The choice between a dedicated RTK base station and a network RTK subscription has an impact on how your data lines up across days, jobsites, and reporting requirements.
If you’re laying out utilities for a subdivision, doing environmental monitoring, or tracking deformation on a rail corridor, how you deliver centimeter-accurate positions matters. But there’s no universal answer. Your choice depends on:
Each setup, RTK base stations vs RTK network solutions, comes with trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll compare real-world use cases, accuracy differences, cost implications, and deployment limitations so you can choose the solution that fits your workflow.
What Is an RTK Base Station?
What Is Network RTK?
When Should You Use an RTK Base Station?
When Is Network RTK the Better Option?
Real-World Advice from the Field
Hybrid Approach
Which One Is More Accurate?
Choose Based on Workflow
Frequently Asked Questions
An RTK base station is a GNSS receiver placed at a fixed point that calculates real-time errors in satellite signals and broadcasts corrections to your rover in the field. It creates a local correction environment and allows your rover to get centimeter-level accuracy.
This type of setup is common among crews who:
The Hemisphere S631, for example, is our most popular GNSS receiver for these setups. It’s rugged, dependable, and easy to deploy with FieldGenius.
If you’re doing repeat visits to the same site, you can speed things up by using a known point setup in FieldGenius. But if you forget to log that coordinate or average a new point each day, your data may not line up. That is a mistake we see all too often.
A network RTK system works a little differently. Instead of setting up your own base, you connect to a service that delivers correction data from a network of continuously operating reference stations (CORS). These stations are fixed, permanently installed, and maintained by third parties.
You simply turn on your rover, connect to the network, and start.
Network RTK is especially attractive to engineering firms and construction companies working across large geographic areas where managing base stations would be impractical.
RTK base stations shine when:
Surveyors doing cadastral work or setting boundary markers often prefer base setups because the data needs to be legally defensible and tied directly to a known point.
Choose network RTK when:
Contractors, environmental consultants, and utility locators often find this to be a better fit, especially when working near urban centers with solid LTE coverage.
We’ve talked to dozens of customers who have transitioned from traditional setups to networks (or vice versa). Here are a few tips that have come up time and time again:
Even in cities, cell service can drop. Always carry an offline backup like a base station or at least be familiar with how to switch back mid-survey.
If you’re using a traditional base, save your base point with FieldGenius and reuse it on future visits. It’ll save you the pain of misaligned datasets.
Not all rovers work seamlessly with network RTK services. The Hemisphere S631 and GeoMeasure Nano 7 are tested with Canadian networks and deliver reliable fixes across varied terrain.
In some cases, we’ve seen crews get the most value by combining both approaches. Here’s how:
Modern GNSS receivers like the GeoMeasure Nano 7 can handle either workflow. It’s a lightweight, lower-cost receiver we developed specifically to compete with options like Emlid.
Both setups can deliver centimeter-level horizontal accuracy when used correctly. However:
This is why base stations are still preferred in industries like mining, railway work, or anywhere elevation is critical.
We help Canadian professionals build the right system from the ground up. Decide between a full RTK GPS System & GNSS Receiver package or a single rover, and we’ll consult on that. We’ve supported thousands of projects from coast to coast, and we’re here to help.
Both can be accurate. However, a base station generally offers more control and slightly better vertical accuracy, especially if set up correctly.
Yes, with modern receivers like the Hemisphere S631 or GeoMeasure Nano 7, you can switch between modes depending on your environment.
Expect a practical range of 5–10 km in varied terrain, though this depends on signal quality and line of sight.
No. Coverage is strong in urban and southern regions, but patchy in remote or northern areas. Always check with your correction service provider first.
Not reliably. Network RTK depends on a stable internet connection (usually via cellular data) to receive correction data in real time. In areas with poor or intermittent coverage, you may struggle to maintain a fixed RTK solution.
