What does RTK mean?
RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic.
In simple terms, RTK is a system that makes your drone’s positioning much more accurate.
Standard GPS positioning in most drones is typically accurate to 1–3 metres.
With RTK enabled and configured correctly, this can improve to 1–3 centimetres.
That difference is critical when accuracy matters.
Why normal GPS not always accurate enough
Your drone already uses satellites to work out where it is in the sky. The issue is that satellite positioning can be affected by:
Atmospheric interference
Signal delays
Reflections from buildings and structures
Satellite geometry and availability
The result is small errors in positioning. These might not matter for filming — but they absolutely matter when you are:
Creating maps for clients
Measuring distances, areas, or volumes
Comparing data over time
Providing professional reports
What RTK does (in plain English)
RTK works by giving your drone a second, highly accurate reference point to compare against.
Instead of relying only on satellites, the drone also receives correction data from:
A physical base station (such as DJI D-RTK 2 or D-RTK 3), or
An online RTK network via the internet (NTRIP)
This allows the drone to constantly correct its position in real time and remove most of the error.
A simple way to think about it:
GPS only: “You’re somewhere on this street.”
GPS + RTK: “You’re standing on this exact paving slab.”
What RTK improves in real-world projects
When used correctly, RTK improves:
Mapping accuracy
Measurement confidence
Alignment between multiple missions
Repeatability for monitoring work
Overall reliability of datasets
It also reduces common issues such as:
Warped or distorted models
Misaligned orthomosaics
Inconsistent measurements between flights
Drift when comparing data month to month
Do you need RTK?
This is the most important question, and the honest answer is: not everyone does.
You probably don’t need RTK if you:
Mainly capture photos and videos
Create marketing or social media content
Do basic visual roof inspections
Fly recreationally
Do not deliver measured data to clients
You probably do need RTK if you:
Produce maps for clients
Measure distances, areas, or volumes
Work in surveying, construction, or engineering
Carry out repeat inspections over time
Deliver reports where accuracy must be trusted
Are being paid specifically for data quality
For many professional operators, RTK quickly pays for itself by reducing rework and increasing confidence in deliverables.
Does RTK remove the need for Ground Control Points (GCPs)?
Not always.
RTK significantly improves accuracy, but some projects (especially high-precision or contractual survey work) may still require GCPs depending on:
Client requirements
Project tolerances
QA/QC processes
Industry standards are being followed
RTK improves your baseline accuracy. GCPs can still be used to validate or further refine it.
What do you need to use RTK?
To use RTK properly, you typically need:
A drone that supports RTK (e.g., Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK, Matrice series, WingtraOne, etc.)
A correction source:
A physical base station (D-RTK), or
An internet-based RTK service (NTRIP)
Correct configuration in your flight software (DJI Pilot 2, DJI Terra, FlightHub 2, etc.)
RTK is powerful — but only if it is set up and used correctly.
Common RTK misunderstandings
“My drone supports RTK, so I’m automatically getting RTK accuracy.”
RTK must be actively configured and connected before each mission.
“RTK guarantees perfect data.”
RTK improves positioning, but flight planning, overlap, lighting, surface texture, and workflow still matter.
“RTK means I never need training.”
RTK improves accuracy, but understanding capture workflows is still essential for good results.
Need advice on RTK?
If you are unsure whether RTK is right for your operation, or you’re comparing different drones and workflows, our team can help with:
Understanding whether RTK is worth the investment for your use case
Choosing the right aircraft and configuration
Base station vs network RTK
Training to improve data quality and consistency
Getting this decision right early can save significant time and cost later.