_{RTK vs. PPK: Finding the Right GNSS Technology for Your Industrial Projects}

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In industries like land surveying, construction, and precision agriculture, accuracy isn’t just a goal – it’s the foundation of every project. Standard GPS may be good enough to get you to the right street, but when you need centimeter-level precision, you enter the world of high-precision GNSS.

Two leading technologies dominate this field: Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK). Understanding their differences is key to choosing the right solution for your mission.

_{RTK vs. PPK – The Core Idea}

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Both RTK and PPK aim to correct errors in satellite signals and deliver survey-grade accuracy. The difference lies in when those corrections are applied:

• RTK applies corrections live in the field.
• PPK applies corrections later, during post-processing.

Think of RTK as a live news broadcast and PPK as a documentary carefully edited after the event.

_{Accuracy: Centimeters Matter}

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Both technologies achieve remarkable results, but their strengths differ:

• PPK often provides the highest accuracy, processing complete datasets after the mission. Interruptions during data collection can be corrected later, resulting in horizontal accuracy of 1–2 cm.
• RTK provides immediate corrections in real time, typically achieving 2–3 cm accuracy under ideal conditions.

Accuracy, however, doesn’t depend solely on the correction method. The antenna is the true foundation of a reliable GNSS system. High-performance antennas ensure clean signals and stable coverage. Companies like Sunnyway Antennas deliver cutting-edge solutions designed to maximize reception in challenging environments – from dense urban sites to remote agricultural fields.

_{Workflow: Instant Results vs.}

_{Calculated Perfection}

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This is where RTK and PPK differ most:

• RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) – Data is corrected on the spot, with the base station transmitting corrections to the rover instantly. Ideal for applications such as construction stakeout, tractor guidance, or drone navigation where real-time feedback is crucial.
• PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) – Data is collected in the field and processed later, combining rover and base station logs. This adds a step but increases reliability, especially in environments with weak or unstable communication links.

_{Reliability: The RTK Challenge}

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RTK’s strength is also its weakness – it depends on a stable communication link. If the radio or cellular signal drops due to obstacles, distance, or interference, accuracy is lost immediately.

PPK avoids this problem by working offline. As long as data is recorded, it can be processed later – making it ideal for long-range drone flights, urban canyons, or forests where maintaining a live signal is unrealistic.

Industrial environments present another challenge: radio interference. This is where advanced hardware becomes essential. Telit Cinterion’s SE868K5-RTK module is engineered for robust immunity, maintaining precise GNSS performance even in noisy RF conditions. Paired with high-performance Sunnyway antennas, it provides a reliable foundation for both RTK and PPK workflows.

_{When to Choose RTK}

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• Construction & Surveying – Real-time verification of site layouts.
• Precision Agriculture – Tractor guidance during planting and spraying.
• Drone Navigation – Following precise flight paths.
• Emergency Response – When immediate, accurate positioning is mission-critical.

_{When to Choose PPK}

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• Large-Scale Drone Mapping – Surveys over vast areas with limited connectivity.
• Challenging Environments – Urban canyons, forests, or remote locations.
• High-Stakes Projects – Legal surveys and projects requiring maximum data integrity.
• BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) – Long missions where live corrections are impractical.

_{The Takeaway}

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Both RTK and PPK unlock centimeter-level accuracy. The best choice depends on your workflow, environment, and mission goals.

• RTK: Immediate results, ideal for fast-paced field operations.
• PPK: Maximum accuracy and reliability, especially in tough conditions.

For optimal performance, the right correction method must be combined with the right hardware. High-quality antennas from Sunnyway and interference-resistant GNSS modules from Telit Cinterion ensure your positioning system delivers reliable results – no matter the industry or environment.

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