- Using Free Public NTRIP Services — Pros, Cons, and How to Access Them
Did you know that many countries now offer free access to NTRIP corrections through public Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)? These networks stream real-time correction data you can use to get RTK FIX — at no cost.
In this article, we’ll show how free NTRIP services work, how to access them, and what limitations to expect.
🌐 What Is a Free Public NTRIP Service?
These are government or academic-operated GNSS reference stations that broadcast correction data (usually RTCM) over the internet, accessible through NTRIP protocol.
Surveyors and GNSS users can connect their rover to these services using a compatible app (like SW Maps, Field Genius Android, or SurvX) to receive live corrections.
🌏 Examples of Free Public NTRIP Services
| Country | Provider | Access URL | Access Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | BIG InaCORS | inacors.big.go.id | Free with registration |
| USA | UNAVCO, CORS | ngs.noaa.gov/CORS | Free and public |
| UK | Ordnance Survey | ordnancesurvey.co.uk | Free with application |
| Europe | EUREF Network | epncb.oma.be | Open-access in many regions |
📲 How to Connect to a Free NTRIP Service
- Visit the provider website and register your account (if required).
- Get the NTRIP caster details: IP, port, mount point, and credentials.
- Open your RTK app (e.g., SW Maps or SurvX) on Android.
- Input NTRIP details and connect your GNSS receiver.
- Start receiving corrections — watch for FIX!
✅ Benefits of Free NTRIP Services
- 💰 No subscription fees
- 🛰️ Often supported by national GNSS infrastructure
- 📡 Excellent for learning, testing, and small jobs
⚠️ Limitations of Free Services
- ⛔ Coverage may be limited in remote regions
- 📉 Less uptime and monitoring than paid services
- 🔄 Some delay in updates or maintenance periods
For critical jobs, professional NTRIP services often provide 24/7 uptime, redundancy, and wider mountpoint options.
🔍 Conclusion
Free NTRIP correction services are an amazing resource — especially for new users or low-budget fieldwork. If you’re working in Indonesia, the InaCORS network is a great place to start.
But if you need higher reliability or access to multiple baselines and VRS, consider using a professional NTRIP provider.
💬 Need Help Getting Connected?
We provide technical setup help and sell RTK-ready GNSS kits that work seamlessly with public or paid NTRIP. Let us guide you step-by-step
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Next article: RTK Base vs VRS — What’s the Difference and When to Use Each?