One of the most important aspects of RTK GPS and RTK systems in general is understanding how to setup a survey and how they work. This doesn’t mean understanding the complex mathematical formulas that go on in the software to ensure reliable and consistent communication between base stations and satellites however. It is a much more practical understanding of how to actually begin surveying out in the field.
If you’re wondering how to setup a survey correctly, following these steps can bring you to accurate results and smooth operation.
Select Your Survey Location
The first step in setting up your RTK GPS surveying station is to select your location. You should try and find an established benchmark, but if none are available, a flat area free from obstructions can be used. Ensure there is little to no uneven ground for best results. Good site selection is a critical part of knowing how to setup a survey effectively.
Mount Your Surveying Equipment
Next, set up your tripod and secure it in place. Then, mount your dumpy level, total station or other piece of RTK GPS survey equipment. You will want to use the set screws and bubble level to ensure it is level with the ground and ready for calibration.
Calibrate and Focus Your Viewfinder
Calibrate and focus your viewfinder using the adjustable controls. You want to ensure the picture is clear and the crosshairs are aligned before use. This is also the stage where you should connect the system to power and ensure there are no software issues. Some devices also include digital calibration tools, simplifying the process.
Take Measurements
At this stage, all that is left to do is take measurements. Once your operation is complete, make sure you stow the equipment in its proper travel location to prevent damage.
Survey equipment combines precise optical or electronic measurements with satellite or base-station corrections. RTK GPS units calculate position by receiving signals from multiple satellites and applying real-time corrections from a base station, delivering centimetre-level accuracy in the field.
Total stations measure angles and distances electronically, providing the data needed to produce accurate maps, site layouts, and 3D models. Together, these technologies give surveyors a reliable and efficient way to capture spatial information across a wide range of applications.
Using surveying equipment begins with proper setup, calibration, and understanding of the task at hand. Follow these key steps for reaching the best results:
Regularly confirm that the equipment remains correctly calibrated throughout the survey.
Set up your tripod securely and make sure the equipment is perfectly leveled using built-in bubble levels or digital tools.
Power on and verify software systems. The device has to be fully operational, all corrections or GNSS connections active, and the firmware up to date.
Orient the instrument using known benchmarks or control points to establish a reliable starting location.
Capture measurements systematically following your survey plan, and document or log data accurately.
Watch for obstructions, reflective surfaces, and other conditions that may impact precision. Adjust position or technique as needed.
Running through a consistent checklist before each survey reduces the risk of avoidable errors and keeps fieldwork moving efficiently.
RTK GPS systems work by receiving signals from multiple GNSS satellites simultaneously. The rover calculates a raw position from those signals, then receives correction data from a base station, either one you’ve set up locally or a network-based station accessed via cellular connection. The system resolves the integer number of carrier wave cycles between the satellite and the receiver, a process called ambiguity resolution, which is what enables centimetre-level accuracy.
Once the system achieves a fixed solution, coordinates are reliable. A float solution means ambiguity hasn’t fully resolved and accuracy is reduced, something to watch for on your controller display.
Total stations measure horizontal and vertical angles using a precision telescope and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) module that sends an infrared or laser signal to a prism or reflective surface. The instrument calculates the distance based on the time it takes the signal to return, then combines that with the angle readings to produce a precise 3D coordinate. The accuracy of each measurement depends on a clean line of sight, a stable instrument setup, and a correctly oriented backsight.
Most field surveys involve both technologies working together: RTK GPS for open-area control and rapid data collection, and total stations for areas with obstructions, tight tolerances, or where a physical line of sight to the target is required.
Even experienced crews make setup errors that quietly compromise data quality. These are the most frequent ones, and how to avoid them.
A tripod that settles slightly between setups or on soft ground can throw off your readings without any visible indication. Always re-check the bubble level after repositioning, not just on the first setup of the day.
If your base is on an assumed or poorly documented position, every measurement your rover collects inherits that error. Always set up over a known benchmark or a point you’ve verified against a reliable control network.
Reflective surfaces, buildings, vehicles, water, can bounce satellite signals and degrade RTK accuracy. Setting up too close to these surfaces is a common error on urban or construction sites. Move the base or rover away from major reflectors where possible.
A float solution looks like it’s working but carries significantly more error than a fixed solution. Collecting data before the system achieves a fixed status is one of the most common sources of inaccurate shots.
A simple transcription error when recording the height of instrument (HI) or target height can offset an entire dataset. Double-check this measurement and have a second person verify it on critical setups.
For total station work, instrument orientation can drift if the backsight wasn’t set precisely or if the instrument is bumped. Periodically re-observing a known point confirms your setup is still valid and catches errors before they propagate.
When it comes to sourcing reliable survey equipment, working with a knowledgeable supplier makes all the difference. At Bench Mark, we carry a comprehensive range of RTK GPS systems, total stations, and accessories suited to professionals across every industry. Whether you are equipping a new team or upgrading your current setup, our experts are here to help you find the right tools for the job.
If you need troubleshooting support, product information or friendly advice on how to setup a survey, contact the team at Bench Mark. We know the ins-and-outs of RTK GPS, surveying equipment and much more!
Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at 403-286-0333 or email us at [email protected]
