Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an RTK Base Station

To get the most out of your RTK receivers, you are going to need to set up your own RTK base. This will give you the best performance and allow you to get the most out of your equipment. However, getting it wrong can cost you hours of rework, and cause you to make costly mistakes. At Bench-Mark, we’ve supported thousands of surveyors across Canada & the US with RTK GPS & GNSS Systems. That is why we know firsthand how a smooth base setup can impact a working day, and what the common mistakes are.

In this guide, we will tell you the essential tips and steps to get your rtk base station up and running and avoid the common pitfalls we see.

What Is an RTK Base Station?
What You’ll Need
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an RTK Base Station?

An RTK base station is a fixed GNSS receiver placed on a known or unknown point. It used satellite signals to continuously calculate its position. Then it sends real-time correction data to a rover in the field. Thus, your rover can achieve maximum accuracy, up to centimeters. This practice replaces you being off by several metres using GPS alone.

If you want to learn more about RTK base stations, check out our RTK GPS & GNSS Systems page.

What You’ll Need

• A quality GNSS receiver (like the Hemisphere S631)
• A stable tripod or fixed mount
• A power source (battery or external)
• Field software (e.g., FieldGenius)
• Optional: radio or NTRIP setup for corrections

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Place your base in an open area with a clear view of the sky. There should be no trees, buildings, or vehicles nearby. Avoid metal surfaces that can cause multipath errors. Use a solid tripod for stability and mark the point with a nail, spike, or monument for future reference. 

If you’re doing construction layout or working in rugged terrain, a higher elevation location may help extend the rover’s range.

Step 2: Decide on Your Coordinate Method

There are three main ways to set your base position in FieldGenius:

1. Average position. This option is perfect for first-time setups on unknown points. The base takes a series of satellite readings and averages them. Your absolute accuracy will be ~1-2 metres, but relative rover accuracy remains within a few centimetres.
2. Local transformation. Use this if you only have local coordinates (like Northing and Easting) from a site plan and this is your first time on site. It ties the GPS coordinates to your local grid system.
3. Known point. Use this if you’re returning to a previously marked location and have geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height). This way, consistency is guaranteed across even multiple days.

If you have local coordinates, do not use “Known Point” method because FieldGenius expects geodetic values and may give you a “Too far from known point” error. In general, we typically recommend using an average position setup on the first day, and a known point setup anytime you are returning to site. 

Step 3: Configure Your Base

Using FieldGenius or compatible software:

1. Power on your GNSS receiver (e.g., S631).
2. Select your base setup mode (Known / Average / Local Transformation).
3. Set the antenna height (measured from the point to the antenna’s ARP).
4. Confirm the receiver is tracking enough satellites (ideally >10).
5. Hit Start Base and wait for it to initialize.
6. Make sure to save your base configuration, especially if you’ll be returning to this site.

Step 4: Enable Corrections to Your Rover

There are two main ways to broadcast RTK corrections:

UHF Radio

• Great for remote jobs with no internet
• Requires line-of-sight between base and rover
• Range: Up to 10-15 km, but in ideal conditions

NTRIP (Internet-Based Corrections)

• Ideal for urban or long-range jobs
• Connect base to internet (via Ethernet or LTE modem)
• Use a caster like RTK2Go or SNIP to transmit data

Step 5: Test Your Setup

Once the base is active and corrections are broadcasting:

• Connect your rover to the base via radio or NTRIP.
• Confirm it receives a fixed RTK solution.
• Stake out or collect a few known test points.
• Check against local control to verify accuracy.

Step 6: Save & Document Everything

If you record everything, it will save you hours when you return to the site. When you have all the data, it’s easier to deal with inconsistencies. Always record:

• Base coordinates (lat, long, ellipsoid height)
• Antenna height and model
• Setup method used (Known / Average / Local)
• Date and project name
• Any local transformations or files

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Averaging multiple times. Only use “Average” the first day. On return visits, use the stored “Known Point.”
• Multiple Local Transformations. Reusing the same local coordinates with different GPS positions causes data chaos. Reset localizations if needed.
• Wobbly Tripods or Obstructions. Any movement or interference at the base impacts the whole system. Always double-check stability and satellite view.

Try to remember these common mistakes to prevent them and follow the steps above for accurate, consistent data day in and day out. If you still have questions or need help with your Hemisphere S631 or GeoMeasure gear, reach out to us! We are here to support surveyors with the tools and advice they need to get the job done right.

Frequently Asked Questions