coordinates, timestamp, and solution status (FIX/Float) are recorded. In the LRTK system, these measurements accumulate in the smartphone app and can be synced to the cloud. Cloud syncing allows office staff to view field data immediately on their PCs, streamlining data sharing. You can also export the data from the app as CSV or GeoJSON for later use in CAD drawings. For robust data management, enter clear point names and attribute information, and—if the app allows—add notes for each measurement (e.g., “Measured by John” or weather conditions). This practice ensures smooth analysis and report preparation at a later date.
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Repeating for Multiple Points: Simply repeat the steps above at each survey point. On large sites, plan your route in advance to work as efficiently as possible. If multiple team members will be carrying rovers and surveying in parallel, it’s helpful to assign each person a specific area. One of RTK’s strengths is that a single base station can serve multiple rovers simultaneously. For example, you can have crews working at the same time across a large development site or split a long stretch of railway or highway among several surveyors. This team‐wide, parallel approach to capturing points is a key productivity advantage of RTK positioning.
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On-Site Verification: After measuring all the key points, perform a quick field check. For example, re-measure the same point and compare the results, or, if you have a known control point, survey it again to verify the error. This helps you catch gross mistakes—such as mislabeling points or equipment malfunctions—early. If everything checks out, securely save all your data, power off the equipment, and conclude the survey.
This completes the basic workflow for rover-based surveying. Compared to traditional methods, RTK surveying enables a single operator to measure many points in a fraction of the time, greatly boosting field productivity. Because the data are captured digitally on the spot, transcription errors in paper field books are eliminated. And since you can review positioning results in real time, you can immediately decide to re-measure or add points as needed.
Tips for Improving Accuracy
Here are some key tips and considerations to achieve consistently high‐precision RTK positioning:
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Maintain Clear Satellite Visibility: Ensure that both the base station and rover have as unobstructed a view of the sky as possible. The rover operator should be especially mindful not to get too close to obstacles. For example, when working along buildings, keep a short distance from the façade, and in wooded areas, choose spots with an open overhead canopy. If you cannot avoid obstructions, consider adding extra survey points and averaging multiple measurements, or time your work for periods of favorable satellite geometry when the impact of blockages is minimized.
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Antenna Mounting and Leveling: When using a survey pole, always verify with a bubble level that the pole is perfectly vertical—any tilt will introduce elevation errors. For a tripod-mounted base station, make sure the legs are securely anchored so wind or vibration cannot move it. Also, be careful not to mistype the antenna height. At the site, measure the height from the ground to the antenna phase center with a tape measure and enter that exact value into the receiver or app settings.
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Observation Time and Averaging: Taking a longer observation period at each survey point can improve accuracy. For example, once a fixed solution is achieved, remain stationary for about 10–30 seconds and average the data over that interval to reduce the impact of momentary errors. However, in dynamic field conditions, you may not be able to spend that much time at every point, so adjust your observation duration according to each point’s importance. For points measured quickly, perform a post‐survey accuracy check and, if necessary, re‐measure them.
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Monitoring Satellite Geometry: If the number of satellites in view or the DOP value deteriorates significantly during positioning, accuracy will temporarily decline. For example, this can happen when the satellite geometry is skewed and the DOP exceeds 10, or when the satellite count drops to as few as four. In such situations, rather than forcing the measurement, consider pausing and waiting for the satellite configuration to improve. This issue is less common with multi-GNSS receivers, but it can occur in urban areas where signals from certain directions are blocked.
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Managing Distance from the Base Station: Accuracy can degrade if the rover is too far from the base station, so for large survey areas consider relocating the base station. For example, on an east–west–oriented site, you might move the base station from the western edge to the eastern edge midway through the survey to maintain uniform precision across the entire area. When you relocate, measure several overlapping points and compare their coordinates to ensure consistency before continuing.
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Regular Verification: Make it a habit to periodically measure a known point or temporary checkpoint during your work to check for errors. Over long surveying sessions, satellite geometry and atmospheric conditions can shift and affect accuracy. For example, if you re‐measure and log your control point every hour, you can track any drift in precision. If you notice a deviation, you can decide to re‐survey data collected during that interval.
By keeping the above points in mind, you’ll find it much easier to maintain RTK positioning accuracy and stability. In essence, the key is to “set up firmly in a location with a clear view of the sky—don’t rush, let it stabilize—and check readings frequently.” As you gain experience, you’ll learn each site’s quirks, so build your expertise over time and refine your accuracy‐management techniques.
Common Issues and Countermeasures
Below is a summary of problems you frequently encounter when operating RTK positioning, along with their typical causes and remedies. You may feel uncertain during your first deployment, but knowing these common troubleshooting checkpoints will help you address issues calmly and effectively.
When an RTK Fixed Solution Cannot Be Obtained
Symptom: The rover’s solution remains in “Float” indefinitely without ever achieving a fixed solution (FIX), or it stays in the “Single” state from the outset.
Possible Causes: There are several reasons why a fixed RTK solution may not be achieved. Poor satellite reception—due to nearby obstructions—can leave the rover with insufficient data to resolve ambiguities. Even if correction streams are arriving from the base station, they may be corrupted or mismatched if the base and rover are not configured to use the same GNSS constellations or frequency bands. Significant errors in the base station’s known coordinates will also prevent convergence, as will an excessively long baseline between base and rover, which increases residual correction errors and makes it difficult for the fixed‐solution algorithm to settle.
Countermeasures: First, verify the satellite reception environment by moving the rover to an open area and ensuring a sufficient number of satellites are in view. Next, check the correction‐data reception: on the rover’s display, confirm that RTCM messages are being received and that the satellite icons indicate applied differential data (e.g., icons fill in when corrections are active). If no corrections are coming through, review your communication settings. If corrections are arriving but you still cannot obtain a FIX, make sure the base station and rover are configured to track the same GNSS constellations (for example, both using GPS only or both including GLONASS) and frequency bands.
If one receiver has GLONASS disabled, the solution cannot converge, so make sure both base and rover use the same constellation settings. Also verify the accuracy of your base-station coordinates: even provisional coordinates with errors of tens of meters can significantly delay float-solution convergence, so enter the most precise values you have. Finally, software glitches can occur—try rebooting both devices, powering on the base station first and then the rover, which often clears the issue. If you still can’t achieve a FIX, environmental factors like ionospheric disturbances may be to blame. In that case, wait and retry later, or switch to an alternative reference source (for example, a network RTK service) if one is available.
When NTRIP Correction Data Cannot Be Received
Symptom: The rover cannot connect to the NTRIP caster, correction data intermittently drops out, or the “Differential Age” value is steadily increasing, indicating a communication issue.
Possible Causes: There may be an issue with your Internet connection, incorrect NTRIP settings (such as the server address or authentication credentials), or the caster service itself might be down. Outdoor connectivity can also be unreliable due to spotty cellular coverage. Additionally, your SIM card may have exceeded its data allowance, or there could be a problem with tethering or the communication device.
Countermeasures: First, verify your Internet connection. If you’re using a smartphone for tethering, check that the phone itself has an active data connection and move to a location with better reception if the signal is weak. For receivers with a built-in SIM, monitor the signal-strength indicator and, if needed, attach an external antenna to improve reception. Next, double-check your NTRIP settings: the caster URL, port number, mount-point name, and login credentials (username/password) must be entered exactly—even a single character or case mismatch will prevent connection. It can help to delete and re-enter the configuration from scratch. You can confirm a successful connection by looking for a message like “NTRIP: Connected” in the rover’s log. If you see an error (e.g., “Unauthorized”), re-verify your credentials.
Also consider potential caster-side issues: if possible, switch to a different regional NTRIP service to isolate the problem, and be aware that the caster may be offline for scheduled maintenance at certain times. In locations where Internet access is simply not viable, you may opt to switch to a local radio link (e.g., digital simple radio or license-free wireless). In that case, you’ll need matched radio units at both the base and rover, but you can continue RTK operations even without Internet connectivity.
When Communication between Base and Rover Is Unstable
Symptom: During RTK positioning, the correction‐data link intermittently drops, the solution toggles between “Fixed” and “Float,” and the connection between base station and rover is repeatedly reestablished.
Possible Causes: There may be instability in the communication link between the base station and the rover. In an NTRIP setup, this can stem from fluctuations in cellular signal strength or packet loss; with a radio link, poor line of sight or frequency interference may be to blame. It’s also possible the rover has moved too far from the base station and is nearing the edge of coverage. In mountainous or rural areas especially, increasing distance can create dead zones where cellular signals cannot reach.
Countermeasures: Improving the communication environment is the first priority. For cellular links, work in areas with stronger reception or position your mobile router at a higher elevation to improve signal strength. In some cases, carrying a second carrier’s SIM card and switching to whichever network offers better coverage can help—dual-SIM devices can even fail over automatically. For radio links, adjust antenna height and orientation: mount the base-station radio antenna as high as possible and ensure there are no obstructions between it and the rover. With license-free low-power radios, practical line-of-sight range is typically around 1 km, so plan accordingly.
To cover distances beyond roughly 1 km, consider installing repeaters or switching to a licensed high-power digital radio system. If you suspect radio-frequency interference, try changing channels. Other devices operating in the same band—such as construction radios or event AV links—can introduce noise. With NTRIP you normally don’t face RF interference, but there have been reports of interference from pocket Wi-Fi hotspots or smartphone Bluetooth tethering. In such cases, switching to a wired Ethernet connection or USB tethering can restore stability.
Operational Strategies: When the rover must cover a large area, first map out zones with weak reception and plan to survey those spots when you’re closest to the base station. Also, since many receivers will hold a Float solution for several tens of seconds after corrections drop out, don’t panic—simply wait for the link to restore while continuing in Float mode. If the outage persists, the solution will revert to Single; in that case, stop and wait until a FIX is reacquired. If you encounter frequent dropouts, reinforce the hardware measures outlined above.
Utilization and Benefits of Adopting LRTK
Finally, we will present concrete use cases for the LRTK receiver and the benefits you can gain by implementing it. We will also explain how to request free informational materials or contact us for more details.
Case Studies of LRTK Adoption (Construction Surveying, Infrastructure Management, Agricultural Surveying)
Construction Industry: LRTK delivers powerful on-site surveying and as-built control capabilities for construction projects. For example, tasks such as installing batter boards and verifying as-built conditions—which traditionally required a team working with a total station—can now be accomplished with a single smartphone equipped with an LRTK receiver. On i-Construction sites, where hundreds of 3D as-built points must be measured, LRTK enables site supervisors and craftsmen themselves to perform surveys one device per person, dramatically boosting productivity.
LRTK can also be mounted on heavy machinery for machine-guidance applications, managing cut-and-fill heights in real time. In road construction, crews can divide a long pavement section among several workers, rapidly capture as-built data, and immediately integrate it in the cloud. This parallel workflow eliminates the downtime of conventional surveying, shortening schedules and lowering labor costs.
Infrastructure Inspection & Maintenance: LRTK is widely used for inspecting railways, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure. For instance, a highway operator’s maintenance division adopted RTK positioning to record inspection points with centimeter accuracy. The LRTK receiver’s compact, lightweight design makes it easy for field crews to carry as they traverse extensive sections, recording numerous survey points. Deploying multiple rovers simultaneously allows large areas to be covered in a fraction of the time, vastly improving inspection efficiency. One railway company, for example, used LRTK to map track distortions and adjacent equipment locations, cutting fieldwork time by half. They also reported that linking point-cloud data and photos with precise position tags in the cloud streamlined their repair-planning process.
Agricultural Sector: High-precision positioning is equally vital in smart agriculture. LRTK can be retrofitted onto farm machinery for guidance of autonomous tractors, as well as used for field parcel surveys and logging soil sampling locations. For example, in paddy field land‐preparation, terrain data captured with LRTK can streamline leveling operations. Its compact, low‐cost design has led many individual farmers to deploy their own RTK base stations. By setting up an LRTK unit in base‐station mode—perhaps in a barn—and broadcasting correction data to tractors in the field, farms can achieve centimeter-level autonomous guidance without recurring communication fees. LRTK can also integrate with manufacturers’ machine-guidance systems, enabling ultra-straight runs and pinpoint irrigation across vast acreage, making it a key technology for precision agriculture.
Reasons LRTK Is Chosen (Compactness · Ease of Use · High Precision)
Here are three main reasons why field technicians favor LRTK among the many RTK-GNSS devices available.
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Compact and Highly Portable: One of LRTK’s standout features is its small size and light weight. For example, the disc‐shaped LRTK Pro receiver is only about 10 cm in diameter and weighs just 280 g—small enough to fit in your hand (see Figure 1 above). The smartphone‐mounted LRTK Phone integrates the receiver and phone cover into a single unit, measuring only 13 mm thick and weighing 125 g—truly pocket‐sized. This dramatic reduction in size compared to traditional surveying gear makes it easy to bring multiple units to the field. Each crew member can carry their own LRTK, quickly deploy it when needed, and capture measurements on the spot. It also mounts effortlessly on vehicles or drones, expanding its range of applications.
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Easy Operation, User‐Friendly for Beginners: LRTK is designed for use by anyone, not just GNSS specialists. Its dedicated smartphone app features an intuitive interface—NTRIP setup and point recording are guided step by step with simple button presses. What used to be a complex base‐and‐rover configuration is now streamlined through presets and automatic detection. For example, with the LRTK Phone, you simply attach it to your iPhone, launch the app, and one tap completes the network RTK setup. Solution status and data saving are clearly displayed in the app, so general field personnel—without specialized training—can begin operating after just a brief tutorial. Built for rugged use, LRTK devices also meet waterproof and dustproof IP ratings, ensuring reliable operation even in light rain or dusty environments.
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High‐Precision, Stable Positioning Performance: Despite its compact simplicity, LRTK makes no compromise on accuracy. It supports multi‐GNSS and multi‐frequency tracking with a cutting‐edge GNSS engine that can theoretically achieve sub‐centimeter accuracy. In field tests, it consistently delivers horizontal accuracy of 2–3 cm and vertical accuracy of 3–4 cm—performance on par with much larger receivers. The latest models also support Japan’s QZSS “Michibiki” CLAS centimeter‐level augmentation service, giving you the flexibility to receive correction signals directly from satellites in addition to RTK. By leveraging multiple high‐precision positioning technologies, LRTK provides stable performance from dense urban canyons to remote mountain valleys. Its survey data can be synced straight to the cloud, driving on‐site digital transformation. The newest LRTK Pro2 adds a tilt‐sensor correction feature, further boosting both real‐world accuracy and operational efficiency.
For these reasons, LRTK has garnered attention as a “high-precision positioning terminal anyone can operate.” Even companies or organizations adopting RTK positioning for the first time will find the entry barrier low and can achieve significant benefits with minimal investment.
Transform Site Surveying Accuracy and Work Efficiency with LRTK
The LRTK series delivers high-precision GNSS positioning for the construction, civil engineering, and surveying sectors, enabling significant time savings and dramatic productivity improvements. It also supports i-Construction, the digitalization initiative led by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, making it the ideal solution for driving digital transformation in the construction industry.
For more details about LRTK, please visit the following links:
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What Is LRTK? | Official LRTK Website
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LRTK Series | Device List
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Case Studies | On-Site Applications
If you have any questions about our products, would like a quote, or wish to discuss implementation, please feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. Elevate your site operations to the next level with LRTK!