Before Searching for RTK Receiver Rentals: LRTK — an Option Easy to Adopt with an Annual Contract

Introduction

When high-precision positioning is required for construction sites or surveying work, many people consider using RTK receiver rental. By temporarily renting an RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GNSS receiver, you can obtain centimeter-level positioning without purchasing dedicated equipment. However, there are several hurdles to renting an RTK receiver, such as arranging the equipment and learning how to operate it.

Actually, before looking for RTK receiver rentals, there is a new option called LRTK that can be easily adopted through an annual subscription. LRTK is an integrated solution combining a compact RTK-GNSS receiver that can be attached to a smartphone with cloud services and support. It is gaining attention as a system that is easy to use for everyone from beginners to field professionals, making it simple to incorporate high-precision positioning into daily operations. In this article, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of renting RTK receivers, we introduce the characteristics and benefits of an annual subscription service based on LRTK.

Table of Contents

Reasons and Challenges for Renting RTK Receivers What is LRTK — Easy to Adopt with an Annual Contract Rental vs Annual-Contract LRTK: Which Is Better Suited for the Field? Benefits of Cloud Integration and Support Offered by LRTK LRTK Use Cases Across a Wide Range of Sites Summary FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Reasons and Challenges for Renting an RTK Receiver

For work that requires high-precision positioning, purchasing an RTK receiver requires a significant upfront investment, so when usage is infrequent it is sometimes procured by renting only when needed. Renting an RTK receiver has the advantage of allowing you to borrow equipment for a short period and use it only when necessary. However, there are also several challenges and constraints associated with renting.

• Limited availability period: Rented equipment can only be used within the contract period. Even if an urgent survey is required, the equipment may not be available immediately without reservations and handover procedures. The inability to use it instantly when needed can undermine flexibility on site.

• Time required to learn operation and set up: When handling an RTK receiver for the first time, you need to learn how to configure and operate the equipment. With rentals you must return the gear within a short period, so the rental term may end before you become proficient. Also, conventional RTK surveying requires preparing both a base station and a rover, installing the base at a control point, and configuring radio settings, which can be a high hurdle for beginners.

• Procuring equipment and services: RTK positioning requires not only a high-performance receiver but, in some cases, subscription to a private correction information service (network RTK service). If the rental equipment does not include such service contracts, users must arrange separate Ntrip or similar subscriptions themselves. You must also consider the effort of procuring equipment and services separately and the risk of positioning errors due to configuration mistakes.

• Limited support: With rentals, support from the provider may be limited to device operation guarantees and basic inquiry responses. If significant problems occur during full-scale operations, you may find it difficult to receive comprehensive support when unsure how to handle issues on site. This is especially worrying for users inexperienced in surveying, who cannot readily consult someone when problems arise.

As such, RTK receiver rentals are effective for spot use of high-precision positioning, but it is clear they have constraints on rental periods and challenges regarding user proficiency and support. So, what is LRTK, which is attracting attention as a potential alternative?

LRTK: Easy to Implement with an Annual Contract

LRTK (pronounced "el-are-tee-kay") is a solution developed by Refixia, a startup originating from Tokyo Institute of Technology, that combines a compact, integrated RTK-GNSS receiver device with a cloud service. The palm-sized device is attached as an add-on to commercially available smartphones and tablets (mainly iPhone/iPad), and, through a dedicated app, enables centimeter-level positioning.

The key feature of LRTK is that it makes it easy to introduce a high-precision positioning environment through an "annual contract." Compared with purchasing dedicated equipment, it has a lower initial hurdle and offers a flexible model that lets you use the service only for the period you need. During the contract period, LRTK devices, the app, cloud services, and support are provided as an integrated package, so all of the components required for positioning are in place.

From a technical perspective, LRTK devices are equipped with high-sensitivity antennas and positioning engines that support multi-GNSS and multi-frequency. In addition to accepting correction inputs via network RTK (Ntrip), they can also receive the centimeter-class augmentation service (CLAS) signals provided by Japan’s satellite positioning system "Michibiki." As a result, high-precision positioning can be achieved using augmentation signals from satellites not only when using internet-based correction services but also in mountainous areas or disaster sites where cellular coverage is unavailable. The groundbreaking aspect of LRTK is that it achieves "cm-level accuracy without a base station," eliminating the need to set up a base station at each site as was previously required.

Operation using the dedicated app is simple as well, and it’s designed so that on-site personnel without specialized knowledge can easily handle it. The actual workflow is intuitive: “turn on the network RTK function in the app → enter the provided correction information ID and password → start positioning.” Because a single person can begin positioning work in a short time, it’s reassuring for sites with limited staff and for those using RTK for the first time.

Rental vs Annual-Contract LRTK: Which Is More Suitable for the Field

So, what are the concrete differences between renting RTK receivers as needed and adopting LRTK under an annual contract? We'll compare them from several perspectives.

• Available period: With rentals, you can use the equipment only for the contracted period or number of days. By contrast, with LRTK you can use it whenever needed within the scope of an annual contract. You can respond immediately to sudden surveying needs as if you owned the equipment in-house.

• Equipment preparation and transport: Rental equipment must be arranged, picked up, and returned each time, and the gear brought to site can include various items such as installation tripods and batteries. With LRTK, all you need is a pocket-sized device and a smartphone, so large-scale equipment preparation is unnecessary. Because a base station is also unnecessary, you avoid the effort of transporting and setting up heavy equipment.

• Ease of operation and positioning: Traditional RTK receivers require learning the operation of dedicated controllers and software for each manufacturer, whereas LRTK is completed through a smartphone or tablet app. With an intuitive UI and simple procedures, positioning can be performed easily, making it possible to handle high-precision positioning even without specialized knowledge.

• Handling ongoing usage needs: If high-precision surveys occur frequently or irregularly, adopting LRTK makes planning easier than renting each time. Rentals carry the risk of being unable to secure reservations during busy periods and the burden of arranging equipment every time you use it. In that respect, with an LRTK annual contract the equipment is always at hand, improving field operation efficiency over the long term.

• Support and troubleshooting: As mentioned above, rentals often offer limited advanced technical support. In contrast, LRTK has a system in place that allows inquiries and support at any time during the contract period. Even if troubles or questions arise on site, you can receive appropriate advice from specialized staff, giving you peace of mind.

As the above comparison shows, RTK receiver rentals are also effective for sporadic or one‑off use, but if you plan to utilize high‑precision positioning continuously throughout the year, adopting LRTK can significantly boost on‑site productivity and peace of mind.

Benefits of Cloud Integration and Support Provided by LRTK

LRTK does not simply provide equipment; it offers a total service that includes cloud integration and a comprehensive support system. This creates significant advantages for on-site data utilization and aftercare.

First, LRTK is equipped with a mechanism to upload positioning data and photo records to the cloud in real time and share them with relevant parties. For example, photos with location coordinates obtained at an infrastructure inspection site can be shared on-site with the office or other team members. Because data accumulates on the cloud, creating post-work reports becomes smoother, and as part of DX (digital transformation) the efficiency of managing on-site information is improved. Especially in disaster response and emergency inspection situations, by instantly sharing data measured on-site via the cloud, all relevant parties can grasp the latest situation and make rapid decisions.

Next, regarding support: LRTK provides contracted users with comprehensive support at no additional cost. From initial setup assistance during deployment to daily technical inquiries, specialized staff will follow up, so even surveying beginners can continue to use the service with confidence. In the event of equipment failure, replacement units may be provided and rapid repair service may be available, minimizing the impact on operations even if equipment trouble occurs on site. Because this support system is included in the annual contract, a major benefit is being able to operate without worrying about unexpected additional costs.

LRTK Use Cases Across a Wide Range of Worksites

LRTK, thanks to its ease of use and reliability, is a user-friendly tool for a wide range of on-site personnel, including beginner to intermediate surveyors. It is used in various scenarios, from as-built verification and stakeout/batter-board installation at construction and civil engineering sites, inspection and displacement measurement for infrastructure maintenance, to surveying in agriculture and at disaster sites.

For example, for construction contractors, introducing LRTK enables heavy equipment operators and tradespeople to perform simple surveying themselves, allowing verification of construction accuracy and checks of the as-built condition. By enabling site personnel to handle tasks on the spot that were previously requested from surveying specialists, it shortens work waiting times and reduces communication losses.

In infrastructure inspections and surveys, recorded photos with precise positioning data acquired by LRTK can be shared via the cloud, allowing technicians in remote locations to understand the current situation in real time. This smooths information sharing between the field and the office and speeds up decision-making.

Furthermore, LRTK demonstrates its strength in surveying mountainous areas where GPS and cellular signals are hard to reach, and in environments where communications infrastructure is unstable immediately after a disaster. As mentioned above, LRTK devices can receive Michibiki's CLAS signals, allowing them to achieve centimeter-level positioning independently even outside of communication coverage. This makes it possible to collect accurate location information for recording damage in emergencies and for activities such as forest surveys.

Thus, LRTK is a flexible solution that supports a wide range of applications, from routine construction management to emergency surveying. Its ease of use has led more companies to adopt it as part of new-employee training and in-house implementation, and it is valued for being easy to use even on sites without a dedicated surveying department.

Summary

Renting an RTK receiver only when needed is an effective way to use high-precision positioning on a spot basis without incurring upfront costs. However, if you plan to use precise positioning continuously throughout the year, it is worth considering LRTK — an annual subscription-based option that is easier to adopt — rather than responding each time with RTK receiver rentals. With LRTK, you always have high-precision positioning tools at hand and can gain comprehensive benefits, including cloud services and support.

Introducing LRTK that leverages the latest digital positioning technologies will make surveying tasks that once depended on specialists easy to perform, directly contributing to on-site digital transformation and productivity improvements. Having in-house means of ensuring accuracy without relying on rentals will increase operational flexibility and enhance competitiveness. Why not take this opportunity to positively consider introducing simple surveying using LRTK?

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is RTK? How does it differ from regular GPS? A1: RTK stands for "Real Time Kinematic," a technique that uses GNSS (satellite positioning) to perform high-precision positioning in real time. Standard GPS positioning can have errors of several meters, but RTK uses two receivers—a base station and a rover—and the base station sends error information it has calculated to the rover to correct those errors, reducing them to a few centimeters. By using network RTK, it is also possible to achieve centimeter-level accuracy with just a single rover receiver and a correction-data distribution service delivered over the Internet.

Q2: What exactly does LRTK refer to? A2: LRTK is the name of an integrated solution consisting of a compact, high-precision GNSS receiver device, a dedicated app, and cloud services. It is attached to and used with a smartphone or tablet, enabling centimeter-level positioning. Developed by a startup originating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, it is characterized by making RTK positioning—which previously required specialized equipment—easily achievable.

Q3: Which is better, renting an RTK receiver or contracting for LRTK? A3: It depends on how often you use it. If it’s a short-term, one-off survey, renting an RTK receiver should be sufficient. However, if you expect multiple surveys throughout the year or ongoing use, contracting for LRTK will be more efficient in the long run. With LRTK you can have continuous access to equipment, plus cloud integration and support, which together contribute to improved on-site productivity. In short, rent for occasional use and choose LRTK for continuous use.

Q4: What do you need to use LRTK? A4: To use LRTK, you need a dedicated LRTK receiver device and a compatible smartphone or tablet (usage is primarily on iPhone or iPad). To obtain correction information for high-precision positioning, you can either connect to the internet and access a commercial RTK correction service (Ntrip distribution), or obtain correction information by receiving the "Michibiki (QZSS) CLAS signal" that the LRTK device supports. By using the latter CLAS option, you can receive correction data without an additional contract even in environments without cellular coverage. In any case, the provider will carefully guide you through the necessary settings and service contracts when implementing LRTK, so users themselves do not need to perform complicated procedures.

Q5: How much positioning accuracy and stability can be ensured? A5: LRTK, using the RTK method, can achieve positioning accuracy on the order of a few centimeters when conditions are favorable. If correction information is correctly received in open areas with few obstructions, position measurements can be made with accuracy comparable to that of conventional expensive surveying instruments. However, because satellite signals are used, positioning accuracy may degrade or take longer in environments where the sky is obstructed, such as urban canyons of high-rise buildings or forests. Even in such cases, LRTK devices capable of receiving multiple satellite systems are less likely to lose lock than single-GNSS devices and are designed to maintain high accuracy as stably as possible.

Q6: Can beginners master LRTK? Is support available? A6: Yes. LRTK is designed with simple operation so that beginners without surveying or GPS expertise can use it. The dedicated app features an intuitive interface, and the basic steps to start positioning can be completed in just a few steps. In addition, contracted users have access to a support system, so if you are unsure how to use it or encounter problems in the field, you can easily contact them for advice. Support is provided at no additional cost, allowing you to adopt and use LRTK with confidence.

Q7: In what sites or applications is LRTK useful? A7: LRTK is useful in a wide range of applications, such as surveying and as-built management on construction sites, land surveying, inspection of infrastructure facilities, field measurement in agriculture, and damage recording at disaster sites. Because it is small and easy to carry, it is helpful in any outdoor situation where high-precision positioning information is needed. It proves especially valuable in locations where a base station cannot be installed and in situations that require rapid surveying.