Table of Contents

• Introduction: Benefits of RTK for the Field

• What is RTK? High-precision positioning required on construction sites

• One-week training plan to learn RTK

• Day 1: Learning RTK basics and safety management

• Day 2: Equipment preparation and mastering operation

• Day 3: Setting up base stations and understanding coordinate systems

• Day 4: Field exercises (survey practice)

• Day 5: Checking survey data and how to utilize it

• Day 6: Learning advanced skills and troubleshooting

• Day 7: On-site practical test and final wrap-up

• Conclusion: Recommendation for simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

Introduction: Benefits of RTK for the Field

In recent years, the construction industry has accelerated the adoption of ICT technologies, and the introduction of RTK (Real Time Kinematic) has attracted attention in the surveying field. RTK is a technology that corrects satellite positioning in real time to enable centimeter-level (inch-level) high-precision positioning, and it can be a trump card for streamlining tasks such as staking out and as-built control that have traditionally relied on specialist surveyors. With labor shortages and workstyle reforms requiring responses, having field crews themselves able to perform RTK surveys is a major advantage for improving productivity and reducing manpower on construction sites.

However, inexperienced crews may feel that learning RTK, which is an advanced surveying technique, is a high hurdle. This is because specialized terminology, equipment handling, and surveying-specific knowledge (for example, coordinate systems and control points) are required. Recently, however, easy-to-use RTK devices that leverage smartphones have emerged, and operability has dramatically improved. With proper planning and training, it is entirely feasible for construction workers to acquire the basics of RTK surveying and reach a level where they can use it on real sites in about one week. This article presents a beginner-friendly “one-week training plan to deploy RTK to the field.”

What is RTK? High-precision positioning required on construction sites

RTK (Real Time Kinematic) is a technique that uses observation data from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) and applies real-time error corrections to measure positions with high precision. Ordinary GPS positioning can produce errors of several meters (several ft) due to satellite signal errors, but RTK uses two receivers—one called a base station (reference station) and the other called a rover (mobile station)—and the base station transmits the error information it obtains to the rover to correct it, reducing position errors to a few centimeters or less (a few inches or less). As a result, surveying on site can be carried out with accuracies that previously required surveying specialists.

On construction sites, this centimeter-level (inch-level) positioning accuracy is powerful in various situations. For example: confirming land boundaries, staking out positions for structures, as-built (post-construction shape) inspections, and even machine guidance for automated construction with heavy equipment—high-precision position information from RTK-GNSS is useful. The ability to perform high-precision and rapid surveying can prevent work stoppages due to waiting for surveyors, reduce rework, and ensure quality. Also, if positioning results can be shared in real time with stakeholders, communication between the field and the office becomes smoother and construction management becomes more efficient.

One-week training plan to learn RTK

To efficiently learn RTK surveying in a limited time, a phased training plan is effective. Below is an example learning program assuming one week (7 days), with daily focus areas. The key is a balanced mix of classroom learning and practical exercises so beginners can understand and acquire skills without strain.

• Day 1 (1st day): Classroom training to learn the basic concepts of RTK. Participants will learn how GNSS positioning works, the principles of RTK, and basic safe equipment handling.

• Day 2 (2nd day): Hands-on training for equipment setup and basic operations. Practice preparing receivers and antennas, connecting base and rover, and performing initial settings.

• Day 3 (3rd day): Base station setup, tying to known points, and understanding coordinate system settings. Learn the coordinate systems used as surveying references and how to handle control points on site.

• Day 4 (4th day): Field exercises for surveying practice. Conduct RTK positioning outdoors to experience point measurement and recording procedures.

• Day 5 (5th day): Learn how to check and utilize survey data. Practice checking coordinate accuracy, reflecting results on drawings, and cloud-sharing procedures.

• Day 6 (6th day): Learn applied skills and troubleshooting. Acquire higher-level knowledge such as as-built control applications and how to respond to observation errors.

• Day 7 (7th day): On-site practical test and final wrap-up. Conduct a final exercise simulating an actual site to confirm that participants can perform the full set of operations independently.

By setting a theme for each day, beginners can steadily step up. Now let's look in more detail at the content for each day.

Day 1: Learning RTK basics and safety management

The first day centers on classroom learning. Here participants acquire the basic knowledge necessary for RTK surveying and confirm precautions for safe equipment handling. Specific lecture topics include:

• RTK principles and mechanism: Learn why RTK achieves high-precision positioning, the roles of base and rover, and the concept of error correction via communications.

• Basics of GNSS and positioning errors: Overview of satellite positioning such as GPS and error factors (atmospheric effects, satellite orbit errors, etc.), and how RTK corrects those errors.

• Equipment configuration overview: Introduce the full set of RTK equipment to be used. For conventional dedicated GNSS receivers and antennas, explain the names and functions of each part; for increasingly common smartphone-connected receivers, explain how they integrate with the smartphone.

• Safety management and preparation: Share basic safety rules for handling surveying equipment. Confirm practices such as carrying antennas while being mindful of heavy equipment and other workers, handling batteries and electronic devices carefully, and maintaining a stable measuring posture (e.g., keeping the pole vertical) for reliable measurements.

In the classroom, avoid delving too deeply into difficult formulas or specialized theory; focus on the “minimum points to know” for field practice. If participants can form an image of how RTK works, their understanding during practical operations will be much greater. Establishing safety awareness early also allows subsequent practical sessions to proceed with confidence.

Day 2: Equipment preparation and mastering operation

Day 2 is hands-on with the actual equipment. Building on the knowledge gained in the previous day's classroom session, participants assemble RTK equipment and learn basic operations. It is effective for instructors or experienced personnel to demonstrate while participants follow along.

First, review the composition of RTK surveying equipment. For example, a conventional RTK GNSS system requires “a base station receiver + tripod” and “a rover receiver + pole” and “a controller (data recording terminal).” Smartphone RTK may have a simpler configuration: “smartphone + GNSS receiver device + dedicated app.” Have participants physically handle each piece of equipment and practice the assembly procedures and connection methods.

Specific practice items include:

• Equipment assembly: Mount the base station antenna on the tripod, attach the rover antenna to the pole, or mount an external receiver on a smartphone—perform the physical preparations.

• Power-on and initial settings: Turn on devices and confirm they operate correctly. Check basic initial settings such as date/time, observation mode, and communication channels (for radio devices). For smartphone RTK, verify settings within the app.

• Confirm base-to-rover connection: Establish communications so correction data from the base station reaches the rover. For radio systems, confirm the radio range; for network RTK, ensure the rover (smartphone) has a network connection and can receive base station data. In Japan, it is also necessary, when appropriate, to confirm settings for using Michibiki’s CLAS augmentation signals for environments without network connectivity.

• Start positioning and basic operations: Start RTK positioning on the rover and confirm your current position is displayed on the app or controller screen. Try measuring a simple point to see if coordinates are recorded, and test attaching photos or notes if the device supports it.

The goal of Day 2 is to be able to reproduce the full sequence of steps to get equipment into a usable state by hand. Participants may be confused at first, but hands-on experience reduces resistance to the equipment and makes it easier to progress to the next stage.

Day 3: Setting up base stations and understanding coordinate systems

Day 3 covers the critical topics of tying to control and coordinate systems. In RTK surveying, setting the base station’s accurate position and deriving coordinates for points based on that reference is vital, so understanding control point setup and coordinate handling is very important.

First, practice base station installation. Instructors prepare known points (reference points with known coordinates) in advance and set the base station GNSS antenna over them. Participants, under instructor guidance, learn tripod setup and leveling (keeping the antenna horizontal/vertical), and correctly input known point coordinates into the base station receiver. If no known points are available, discuss creating a temporary control point and later linking it to known points (defining a local coordinate system).

Next, deepen the understanding of coordinate systems (geodetic and projected coordinate systems). Explain the World Geodetic System and Japan’s plane rectangular coordinate system used in public surveying, and review how to set these on receivers or apps. Choosing and applying the correct zone (plane rectangular coordinate system Zone ○) on devices is a common stumbling point for beginners, so in the model course practice on device setting screens to select and apply the correct coordinate system.

Also briefly cover vertical reference (elevation datum). Explain concepts such as using Tokyo Bay mean sea level as the vertical datum or site-specific arbitrary elevation references, and demonstrate methods for vertical control if needed, such as using leveling points or known elevation points.

Day 3’s content is somewhat technical, but mastering it enables the measured coordinates to be aligned with design drawings and other teams. In other words, it prepares data so it can be directly used for construction or inspection. Since this material can be hard to grasp, learning by doing in practical sessions deepens understanding.

Day 4: Field exercises (survey practice)

Day 4 involves going outdoors for practical surveying exercises. This is the stage where participants work with RTK equipment in real measurement situations. Ideally, use a corner of a construction site or a wide open lot to practice in an environment similar to an actual site.

The exercise can be simple: measure several known points or targets. For example, pick a few known building corners or boundary markers and have participants measure them with RTK. Instructors should check that participants hold the pole vertically, obtain a Fix solution (centimeter-level solution), and provide advice as needed.

Also learn basic procedures for site surveying, such as:

• Pre-observation checks: Confirm satellite reception and check for signal blockages caused by tall buildings or trees (choose open-sky areas where possible).

• Per-point procedures: Position the pole tip (prism or antenna reference) precisely over the point, ensure the pole is vertical using a bubble level, then press the observation button. Remain still for several seconds at each point to acquire a stable position.

• Data recording: Assign appropriate names or numbers to measured points and take photos or notes as needed. With smartphone RTK you can tag photos with coordinates and save them on the spot.

• Result verification: After measuring, verify errors by measuring known points or by repeatedly observing the same point to check variability. If errors are large, review satellite conditions and settings and remeasure.

Through outdoor exercises, participants gain a practical feel for RTK surveying. Unexpected issues (unstable positioning, device setting errors, etc.) may occur on first field attempts, but instructor support helps participants learn from mistakes and apply that learning. This day builds confidence and provides a good step toward applied practice.

Day 5: Checking survey data and how to utilize it

Day 5 focuses on data handling. After experiencing surveying, learn how to check and make use of the collected position data. Surveying is not complete when measurement ends; the value lies in using the resulting numbers and coordinates for construction and management.

Begin with accuracy checks of measured data. Compare coordinates from Day 4’s observations with known points and check relative distances and elevation relations. For example, compare the measured distance between two known points with the known distance to verify the error is within acceptable limits. This helps detect gross errors or systematic biases.

Next, organize and save data. With conventional equipment, transfer coordinate lists from receivers or controllers to a PC and save as CSV. Modern smartphone RTK systems may automatically save positioning data to the cloud for download via a web browser. In any case, back up observation data and make it shareable within the team.

Then consider data utilization. Examples include importing measured points into CAD or surveying software to overlay with design drawings, automatic entry into as-built management forms, or plotting on GIS maps. Beginner training won’t go into advanced operations, but understanding the overall data flow is important. If possible, show a simple example: open a CSV of measured point coordinates in a spreadsheet or load it into a free GIS viewer to display points on a map. The goal is for participants to feel how field-collected data becomes drawings and reports.

Finally, cover cloud sharing and photo data handling. With smartphone RTK, photos taken on site are automatically associated with location data and saved, enabling immediate information sharing back at the office. Emphasize how this greatly simplifies tasks that used to rely on field notebooks and later office drawing work. After Day 5, participants should understand the “outputs” of surveying and concretely imagine how their measurements contribute to site operations.

Day 6: Learning advanced skills and troubleshooting

Day 6 is the advanced session. After basic operations and data utilization, introduce applied techniques and troubleshooting to deepen participants’ understanding. Using RTK on site requires not only familiarity with equipment but also the ability to respond to unexpected situations.

First, present some applied surveying methods and, if possible, have participants practice them, for example:

• Application to as-built measurements: Measure embankments or structures after construction with RTK and demonstrate how to check differences from design values. Tasks previously done with levels or total stations can in some cases be replaced by RTK.

• Staking out positions from survey data: Experience staking out or marking coordinates from design drawings. Input target coordinates into the app or controller and use on-site navigation functions to guide workers to those points for efficient staking.

• Solo surveying practice: Practice performing surveying alone, from setup to observation and data recording, while maintaining safety checks, to verify participants can conduct tasks independently.

Next, share troubleshooting knowledge. Knowing common RTK issues and their countermeasures in advance helps prevent panic on real jobs. Typical problems and responses include:

• Insufficient satellite tracking to obtain a Fix: This occurs when few satellites are visible or there are many obstructions. Countermeasures include moving to a more open area or changing the time of observation. Modern receivers support multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Michibiki, etc.), so configure them to receive as many satellites as possible.

• Radio or communication dropouts: If correction data from the base station stops, shorten the distance to the base or use a repeater. For network RTK, check the communication line and switch to Michibiki CLAS mode if in an area with no mobile coverage.

• Apparent large positioning errors: If deviations of tens of centimeters or more occur, first suspect a base station coordinate input error. Recheck the base station’s position input and, if necessary, recalculate and reapply corrections from known points. Also check for coordinate system or vertical datum mismatches in settings.

Through the advanced session, participants can simulate a range of situations that may occur on site. Even without deep specialist knowledge, awareness of common issues and remedies enables calm response and continuation of work. This day can be lecture-based, but allocate ample time for Q&A so participants can resolve specific doubts.

Day 7: On-site practical test and final wrap-up

The final day is the culmination. Use the knowledge and skills gained to undertake a realistic on-site practical test. Instructors prepare a simple surveying task and confirm whether participants can complete RTK surveying almost independently.

An example task is: “Measure five specified points with RTK and submit the resulting coordinates.” Participants plan and execute using the content from Days 1–6. Specifically, set up and configure the base station (Day 3), then measure points with the rover (Day 4). After measuring, check and organize data (Day 5) and present the results. Efficient planning to finish within the allotted time is also important.

Instructors supervise safety but largely refrain from intervening to encourage participant independence. Offer hints only when necessary and let participants solve problems by their own judgment. For example, if a Fix cannot be obtained midway, have them recall troubleshooting methods from Day 6. After participants complete all points, check deliverables and verify results including measurement errors.

After the test, give brief evaluations and a final summary. Have participants reflect on the training—what tasks were difficult, what gave them confidence, and what they want to practice further. Instructors should give advice for continued on-site RTK use (regular calibration, keeping up to date with latest information, etc.). After a one-week intensive course, participants should have mastered the basics of RTK surveying and be prepared to perform surveying on site when needed.

Conclusion: Recommendation for simple surveying with LRTK

Above, we explained points for acquiring RTK surveying skills in a one-week training plan. With proper processes, even novice construction crews can acquire RTK basics in a short period and apply them to site operations. Enabling high-precision surveying across the team not only improves construction efficiency and quality, but also allows site-driven execution of tasks that previously relied entirely on specialists—a major strength.

Moreover, smartphone RTK solutions introduced in recent years have made RTK surveying more accessible than ever. For example, simple surveying with LRTK is a new approach steadily spreading on sites. Aiming for a “one-device-per-person universal surveying tool,” this system, combined with its affordable introduction cost, is quietly becoming popular on many sites. Using LRTK—a smartphone paired with a compact GNSS receiver—centimeter-class (inch-class) positioning can be achieved even by those without specialist surveying skills, enabling immediate practical application after the training described here.

If you have not tried RTK surveying yet, consider testing it on site. Once you experience the efficiency and manpower reductions, you may not want to return to traditional methods. Proactively adopt RTK technologies and next-generation tools to drive productivity improvements and DX (digital transformation) on future construction sites.

FAQ

Q: Can beginners handle RTK surveying? A: Yes, beginners can learn basic operations in a short time. Modern RTK devices and apps are user-friendly, and if you are accustomed to smartphone map apps you can operate them intuitively. Many specialized settings are automated, so the core actions are simple steps like pressing a button to record measurement points. With step-by-step training like the one presented here, even those with little field experience can apply RTK surveying in practice.

Q: How accurate is RTK surveying? A: Under good conditions, RTK surveying can determine positions within almost a few centimeters (a few inches). In practical operation, horizontal positions are confirmed to be around 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) and vertical accuracy is on the order of a few centimeters (a few in). For higher accuracy, observing a single point for a little longer and averaging can achieve sub-1 cm (below 0.4 in) accuracy. However, accuracy depends on satellite reception and radio environment. Using open-sky locations and remaining still during measurement help maintain consistent centimeter-level (inch-level) positioning. Also, it may take several tens of seconds from the start of positioning to obtain a stable Fix solution, but once Fix is achieved, high accuracy is generally maintained.

Q: Are special qualifications or licenses required to introduce RTK? A: Generally, no national qualifications are specifically required to operate RTK equipment on site. Basic operation can be learned by anyone through training. However, if you transmit data from a base station over dedicated radio frequencies, a radio license under telecommunications regulations may be required depending on the frequency band used. Recent smartphone RTK and network RTK systems use the internet or satellite augmentation signals (in Japan, Michibiki’s CLAS), so such licenses are often unnecessary. Note that official public surveying (e.g., cadastral or governmental surveys) requires licensed surveyors, but for on-site as-built checks and civil engineering tasks, RTK can be used without specialist qualifications.

Q: Aren’t RTK devices expensive? I’m worried about introduction costs. A: Conventional RTK-GNSS equipment used to require investments of several million yen, but increasingly affordable products are available. In particular, smartphone-paired RTK receivers can reduce initial costs to a fraction of dedicated equipment. Subscription-based services that avoid up-front purchase are also available. Equipping each crew member with a device is now feasible at much lower cost than before, making it a cost-effective solution in many cases.

Q: What is LRTK? A: LRTK is a new RTK surveying system that leverages smartphones. By combining a compact high-precision GNSS receiver that can be attached to a smartphone with a dedicated app, LRTK realizes centimeter-class (inch-class) positioning with pocket-sized equipment. Compared to large conventional surveying systems, it is much more portable and is operated intuitively via a smartphone screen, making it accessible to non-specialists. LRTK receivers also support correction signals such as Michibiki’s CLAS in Japan, enabling high-precision positioning even in mountainous or out-of-coverage areas. Using LRTK’s ease and performance, teams can start high-accuracy surveying on site immediately after short training like the one introduced here.