What Canadian Surveyors Should Look for in Their First RTK System

If you are a surveyor that steps into RTK workflows for the first time, the instrument you choose will primarily define your capabilities. Your deliverables and margins largely depend on the initial system. Today, not all systems are created equal. For Canadian firms that survey in canopy, prairies, or urban corridors, it’s best to understand the difference between entry-level and professional tools. It can make a big difference in the results you obtain in the field. 

Let us shed light on what matters when evaluating your first RTK system. We are not going to reference the specs written on paper, just Canadian field conditions and real performance.

Signal Performance Comes First
Tilt Compensation as a Core Feature
Evaluate Systems, Not Brands
Don’t Underestimate Lifecycle Support
Built-In Radios and Network Support – Not Optional Anymore
Support That Covers All of Canada
Frequently Asked Questions

Signal Performance Comes First

Surveyors who are just getting started with RTK often think that lower cost receivers are appealing. However, those low cost receivers often end up costing more in the long run, with their limitations in real field conditions leading to poor performance, the inability to get a fix and costly site revisits.

RTK equipment has come a long way since early GPS + GLONASS receivers. Although useful in open sky and near perfect conditions, they are severely limited near buildings and trees. Without access to the full suite of GNSS constellations now available; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, older receivers will not be able to obtain a fixed solution. Choose equipment that can track signals from Galileo, BeiDou, and newer signals like L5 and E5a. The new signals on Galileo, BeiDou and GPS are designed to perform in environments with multi-path like those you find under tree canopy and near buildings.

By choosing a more limited RTK system, that cannot see the latest signals and constellations, you are not going to be able to use it in all of the environments you want. In short, expect to be back breaking out the total station often.

Tilt Compensation as a Core Feature

Tilt compensation is now standard on modern RTK systems. This is a good reason, because built-in IMUs allow accurate point collection. With it, you don’t have to level the pole, which reduces rework and speeds up layout.

In field tests, the Hemisphere S631 captured up to 50% more points per hour with tilt enabled. Here are its key advantages:

• Faster point collection on uneven ground
• Fewer input errors
• Easier stakeout and topo workflows

Tilt is a must nowadays. So if your first RTK system doesn’t support tilt, you’re buying into an outdated workflow.

Evaluate Systems, Not Brands

In every aspect, buyers often default to brand loyalty. Some Canadians may consider Trimble, Leica, and  Topcon as their first choice. However, as these brands have moved more and more towards a “walled garden” approach, where you can only use their equipment on their software, they have begun to raise their prices. Compatibility restrictions, expensive licensing, and mandatory service contracts have become the standard for those manufacturers. 

Instead, focus on systems that offer interoperability and future scalability. Platforms like the S631 run on open protocols and support flexible controller setups. They can pair with software like FieldGenius so you don’t have to deal only with a manufacturer’s proprietary ecosystem.

Surveying is the market where integration and adaptability are decisive. So choose your first system based on performance and not branding. 

Don’t Underestimate Lifecycle Support

It’s easy to compare prices, but more difficult to compare how long a receiver will remain field-serviceable. Some systems ship with technology already nearing EOL, especially in lower-cost imports or rebranded OEMs.

There are also options like our flagship GNSS receiver, the Hemisphere S631. It is part of a long-standing platform supported directly by Hemisphere GNSS. It features firmware and software updates aligned to current satellite advancements, so you can expect a long-term use. That’s a great option for a first-time tool. If you consider other variants, make sure that your RTK system has a clear upgrade path or parts availability horizon.

Built-In Radios and Network Support – Not Optional Anymore

External radios still have their uses, particularly for long-range work in remote areas. But for most surveyors, an RTK system with integrated UHF, network rover support, and cellular connectivity is now the baseline. All these features ease the setup and make the system more reliable. It is noticeable especially well working with a local base or connecting to a CORS/VRS network.

Here are the details that you get with integrated communication:

• Faster deployment with fewer cables and components
• Easy switching between base-rover and network modes
• More compact and efficient field setup

Prioritize Open Compatibility

Some RTK systems appear cost-effective upfront but rely on proprietary software, cloud platforms, or rigid post-processing workflows. This feature significantly limits long-term flexibility. Evaluate your first RTK system well and look for compatibility with open standards and widely used Canadian software tools.

Here are what systems that are adaptable enough may offer:

• Compatibility with common Canadian workflows (e.g. DWG, DXF, XML, TXT, etc.)
• Support for open data formats and standard RTK correction inputs
• Local support and training resources
• Freedom to functionally switch data collectors or software

For example, we recommend pairing the Hemisphere S631 with FieldGenius. It is a field-ready, Canadian-supported solution that can meet real-world surveying demands. You’ll face no unnecessary restrictions with it.

Support That Covers All of Canada

There are RTK dealers in Canada that operate on a territorial or manufacturer-restricted basis. That means you’re often limited to whatever product line they have exclusive rights to, and support can vary depending on region.

We at Bench-Mark take a different approach here. We operate from a single office, but support surveyors across every province and territory. Our tech support and training tools like Survey-Assistant.com are available to every customer. Even if you’re under canopy or running a line – we are always there to help.

Ready to evaluate the options? We’ve put together a full breakdown of modern RTK GPS Systems & GNSS Receivers we recommend for first-time and experienced users. Buy once and buy right!

Frequently Asked Questions