Real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS systems have revolutionized land surveying, offering unmatched precision in positioning and data collection. But despite their growing ubiquity on the work site, purchasing the right RTK system for your needs can still be really challenging. It is easy to get focused on the final sale price, but that can lead you into making several mistakes that can hold you back in the field. Surveyors can run into a lot of unforeseen issues down the line, from unexpected costs to lack of future compatibility, which can make or break their equipment investment. This article will cover five critical mistakes to avoid when purchasing an RTK GPS system, helping you make an informed decision.
Mistake #2: Overlooking the Total Cost of Ownership
Mistake #3: Failing to Ensure Vendor Independence of Data Collection Software
Mistake #4: Ignoring Usability and Training Requirements
Mistake #5: Neglecting to Check the Vendor’s Post-Sale Support and Reputation
Future-proofing is an essential aspect of buying high-tech equipment like RTK GPS systems. With technology evolving rapidly, what works well today might become obsolete within a few years. Failing to account for this can lead to limited functionality, costly upgrades, or even needing a completely new device in a short period. Here’s why future-proofing should be a priority:
As GPS satellite systems continue to advance, new generations of GNSS satellites, such as the Block III satellites, are becoming the standard. Older RTK systems that only track earlier-generation satellites (Blocks I and II) will eventually lose access to signals as those satellites are decommissioned. A system capable of tracking Block III satellites will improve in performance as new satellites are added.
Modern receivers should also support multiple GNSS constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Multi-constellation tracking improves satellite availability, strengthens positioning geometry, and increases reliability in challenging environments such as urban corridors, forests, and construction sites.
Consider the 7th generation Hemisphere S631 and the 6th generation Hemisphere S321. Although only separated by 1 generation, they perform fundamentally different in difficult canopy conditions. This is because the Hemisphere S631 can see the newer Block III GPS and BeiDou satellites. These new signals are specifically designed to perform better under trees and near buildings. In fact, the Hemisphere S321 can no longer use the BeiDou constellation as it cannot see the signals output by the new satellites. Having a receiver that can see the latest signals will allow you to survey better in difficult environments for longer. Check out the video below to get an idea of how different these two receivers perform
Not every receiver works equally well with every correction method. Before purchasing, verify compatibility with RTK networks, NTRIP services, local base stations, and emerging correction technologies. Choosing a receiver with broad correction support protects your investment as correction infrastructure continues to evolve.
Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve satellite tracking, add support for new signals, and enhance receiver performance. A receiver backed by active firmware development is far more likely to remain competitive over its lifespan.
As new GNSS signals become operational, receivers capable of tracking emerging frequencies and satellite services will continue to improve over time. Investing in hardware with long-term signal support can delay replacement cycles and maximize return on investment.
One of the biggest additions to RTK in the past 10 years is the addition of Inertial Motion Units (IMU) to receivers. Tilt technology allows you to survey faster, and with less wear and tear on your body. Modern third-generation tilt technology recalibrates in real time, increasing accuracy and efficiency. By integrating RTK data and motion data, IMU sensors are able to deliver mm level precision even when the pole is tilted. Check out this article on how much faster you can survey with Tilt: The Advantages of Utilizing Tilt in Surveying.
When evaluating RTK systems, choose one that tracks the latest satellite constellations and has cutting-edge tilt technology to ensure the equipment will remain useful and accurate over time.
It is really easy to tunnel vision on the final price of an RTK setup. Many surveyors focus on the initial cost of an RTK system without fully considering the long-term financial impact. Although some options may seem more affordable upfront, to determine the true cost of a system you have to evaluate a couple of different factors.
Network Rover vs. Base and Rover System: Network rovers are appealing due to their lower upfront cost, but they often involve ongoing subscription fees for network access. Over time, these fees can add up and may end up costing significantly more than a base and rover system, which usually has fewer recurring costs after the initial purchase.
Additional Hidden Costs: Besides subscription fees, there may be other expenses, such as software upgrades, calibration services, and accessory purchases (e.g., replacement batteries, cables). For all Hemisphere and MicroSurvey products, your software is perpetual, there are no extra subscription costs. A lot of manufacturers will tack on extra fees to update and maintain your equipment.
Many surveyors overlook recurring expenses such as RTK network subscriptions, correction service fees, software licensing, replacement batteries, controller upgrades, data plans, and firmware maintenance. Depending on the system, these costs can add up significantly over several years.
You should also factor in the cost of field controllers, rugged tablets, tripods, tribrachs, rover poles, bipods, charging systems, and spare accessories. While these items may seem minor individually, they often represent a meaningful portion of the overall equipment investment.
Training expenses should also be considered. Whether through vendor-led onboarding, online courses, or staff training time, learning costs directly affect the total value of the system.
Evaluate both the initial cost and the ongoing expenses of each RTK system. While a network rover may seem cost-effective at first, a base and rover package may offer better value over the equipment’s lifespan.
Not all RTK receivers are designed for the same applications. Before comparing brands or models, focus on the features that directly impact field performance.
Different projects require different levels of accuracy. Construction layout, cadastral surveys, and engineering work often demand centimeter-level precision, while GIS mapping may only require sub-meter performance.
Modern IMU-based tilt compensation allows surveyors to collect points without holding the pole perfectly vertical. This improves productivity around fences, walls, vehicles, and difficult terrain.
Receivers that track GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou generally provide stronger positioning reliability and better satellite availability.
Support for L1, L2, and L5 frequencies improves atmospheric error mitigation, RTK fix reliability, and performance in challenging environments.
Surveying equipment should be built for harsh conditions. Look for strong IP ratings, impact resistance, and weatherproof construction if you regularly work outdoors.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF radio, SIM cards, and NTRIP support all influence how easily the receiver integrates into your workflow.
Receivers should support the correction methods available in your area, whether that means NTRIP, RTK networks, local base stations, or radio-based corrections.
When selecting RTK equipment, it’s vital to consider software compatibility and flexibility. Choosing a system with proprietary, vendor-locked software limits your options in the field, binding you to a single vendor’s ecosystem. Here’s why it’s better to opt for vendor-independent software:
With Other Equipment: Surveyors may use equipment from various manufacturers depending on job requirements. Vendor-independent software allows seamless interoperability with different brands, giving surveyors more flexibility in the field and eliminating the need to purchase specific accessories or upgrade to compatible devices continually. With FieldGenius, you have the ability to use a Leica robot with a Hemisphere S631 RTK system. You can select the equipment that is best for you, rather than being forced into equipment you do not need.
Proprietary software often forces users to stick with the same vendor for future purchases, upgrades, or replacements, which can lead to unnecessary expenses and frustration if the vendor’s ecosystem doesn’t meet your evolving needs. Independent software empowers you to select the most suitable equipment without compatibility constraints.
Beyond hardware compatibility, evaluate support for coordinate systems, geoid models, and localization workflows. A receiver may be highly accurate, but if the software cannot properly support your coordinate system requirements, productivity and accuracy can suffer.
Look for software that supports common export formats, including CAD-compatible outputs, DXF files, GIS formats, and client-specific deliverables. This flexibility can streamline office workflows and reduce time spent converting data.
Workflow flexibility is equally important. Surveyors should be able to switch between GNSS equipment, robotic total stations, and other field technologies without being restricted by software limitations.
The best data collection platforms integrate easily with third-party hardware, field software, CAD systems, GIS platforms, and office processing tools.
RTK equipment can be complex, and not every system is equally user-friendly. Purchasing equipment that requires extensive expertise or lacks comprehensive training options can slow down work and create frustration.
RTK technology has advanced to a point where it should be accessible without requiring an engineering degree. Look for a system with an intuitive user interface and straightforward setup, minimizing the time and effort needed to operate the equipment effectively.
Vendors vary in the support they offer. Some provide robust training programs, including one-on-one Zoom sessions, video tutorials, and cheat sheets. Others may offer little beyond a basic manual, leaving users to figure things out on their own. Access to a training academy, a library of resources, and tips and tricks can be invaluable for both new and experienced surveyors. Here at Bench-Mark we built out Survey-Assistant.comtraining library so that you can learn on your own time.
Assess the usability of the RTK system and inquire about available training resources. A vendor offering extensive support and training can reduce the learning curve and maximize the system’s value.
Post-sale support is critical for any high-tech investment, particularly in a field as specialized as land surveying. Even the most reliable RTK equipment may require troubleshooting, updates, or repairs. A vendor with strong customer support can save you time, money, and stress down the line.
Importance of Reliable Support: High-quality support ensures that any issues that arise can be resolved quickly, minimizing downtime. Evaluate vendors based on their reputation for post-sale support, looking for aspects like response time, staff expertise, and ease of access to assistance.
Ways to Test Vendor Reliability: Before purchasing, you can get a sense of the vendor’s customer service quality by calling the support line with questions about the product. Assess the response time and the expertise of the support team. Another useful approach is checking Google reviews for feedback on the vendor’s support. Look for recurring issues, ratings, and user testimonials to understand common experiences other customers have had.
Money-Back Guarantees and Warranties: A money-back guarantee is an extra layer of assurance that if the equipment doesn’t meet expectations, you can get a refund. This, combined with a robust warranty, is often a sign of a vendor’s confidence in their product and willingness to stand behind it.
Key Takeaway: Evaluate the vendor’s post-sale support and customer satisfaction before making a purchase. A vendor with positive reviews, reliable support, and customer-friendly policies is a valuable partner in ensuring your RTK system continues to meet your needs. Take a look at our Google Reviews, to get an idea of what you could look for: Google Reviews.
Budgeting for RTK GPS equipment involves more than comparing sticker prices. The range of available systems varies considerably, and understanding what drives those differences helps you spend your money where it counts.
At the entry level, basic single-frequency network rovers offer an accessible starting point for surveyors working in areas with reliable NTRIP coverage. These systems carry lower upfront costs but, as covered above, come with ongoing subscription fees that accumulate over time. For surveyors doing occasional work in well-connected urban areas, this trade-off may make sense. For those working regularly in rural or remote environments, it typically does not.
Mid-range and high-end base and rover systems represent a larger initial outlay but deliver significantly more capability and lower long-term cost. With no network subscription required, perpetual software licensing, and the ability to work anywhere regardless of cellular coverage, the total cost of ownership over three to five years often favors the base and rover setup.
Beyond the receiver itself, factor in the full kit when budgeting. A complete working setup includes a data collector or tablet, field software, a quality tripod and tribrach for the base, a rover pole and bipod, and batteries or external power. These accessories are part of what makes the system functional in the field, and their costs should be accounted for upfront.
It is also worth asking vendors about trade-in programs, bundled pricing, and financing options. At Bench-Mark, we work with surveyors to build out packages that fit their workflow and budget, and we are transparent about what is and is not included in the price. Knowing exactly what you are getting (and what you are not) before you sign off on a purchase is the foundation of a sound equipment decision.
The quality of training and learning resources available to you after purchase can have as much impact on your day-to-day productivity as the equipment itself. An RTK system is only as useful as your ability to operate it confidently in the field, and that confidence comes from good training.
When evaluating vendors, look beyond what is offered at the time of sale. A one-time setup call or a printed quick-start guide is not the same as an ongoing, accessible training ecosystem. The best vendors invest in resources that support you throughout the life of your equipment.
At Bench-Mark, we built Survey-Assistant.com specifically to address this need. It is a 24/7 online training library covering everything from initial base setup and localization to advanced workflows in FieldGenius. Whether you are working through a setup issue at 6am on a job site or learning a new feature on a rainy afternoon, the resource is there when you need it.
Live training support is equally important. We offer one-on-one Zoom sessions where you can work through questions in real time with someone who knows the equipment. This is particularly valuable for surveyors transitioning from traditional optical instruments or from a different GPS platform, where the learning curve can feel steep without a knowledgeable guide.
Ask any vendor you are considering the following before you buy: What happens if I get stuck in the field? Is there someone I can call? How quickly will they respond? Do you have video tutorials I can reference? The answers will tell you a great deal about the kind of experience you can expect after the sale.
Before committing to an RTK system, ask the following questions:
These questions can help identify hidden costs, workflow limitations, and future compatibility issues before making a major investment.
Buying an RTK GPS system is a significant investment for any land surveyor, and making the right choice is crucial. Avoiding these common pitfalls—disregarding future-proofing, underestimating the total cost, locking into proprietary software, overlooking usability, and neglecting vendor support—will help ensure your investment remains valuable and functional over time.
By keeping these factors in mind and conducting thorough research, you can select an RTK system that not only meets your immediate needs but also adapts to future advancements and challenges in the field. Remember, an informed purchase decision today will pay dividends in accuracy, efficiency, and overall satisfaction tomorrow.
The best RTK GPS depends on your workflow, accuracy requirements, correction availability, and budget. Professional surveyors typically prioritize multi-constellation support, IMU tilt compensation, strong correction compatibility, and reliable post-sale support when evaluating systems.
Not necessarily. Many surveyors use RTK network corrections delivered through NTRIP services. However, a local base station may be beneficial in remote areas where network coverage is unavailable or unreliable.
Under good conditions, RTK GPS commonly achieves centimeter-level positioning accuracy. Actual results depend on satellite visibility, correction quality, receiver capabilities, and environmental conditions.
Focus on future-proofing, GNSS constellation support, frequency bands, correction compatibility, IMU tilt technology, software flexibility, training resources, environmental durability, and total ownership costs rather than initial purchase price alone.
Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at +1 (888) 286-3204 or email us at [email protected]
