Our top 5 terrestrial RTK survey kits
Choosing the right terrestrial RTK kit for your survey projects can be a confusing and time-consuming task. Depending on your requirements and budget, some kits may be more suitable for you than others.
Making the right choice can save you hours and reduce downtime, helping avoid situations where your GNSS receiver doesn’t provide the data you need.
It’s worth considering these 3 aspects before you compare the kits below.
- Single-band VS Multi-band
In short, the more the better. Multi-band is better for long baselines or areas with obscured sky view. If your projects have short baselines and a clear sky view then single frequency is just as accurate. Time To First Fix (TTFF) with multi-frequency receivers is also much shorter as they are able to use more satellite signals to obtain a fix. - Obtaining Corrections
To reduce the error in location data, GNSS receivers are able to receive correction data from another source. If you are able to use a third party to provide corrections – then a single rover unit may be sufficient. If you require corrections from your own base station, then a second base receiver should be part of your survey solution. - Software interface – simple vs complex data management
This third point is fairly straightforward. If you are working with simple data collection or stake out then the free Reachview3 App running on a tablet or phone will be perfectly adequate. On the other hand, complex survey projects with large data sets will benefit from a device running more advanced survey software.
Here are our top five terrestrial RTK survey kits and key information you need to know.
1. RTK Survey Pro Kit – Measure, calculate and present survey field information
The RTK Survey Pro Kit combines the Emlid Reach RS2 and the Carlson SurvPC Field software, with the RT4 Rugged Tablet. This enables engineers and surveyors to measure, calculate, transfer and present survey field information to colleagues and clients.
The Carlson RT4 is powerful Windows 10 based tablet that can be used in the field or in the office. With 128GM flash storage, there is plenty of memory for your surveying, stakeout, construction layout and GIS mapping projects. The large 7-inch display makes it easy to view collected data, whilst its long-life battery ensures your day is not interrupted by a lack of power.
Pros:
- Well-respected and capable survey tool
- Multi-frequency satellite signal tracking
- Robust rover kit with long battery life
- Built in SIM slot for 3.5G connectivity
- LoRa Radio, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
2. RTK Duo Advanced Kit – A complete multi-frequency RTK mapping setup
The RTK Duo Advanced Kit includes all the components you need to establish a robust, multi-frequency RTK mapping setup. Complete with a local base station and a rover unit, this kit is ideal for those seeking improved mapping results in challenging conditions.
This kit includes two Emlid Reach RS2 multi-band RTK GNSS receivers. This survey kit enables you to collect accurate positions in all weather conditions, for up to 60km in RTK mode. When in base station mode, the Reach RS2 allows you to stream corrections over the network and can send precise coordinates over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your tablet.
The Emlid Reach RS2’s industrial battery works up to 22 hours in static logging and up to 16 hours in RTK mode with cellular data, meaning you don’t need to worry about having to carry spare batteries.
In addition, the RTK Duo Advanced Kit also includes a Triangl Telescopic 2.4m pole, Tribrach, Tribrach adapter and extension pole. To reduce the thermal variation from heat exposure, the kit also includes a heavy-duty wooden tripod.
Pros:
- A complete multi-frequency RTK mapping setup
- Centimetre precision over 60km in RTK
- Robust rover kit with long battery life
- Built in SIM slot for 3.5G connectivity
- LoRa Radio, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
3. RTK Advanced Rover Kit – Affordable GNSS receiver with multi-frequency RTK mapping
The RTK Advanced Rover Kit is an affordable and robust multi-frequency rover that provides improved mapping results, a long-life battery and 3.5G connectivity.
This kit includes the Emlid Reach RS2, a multi-band RTK GNSS receiver, with centimetre precision that can be achieved over 60km in RTK and 100km in PPK mode. The Reach RS2 is robust, maintaining performance in all weather conditions and can handle up to 22 hours of autonomous work on a single charge.
Also included is the Triangl Telescopic 2.4m Pole with centimetre graduation, and the Triangl Thumb Release Type Bipod.
If you are seeking a kit that offers improved mapping results on more complex scenarios, such as tree canopies and tall structures, the RTK Advanced Rover Kit is for you.
Pros:
- Affordable GNSS receiver with multi-frequency satellite signal tracking
- Centimetre precision over 60km in RTK
- Robust rover kit with long battery life
- Built in SIM slot for 3.5G connectivity
- LoRa Radio, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
4. RTK Duo Standard Kit – All you need for
single-frequency RTK mapping
The RTK Duo Standard Kit includes all the survey equipment you need to establish a cost-effective, single-frequency RTK mapping setup.
Included in this kit are two Emlid Reach RS+, one functioning as a base station and the other as a rover unit. This ‘base’ and ‘rover’ configuration takes advantage of the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) technique and improves accuracy on site, due to the ability to manage variations in conditions.
Also included in this kit is a Triangl Aluminium Tripod 1.65m and the Traingl Tribrach with Optimal Plummet which will allow the GNSS receiver to be placed in the same position over a surveying marker point. In addition, the Triangl Rotating Tribrach Adapter is also included, enabling you to manipulate the receiver without disturbing the tripod placement.
Finally, the RTK Duo Standard Kit comes with an extension pole, the 2.4m Triangl Telescopic Pole and the Triangl Thumb Release Type Bipod.
Pros:
- Includes local base station and rover unit
- Most cost-effective single frequency RTK mapping setup
- Works well in clear terrain
- Best for areas with unobstructed view of the sky
- LoRa Radio, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
5. RTK Standard Rover Kit – Our most affordable GNSS receiver
The RTK Standard Rover Kit is a cost-effective, single-frequency RTK mapping solution. This kit contains the powerful RTK GNSS receiver, Emlid Reach RS+, to enable you to complete surveys, mapping, and data collection with centimetre accuracy. Also included is the Triangl Telescopic 2.4m Pole with centimetre graduation, and the Triangl Thumb Release Type Bipod. All for just a little over $2,000.
Use the complimentary ReachView3 app to collect and stake out points, control the Reach receiver, log RINEX data and configure NMEA output.
Pros:
- Most affordable GNSS receiver
- Free ReachView3 App
- Works well in clear terrain
- Best for areas with unobstructed view of the sky
- LoRa Radio, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
