How to Test RTK GNSS Accuracy in the Field (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
So you’ve connected your RTK GNSS receiver, established a base station or NTRIP connection, and everything looks good. But how can you be sure that your GNSS positioning is accurate in the real world?
This guide will show you how to test and verify your RTK setup for reliable centimeter-level accuracy — even if you’re new to surveying.
🎯 What You’re Testing
When testing RTK GNSS accuracy, you want to evaluate:
- Fix status: Are you getting a FIXED solution?
- Precision: Is the reported horizontal/vertical accuracy ≤ 2 cm?
- Repeatability: Can you return to the same point with consistent results?
- Baseline performance: Is your connection stable across distances?
🔧 What You Need
- RTK-capable GNSS receiver (e.g. Leica GS16, South Galaxy G1, Trimble R12)
- Rover pole with bubble level
- RTK connection (NTRIP or base station link)
- Survey or GIS app (SW Maps, Field Genius, Mobile Topographer, etc.)
- Marked test point (optional: known control point)
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Field Accuracy Test
Step 1: Connect and Verify RTK FIX
- Turn on your GNSS receiver and connect it to your Android device
- Start the NTRIP correction stream or connect to your base
- Open your survey app and check the RTK status: Look for FIXED (not Float)
Tip: Wait until at least 15–18 satellites are locked in and DOP (Dilution of Precision) is low.
Step 2: Record Accuracy and Position
- Mark a ground point or use an existing known point
- Level your pole over the point
- Log the coordinates using your survey app
- Record horizontal and vertical accuracy (usually shown as 95% CI)
Step 3: Repeat for Reliability
- Move to another location, then return to the same point later
- Re-measure the coordinates
- Compare the values: if they differ by <2 cm, your system is working correctly
📏 Bonus: Use Known Control Points
If you’re working in an area with known benchmark coordinates (e.g. from local survey authority), compare your measured coordinates to the official ones. This gives you real-world validation of your RTK accuracy.
📊 Sample Accuracy Log Table
| Test Point | Measured E/N/Z | Reported Accuracy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | 612345.22 / 9212345.11 / 100.23 | ±0.008m / ±0.010m / ±0.015m | FIXED |
| P1 (repeat) | 612345.21 / 9212345.09 / 100.21 | ±0.007m / ±0.009m / ±0.013m | FIXED |
⚠️ Troubleshooting Tips
- Stuck in FLOAT mode? Check if the NTRIP mountpoint is correct
- High accuracy numbers? Move to a location with fewer obstructions
- Results vary more than 2–3 cm? Recheck antenna height and leveling
🔍 Need Help Choosing an RTK Receiver?
We offer reliable, pre-owned GNSS receivers tested for RTK performance — including Leica GS16, South Galaxy G1, and Emlid RS2.
📞 Contact us via WhatsApp for advice or a quote
🔗 View our current inventory of RTK-ready receivers
Next article: Understanding GPS Correction Formats – RTCM, CMR+, and More