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How Accurate is RTK Survey?
Under ideal conditions, an RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) survey is accurate to 1 to 2 centimeters horizontally and 2 to 3 centimeters vertically at a 95% confidence level. If the base station coordinates are wrong or the wrong geodetic datum is used, RTK will simply precisely measure the wrong location by up to several meters.
Data & Tolerance Table
The following table outlines the exact parameters and tolerances associated with this scenario to help you gauge the severity of the geodetic error.
| RTK Configuration | Horizontal Accuracy | Vertical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| VRS / Network RTK (within 20km) | 1.0 cm + 1 ppm | 2.0 cm + 1 ppm |
| UHF Local Base Station (Optical) | 8 mm + 1 ppm | 15 mm + 1 ppm |
| Float Solution (Lost Fix) | 0.2m - 1.0m | 0.5m - 2.0m |
| Autonomous (No Corrections) | 2.0m - 5.0m | 3.0m - 10.0m |
Geodetic Formula
RTK Accuracy = Base Absolute Accuracy + (Baseline Length ±PPM Error) + Ellipsoid/Geoid Vertical Separation
Official Regulatory Compliance Reference
NGS (National Geodetic Survey) CORS Network Guidelines; RTCM 3.2 correction standards.
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Warning: Verify Your Calculation
Coordinate accuracy varies by device and datum. Do not use these results for legal or construction purposes without checking:
GPS Accuracy Alert
Your phone's GPS can be off by 30 meters. This can cause critical errors in your data.
Check My Accuracy →Datum Shift Risk
Using the wrong coordinate system (e.g. WGS84 vs NAD83) creates a permanent 1-meter offset.
Verify My Datum →