RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a high-precision satellite navigation system used to guide farm machinery with centimetre-level accuracy.

By receiving correction signals from a base station or over the internet, RTK improves standard GPS accuracy to within 2.5 cm – a major upgrade for precision tasks in the field.

Why RTK Is Essential for Precision Farming

RTK receivers help farmers carry out field operations like seeding, spraying, fertilising and harvesting with exceptional accuracy. By minimising overlaps and gaps, RTK reduces input waste and improves the efficiency of every pass – even on uneven terrain or in poor visibility, where manual guidance isn’t reliable.

RTK is also key to automation. Autopilot and implement control systems rely on it to keep machinery running smoothly without constant input from the operator. This reduces fatigue, improves productivity and supports high-precision work across large areas.

Why RTK Mode Matters for Field Accuracy

The operating mode of your RTK base station plays a key role in how accurate and consistent your navigation will be. Modes like Survey, Fixed or Absolute affect what happens when the system restarts, equipment is moved or the same lines are used across multiple seasons.

For farmers, this directly impacts how reliably machinery can follow planned routes – not just in one session, but over days, months or even years.

Below, we’ll explore why choosing the right RTK mode makes a difference in day-to-day fieldwork.

Advantage

Description

Accuracy of work execution

Different RTK modes offer varying levels of positioning accuracy. In Survey mode, the base station determines its position each time, which may lead to slight shifts in the working lines. This is suitable for initial field settings or one-off tasks. For more precise operations, such as seeding or spraying, Fixed and Absolute modes provide stable, predictable reference points, ensuring minimal error.

Repeatability of operations

To ensure efficient work throughout the season, the equipment must return to the same lines each time. Survey mode may cause shifts in the reference point, while Fixed and Absolute modes guarantee accuracy, making them ideal for repetitive tasks like spraying or harvesting.

Stability during equipment restarts

In the field, base stations may shut down due to power outages, weather conditions, or other issues. Survey mode can cause shifts in equipment positioning after restarts. In contrast, Fixed and Absolute modes save the base coordinates and restore them automatically after restarts, ensuring stable operation and reducing the risk of errors.

Flexibility during work in different areas

Farmers working in remote fields or offering services find Survey mode more convenient, as it doesn’t require manual coordinate adjustments, allowing quick setup for new areas. However, Fixed and Absolute modes are better suited for work on the same field over time or with multiple pieces of equipment, providing a stable reference for all machinery.

Impact on economic efficiency

RTK modes not only improve navigation accuracy but also reduce fuel, seed, and fertilizer consumption. By optimising routes and minimising overlaps, Fixed and Absolute modes lower costs and increase efficiency. Additionally, more precise driving reduces wear on machinery, helping extend the lifespan of the equipment.

RTK mode isn’t just a technical detail – it shapes how your entire precision farming system performs. Understanding the differences between modes helps farmers work with more confidence, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Choosing the right mode ensures stable navigation, consistent accuracy and repeatable results season after season. It’s a key step towards smarter, more sustainable farming.

How to Choose the Right RTK Mode for Your Tasks

The best RTK mode for your farm depends on the type of work you do, the layout of your fields and the equipment setup you use. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the most effective option for your situation:

  • Survey mode. A good choice if you frequently move the base station between fields or offer services on other farms. It’s quick to set up and doesn’t require manual coordinates, making it useful for initial system testing. However, since navigation lines reset after each restart, it’s not suitable for repeat passes on the same plot within one season.

  • Fixed mode. Ideal for farmers working on permanent fields without access to official coordinate data or geodetic networks. This mode uses manually entered coordinates (e.g. from a field survey), keeping navigation lines stable day after day and year after year. It’s perfect for multi-pass operations, seasonal tasks and saving time on equipment reconfiguration.

  • Absolute mode. Best suited for farms using cadastral data or NTRIP correction services. It provides full accuracy and synchronisation with other RTK systems – essential when multiple machines operate in the same field or when matching cadastral boundaries is critical. This mode is ideal for boundary mapping, inter-row cultivation and continuing work after sowing.

Choosing the right RTK mode isn’t just a technical detail – it directly affects how smoothly and accurately your fieldwork runs. Whether you value flexibility, consistency or maximum precision, understanding the strengths of each mode helps you get the most from your system. 

With the right setup, you’ll save time, reduce errors and bring more accuracy to every pass – season after season.