Skip to main content
Contact Us
AUTONOMY · POSITIONING

What Is RTK GPS?

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS is a satellite positioning technique that uses correction data from a nearby base station or correction network to improve accuracy from a few metres to around one to two centimetres. It is used to guide autonomous tractors, drones, construction machines and survey equipment.

01

The Short Answer

Standard GNSS receivers are accurate to a few metres because of atmospheric and timing errors. RTK compares satellite signals at the receiver with those at a base station of known position, and uses the difference to correct the receiver’s position in real time.

  • //
    Rover receiver The GNSS receiver on the vehicle or machine.
  • //
    Corrections From a local base station or a network service.
  • //
    Data link Radio, or cellular for network corrections.
  • //
    Computer Uses the precise position for guidance and autonomy.
02

Why It Matters

Centimetre accuracy is what lets an autonomous tractor follow a row precisely. Our autonomous tractor case study shows an edge AI computer taking RTK and LTE through mini PCIe, alongside our rugged Jetson computers for autonomous machines.