Overview
Network RTK uses multiple continuously operating reference stations (CORS) to model atmospheric and satellite errors in real time. In contrast, single-base RTK relies on corrections from a single physical base station.
As a result, Network RTK provides more stable accuracy, faster ambiguity resolution, wider coverage, and higher reliability, especially over larger areas and changing conditions.
Key Difference: Atmospheric Error Modeling
Single-base RTK
- Assumes ionospheric and tropospheric errors are identical at the base and rover
- This assumption breaks down as baseline length increases or weather varies
- Accuracy degrades beyond ~10–15 km (environment dependent)
Network RTK
- Uses multiple reference stations to observe spatial error gradients
- Errors are modeled and interpolated at the rover’s position
- Reduces distance-dependent errors
Result: More consistent centimeter-level accuracy across the coverage area, not just near a base station.
Correction Geometry & Virtual Reference Station
Network RTK improves correction geometry by generating a Virtual Reference Station near the rover.
- Creates a short “virtual baseline,” even if physical stations are far away
Short baselines improve:
- Integer ambiguity resolution
- RTK fix stability
- Initialization time
PointPerfect Live Implementation
PointPerfect Live supports both Network RTK and Single-base RTK modes. The core differences described above apply directly to how each mode behaves.
Network RTK (Mountpoint: IOTNET_MSM)
What it is:
- Corrections computed using multiple PointPerfect Live reference stations
- Corrections are interpolated to the rover position
Key characteristics:
- Reduced distance-dependent errors
- Strong performance over large areas
- More resilient to localized atmospheric variation
- No dependency on a single physical station
Single-base RTK (Mountpoint: IOTRTK_MSM)
What it is:
- Rover connects to one specific reference station
- Operates like a classic base-rover RTK setup
Key characteristics:
- Very strong local relative precision
- Best performance when close to the selected station
- Performance degrades with distance and atmospheric variation
Switching Modes
PointPerfect Live allows switching between network-based and single-base solutions depending on application requirements.
Recommendation
Network RTK is recommended for most use cases due to its superior consistency and performance. Single-base RTK is typically used in specialized testing scenarios, such as long-term or repeatable workflows where maintaining a connection to the same base station is required.