Overview
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning is a technology used on professional drones to dramatically improve positional accuracy. It is most commonly used for surveying, mapping, inspection, and evidence-grade data capture, where standard GPS accuracy is not sufficient.
This article explains RTK in plain English, covers how it works, when it is actually needed, and the differences between D-RTK 2, D-RTK 3, Network RTK (NTRIP), and PPK.
What RTK Actually Does (Plain English)
Without RTK, most drones rely on standard GNSS (GPS, Galileo, etc.), which typically gives positional accuracy of around 1–3 metres.
With RTK enabled and working correctly, accuracy improves to approximately:
1–3 cm horizontally
2–5 cm vertically
RTK achieves this by comparing the drone’s satellite data to a known reference point (base station or correction network) and applying real-time corrections.
When RTK Is Actually Needed (and When It Isn’t)
RTK is most valuable when the user needs:
Accurate mapping and survey outputs
Consistent measurements across multiple flights
Reliable volume calculations (stockpiles, cut/fill)
Infrastructure modelling
Legal, evidential, or engineering-grade data
Repeatable missions where alignment matters
RTK is usually not required for:
General photography or videography
Basic inspections where measurements are not critical
Recreational flying
Situational awareness missions
Many users believe RTK is always required. In reality, it is only essential when positional accuracy matters.
RTK vs Standard GPS Accuracy
Typical comparison:
Standard GNSS (no RTK):
Horizontal accuracy: ~1–3 m
Vertical accuracy: often worse
RTK FIX achieved:
Horizontal accuracy: ~1–3 cm
Vertical accuracy: ~2–5 cm
Important:
If the system does not show RTK FIX, the user is not receiving RTK accuracy, even if RTK is enabled.
Different Ways to Use RTK
1. D-RTK 2 Mobile Station
DJI’s older base station used with platforms such as:
Matrice 300 RTK
Matrice 350 RTK
Mavic 3 Enterprise series
Phantom 4 RTK
How it works:
The base station is placed on the ground
It sends corrections directly to the drone
No internet required once set up
Best for:
Remote sites
Areas with poor mobile data
Teams who want full control over positioning
2. D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station
DJI’s newer RTK base station designed for newer platforms such as:
Matrice 4 Series
Matrice 400
Dock 3 ecosystems
Improvements over D-RTK 2:
Supports more satellite constellations
Faster convergence to RTK FIX
More robust signal stability
Designed for modern enterprise workflows
3. Network RTK (NTRIP)
This uses an internet-based correction service rather than a physical base station.
How it works:
The controller connects to a correction network over mobile data
Corrections are streamed from permanent ground stations
No physical base station required
Pros:
No hardware to carry
Fast setup
Excellent accuracy when coverage is good
Cons:
Requires reliable internet
Not available everywhere
Some services require paid subscriptions
4. PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic)
PPK is different from RTK because corrections are applied after the flight, not during.
How it works:
Drone logs raw satellite data
Base station logs raw satellite data
Data is combined later in processing software
Best for:
Survey professionals
Workflows where absolute accuracy is critical
Situations where live RTK signal is unreliable
Many Wingtra, survey, and specialist mapping workflows rely heavily on PPK.
RTK FIX vs FLOAT vs NONE (Critical Understanding)
Most enterprise controllers show RTK status:
FIX
Full RTK accuracy achieved
This is the target state
FLOAT
Partial correction
Accuracy improved but not survey-grade
NONE
No RTK correction applied
Accuracy is standard GNSS only
A large number of customer complaints about “bad accuracy” come from users who believed RTK was working when the system was actually in FLOAT or NONE.
Common Causes of RTK Not Working Properly
Poor mobile signal (for Network RTK)
Base station placed near buildings or metal objects
Incorrect coordinates entered for base station
Antenna not positioned with clear sky view
Firmware mismatch between aircraft and controller
Incorrect RTK settings in DJI Pilot 2
Assuming RTK is active without checking status
Important Limitations (RTK Is Not Magic)
RTK improves positioning accuracy, but it does not fix:
Poor mission planning
Motion blur
Flying too fast
Low image overlap
Bad lighting conditions
Poor GCP placement (if used)
Incorrect processing settings
RTK improves where the data is positioned, not the quality of the imagery itself.
How RTK Is Commonly Used at Coptrz
Typical examples:
Surveyors using M3E, M350, Wingtra
Police mapping collision scenes
Construction firms generating site models
Utilities mapping infrastructure corridors
Engineering teams needing repeatable measurements
For many other users (basic inspection, photography), RTK adds cost and complexity without real benefit.
Top 10 FAQs
Do I need RTK for my drone?
Only if you need accurate measurements or mapping. For general flying, RTK is usually unnecessary.What accuracy does RTK actually give me?
Typically around 1–3 cm horizontally when RTK FIX is achieved.What does RTK FIX mean?
It means full corrections are being applied and you are receiving RTK-level accuracy.What is the difference between D-RTK 2 and D-RTK 3?
D-RTK 3 is newer, supports more satellites, and is designed for newer platforms like Matrice 4 and Matrice 400.Is Network RTK as good as a base station?
Yes, when signal quality is good. Poor internet will reduce performance.Can I use RTK without internet?
Yes, by using a physical base station such as D-RTK 2 or D-RTK 3.Why does my RTK keep showing FLOAT instead of FIX?
Usually due to poor satellite visibility, weak signal, incorrect setup, or interference.Does RTK make my photos higher quality?
No. RTK improves positional accuracy, not image quality.Is PPK better than RTK?
It can be, but it requires more advanced workflows and post-processing expertise.Does RTK remove the need for GCPs?
Not always. Some high-accuracy projects still require GCPs for validation or compliance.