Looking for a new RTK system in 2025? Productivity and accuracy largely depend on the equipment you choose. Today, the market has shifted. Specs matter as well as value, reliability, and long-term support. It can be difficult to separate truly useful features from those that sound good but offer little in the field. Especially if you’re buying your first RTK system or have been unaware of market changes while using your aging gear.
We have compiled this checklist to help you cut through this clutter. Here is what you, as a professional across Canada, should look for in your next RTK system.
Nothing Less Than Seventh-Gen Tech
Tilt Tech That Speeds Up Your Workflow
Consistent Results in Variable Conditions
Smarter Software, Better Workflow
Consider Productivity Gains and ROI
Select Partners with Proven Support
Your Supplier Should Work Like You Do
Frequently Asked Questions
The latest generation of RTK GPS & GNSS systems is built for the complexity of modern satellite networks. If your RTK system can’t track every major constellation and frequency, it’s already behind. You need gear that locks in fast and holds steady under canopy, near buildings, or in tight corridors.
Look for support for all four constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. It’s better if your system can use modern signals like GPS L5. More signals mean faster fix times and reliability in tough environments.
Tip: Systems like the Hemisphere S631 are optimized for this kind of performance. By the way, it’s our bestselling RTK receiver.
An RTK system without tilt is unnecessarily slow. With an internal IMU (inertial measurement unit), you don’t need to pause to level the pole and can shoot accurate points. Here is how tilt clearly boosts the process:
RTK performance often breaks down in environments with tree canopy, urban obstructions, or signal interference. However, modern seventh-generation systems address these limitations directly:
The result for these features is improved positional stability. Seventh-generation RTK systems enable sustained accuracy where older receivers frequently lose signal or require reinitialization.
Specs are not as important as smart software, which saves time. Field-ready tools and built-in support resources can significantly impact how quickly crews get productive. To avoid errors, look for systems that have:
When time pushes, software stops being just a bonus in RTK systems. It becomes a crucial thing to deliver consistent results.
Inefficiency is what directly affects your bottom line. Look for equipment that can increase field productivity and reduce operational costs. Modern equipment often improves field efficiency by 20% to 50%. This directly results in significant labor cost savings over the course of the year.
Many systems pay for themselves within the first twelve months through increased billing capacity. Therefore, these productivity improvements can accelerate the return on your investment.
Reliable support matters, especially when your work depends on staying operational and in line with plans. Downtime often results from unstable service, slow responses, and multiple vendor contacts. Here is what you should prioritize to avoid costly spare times:
Remember that a strong support model should only reduce disruptions. So your main task is to look for a provider that is technically ready to support your work across projects.
Most survey companies operate in the field, so the supplier of your choice should also match that pace. We’re set up to serve mobile teams, solo operators, and distributed firms across the US and Canada. Switch to a team that can handle the full cycle, including tech support of even trade-in.
The ability to track all major satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) and support newer signals like GPS L5 is essential here.
Yes. Tilt compensation can increase field productivity by up to 50%. It’s especially noticeable in uneven terrain or where precise pole leveling takes lots of time.
Look for centralized and responsive support that includes field-oriented training, remote diagnostics, and service availability that isn’t limited by local dealer hours.
Seventh-generation systems offer faster fixes, better signal tracking under canopy or near structures, and support for newer GNSS signals like BeiDou-III and GPS L5. That means that they are more reliable in challenging field conditions.
Software is critical to how efficiently and accurately an RTK system performs in the field. If the interface is clear, you can expect easier workflows and minimal training for your crews.
