Frequently Asked Questions
GNSS RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a high-precision satellite positioning technology that enhances the accuracy of standard GNSS systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. It uses a network of fixed base stations that calculate errors in satellite data and send real-time corrections to mobile receivers (rovers), enabling centimeter-level accuracy. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high precision, such as surveying, construction, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles.
- Network protocol: NTRIP or NTRIPV2
- Caster address: Enter rtk.geodnet.com. This may also be labeled as Server Address, Host or IP.
- If only numeric entries are allowed, use IP 13.56.117.10.
- Caster port: Use 2101 (may also be listed as Server Port, Port Number, or Host Port)
- Username and Password: As shown in your account
- Data stream: Select your data stream based on your application’s needs. This setting may appear as Mount Point, Stream, or Source Table in your menu.
- Choose “AUTO” for automatic adjustment by region. Note that when set to AUTO:
- In the US, it defaults to NAD83(2011)(2010.00).
- In Europe, it defaults to ETRS89(ETRF2000)(2010.00).
- For specific streams: Use AUTO_WGS84 or AUTO_ITRF2020 based on your application requirements.
- Choose “AUTO” for automatic adjustment by region. Note that when set to AUTO:
- Vertical Reference: The system uses ellipsoidal heights based on the selected datum. For orthometric height conversions, consider applying a local geoid model or other vertical adjustment in your processing software to enhance precision.
GNSS RTK achieves 1-2 cm horizontal and 2-3 cm vertical accuracy by using:
- Real-Time Corrections: Base stations provide continuous real-time corrections to rovers, compensating for errors like atmospheric interference and satellite drift.
- Differential Positioning: Base stations calculate the difference between their known position and satellite data, which is then used by rovers for precise positioning.
- Carrier Phase Tracking: RTK uses the shorter wavelength of the satellite signal’s carrier phase, allowing for much higher precision than standard GNSS code phase measurements.
Overall, GNSS RTK is a leading choice for applications that require immediate and highly accurate positioning data, making it indispensable in fields like surveying, precision agriculture, and automated machine control. Other technologies may complement RTK or be chosen based on specific operational needs, such as global coverage (PPP) or use in GNSS-denied environments (INS).
- Standard GNSS (GPS): Provides 3-10 meter accuracy, suitable for general navigation. GNSS RTK is far more precise, making it ideal for tasks requiring high accuracy.
- Precise Point Positioning (PPP): Offers decimeter-level accuracy (around 10 cm) globally without needing a local base station, but it’s slower to converge compared to RTK.
- Differential GNSS (DGNSS): Delivers sub-meter accuracy (0.5-1 meter), easier to implement, useful in maritime and agricultural applications where extreme precision isn’t required.
- Inertial Navigation Systems (INS): Provides continuous positioning in GNSS-denied areas, but accuracy degrades over time. RTK is more accurate in open areas, while INS helps during short GNSS outages.
- LiDAR: Offers millimeter to centimeter accuracy for mapping and modeling, often used with RTK for 3D mapping and autonomous navigation to enhance environmental precision.
Our RTK data stands out due to its integration of RTK and PPP technologies, providing centimeter-level accuracy with global coverage. Its decentralized network of base stations ensures reliable access to real-time corrections worldwide. Additionally, Geodnet’s system is easily scalable, making it simple to expand your operations as needed.
GNSS RTK performs best in open environments with a clear line of sight to satellites and minimal obstructions, ensuring the highest accuracy.
GNSS RTK data is ideal for precision applications such as land surveying, agriculture, construction, and autonomous vehicle navigation.
Our RTK data services are compatible with most GNSS receivers and equipment that support RTK correction data, as long as they are RTCM and NTRIP compatible.
While our services provide network-based corrections that eliminate the need for a personal RTK base station, you may still choose to use one for specific applications. We provide our customers, per request and optional, with a local base station free of charge, under terms and conditions.
The number of devices/users that can access the RTK data depends on your subscription plan. For regular plans, one license gives access to one data stream. If you are interested in several data streams or higher scale projects, the custom plan is highly recommended, as this can be adjusted to meet your specific needs in a more cost-effective way.
Our RTK data services have global reach, with major density regions including North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Asia.