RTK for Utilities:
Achieve 1-2 cm Accuracy

RTK for utilities uses Real-Time Kinematic GNSS positioning to deliver 1-2 cm accuracy for asset mapping, pipeline survey, power line corridors, and as-built documentation. RTKdata streams NTRIP utilities corrections from 20,000+ base stations in 145+ countries, no physical base station needed.

Coverage: select a location…

RTK Precision

2 cm

10 cm

What Is RTK for Utilities?

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning enables utility crews to map assets, survey pipelines, and document power line corridors with 1-2 cm accuracy, replacing standalone GPS (1-3 meters) with real-time centimeter precision. Map valves, hydrants, manholes, and junction boxes. Document buried pipelines during installation, survey fiber optic corridors, and build as-built records that meet GIS compliance standards, all without a base station.

Precise Utility Mapping in 3 Steps

From signup to centimeter-accurate utility mapping. No base station hardware, no complicated configuration.

Choose a Plan

Create a free account at rtkdata.com and select the plan for your crew. No credit card required for the 30-day trial.

Enter NTRIP Credentials

Copy your NTRIP server, port, mountpoint, username, and password from the RTK Credentials tab.

Verify FIX

Power on your receiver and watch RTK status change from SINGLE to FLOAT to FIX, typically under 30 seconds.

Start Your Utility Survey Workflow Today

Connect your GNSS receiver to RTKdata corrections in under 5 minutes. No base station, no long-term contract.

Why Use RTK GPS for Utilities?

Whether you need RTK for utility survey, asset mapping, or corridor documentation, eliminate rework, meet compliance standards, and build accurate GIS records.

RTK Utility Survey & Asset Mapping

Map valves, hydrants, manholes, meters, and junction boxes with 1-2 cm accuracy. RTK replaces handheld GPS. A single operator captures positions that meet ASCE 38 Quality Level B and utility GIS standards.

Pipeline & Water Infrastructure

Document water mains, sewer lines, gas pipelines, and associated fittings during installation or maintenance. RTK pipeline survey captures centimeter-accurate as-builts that feed directly into asset management systems.

Power Line & Fiber Optic Corridors

Survey transmission towers, pole locations, and fiber optic routes with RTK accuracy. RTK power line survey and fiber optic corridor mapping provide the positional data required for vegetation management and right-of-way documentation.

GIS Data Collection & Compliance

Collect field data directly into ArcGIS Field Maps, QField, or SW Maps with real-time RTK accuracy. RTK GIS utilities workflows ensure coordinates meet regulatory and internal data quality standards from the moment of capture.

Compatible Utility Survey Equipment

RTKdata is hardware-agnostic. Any GNSS receiver or field software that supports NTRIP works out of the box.

Survey Receivers

Receiver	Manufacturer	Setup Guide
Emlid Reach RS3	Emlid	Setup Guide →
Trimble R12i	Trimble	Setup Guide →
Bad Elf Flex	Bad Elf	Setup Guide →
EOS Arrow Gold	EOS Positioning	Setup Guide →
ArduSimple RTK Boards	ArduSimple	Setup Guide →

Field Software

Software	Platform	Setup Guide
Emlid Flow	iOS / Android	Setup Guide →
QField / QGIS	Android / Desktop	Setup Guide →
SW Maps	Android	Setup Guide →
ArcGIS Field Maps	iOS / Android	Setup Guide →

Hardware-agnostic: RTKdata works with any GNSS receiver or field application that speaks NTRIP. If your equipment has NTRIP settings (server, port, mountpoint, credentials), it works with RTKdata. Check our coverage map to confirm availability in your service area.

Ready for Centimeter-Accurate Utility Mapping?

Connect your receiver to 20,000+ base stations in 145+ countries. Start your free 30-day trial today.

Trusted by Field Professionals Worldwide

⭐ 5.0 from 26 Google Reviews

“Reliable service within their listed coverage areas, and really appreciate their excellent customer service as well. They offer quick responses and helped us adapt the invoicing process to our company’s needs.”

Laura Silva — Exactus Energy

“RTKdata has become an essential part of our geospatial workflows. The precision and reliability of their correction data allow us to deliver results our clients trust, every time. Setup was straightforward, coverage is excellent.”

Thomas Cargill — Lone Star Geospatial LLC

“Compare to other RTK services I’ve used, this one has an excellent customer service, and it is really easy to use.”

Edgar Andres Ortiz Claros

Frequently Asked Questions

What accuracy does RTK provide for utility asset mapping?

With a stable RTK FIX, GNSS receivers achieve 1-2 cm horizontal and 2-3 cm vertical accuracy. This exceeds ASCE 38 Quality Level B requirements and most utility GIS data standards.

Can I use RTK GPS for underground utility locating?

RTK GPS records the precise surface coordinates of located underground utilities. Pair your electromagnetic or GPR locator with an RTK receiver to capture centimeter-accurate positions of buried pipelines, cables, and conduits.

Do I need a base station for RTK utility survey?

No. RTKdata replaces the physical base station with 20,000+ permanent reference stations. Your receiver connects to the nearest station via NTRIP. No hardware to transport or maintain between job sites.

Which GNSS receivers work with RTKdata for utility mapping?

Any GNSS receiver that accepts NTRIP connections, including Emlid Reach RS3, Trimble R12i, EOS Arrow Gold, Bad Elf Flex, and ArduSimple boards. RTKdata is hardware-agnostic.

Can RTK data integrate with GIS platforms like ArcGIS and QGIS?

Yes. RTK-collected coordinates export directly to ArcGIS, QGIS, and other GIS platforms via standard formats like shapefiles, GeoJSON, and CSV. Field apps like ArcGIS Field Maps and QField support real-time NTRIP connections.

How does RTK help with pipeline and water infrastructure survey?

RTK enables centimeter-accurate as-built documentation of pipelines, valves, hydrants, and manholes. Field crews capture coordinates during installation or maintenance, feeding directly into asset management systems.

What is the difference between RTK and NTRIP for utility work?

RTK is the positioning technique that delivers centimeter accuracy. NTRIP is the internet protocol that streams correction data to your receiver. RTKdata is the NTRIP service you connect to.

Start Mapping Utilities with Centimeter Accuracy