RTK for Beginners: Explaining Base, Rover, and Corrections in Simple Terms

If you’re just starting to explore GNSS surveying or thinking about buying your first RTK equipment, the terminology can feel overwhelming — especially terms like “base,” “rover,” “RTK,” and “corrections.”

Let’s break it down into simple language to help you understand what RTK is and how it works in practice.

📡 What Is RTK?

RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic. It’s a GNSS positioning technique that allows you to achieve centimeter-level accuracy instead of the usual 1–3 meters from standard GPS.

RTK requires two main components:

• 🟢 Base Station – A stationary GNSS receiver in a known position
• 🔵 Rover – A mobile GNSS receiver that moves and collects data

RTK works by sending correction data from the base station to the rover, allowing the rover to correct its position instantly — in real time.

🗺️ How Base and Rover Work Together

Let’s say you place the base station on a known coordinate point. It constantly receives satellite signals and compares them to its exact location. Any small error it detects gets broadcasted to the rover.

The rover then uses those correction signals to adjust its own position, achieving accuracy as fine as ±1–2 cm.

🔗 How Do They Communicate?

The base station sends correction data to the rover using one of the following methods:

• 📶 Internet (NTRIP) – Most modern setups use a SIM card and online caster
• 📡 Radio (UHF or LoRa) – Common for offline/local jobsites
• 🔗 Bluetooth – For short-range setups or Android pairings

The rover must match the base station’s format (e.g. RTCM 3.x) and connection settings to get a FIX.

⚙️ What’s a FIX? What’s FLOAT?

• FIX: Full centimeter-level correction (best accuracy)
• FLOAT: Partial correction (sub-decimeter, less stable)
• SINGLE: Standard GPS with no correction (1–3 m accuracy)

Your goal is always to get to FIX status and maintain it.

🧰 What Equipment Do You Need for RTK?

• 📡 2 GNSS Receivers (1 for Base, 1 for Rover)
• 📱 Android device with a data collector app
• 🔋 Batteries and tripods or poles
• 🌐 Optional: Internet access or SIM for NTRIP

📍 When Is RTK Used?

RTK is widely used in:

• 📏 Land surveying
• 🏗️ Construction staking
• 🚜 Precision farming
• 📡 Utility and pipeline mapping
• 🚧 Road layout and design

Used GNSS receivers are a great option for getting started without a huge investment.

💬 Want to Learn RTK Hands-On?

We offer affordable used RTK receivers and provide setup guidance, tutorials, and free consultation.

🛒 See Available Used GNSS Kits

Next article: Can You Do RTK Without Internet? (Offline RTK Workflows Explained)