Do you need to achieve centimeter-level accuracy in your topographic, agricultural, or environmental surveys? In this article, you’ll discover what a GNSS Base + Rover system is, why it’s essential for professional surveys, and how it works in practice. From the difference between base and rover, to the methods of transmitting RTK corrections, up to the step-by-step setup using simple devices like ProTRACK.
A complete overview for working reliably, even without an internet connection.
Why do you need a GNSS Base + Rover system?
Have you ever tried performing a survey with a basic GPS and realized the results were far from accurate? Maybe you ended up with points off by several meters, making the data unusable for a technical project. In such cases, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a way to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.
The most common answer to this need is called a GNSS Base + Rover system.
A regular GNSS receiver, if used alone and without corrections, typically has an accuracy range of 1 to 3 meters — or worse under poor conditions. If your work requires knowing the position with a maximum error of just a few centimeters, then you need something more advanced: an RTK system using a Base + Rover configuration.
In short, it’s two GNSS devices working together: one (the base) remains fixed at a known point and transmits corrections; the other (the rover) moves around and receives these corrections to improve its real-time position.
What is a GNSS Base and Rover?
In detail:
The GNSS Base is a receiver placed on a fixed point (ideally with known coordinates), transmitting real-time correction data.
The GNSS Rover is the mobile receiver that receives these corrections and calculates its position with a margin of error of just a few centimeters.
The connection between the two can be made via:
- Radio link (e.g., LoRa)
- TCP/IP connection
- Private or public NTRIP networks
When to use a Base + Rover system
This configuration is recommended in any scenario where high precision and independence from mobile networks is needed. Here are some typical applications:
- Topography
For cadastral surveys, elevation plans, subdivisions, contour lines, etc. - Precision agriculture
For geolocating plots, managing sowing, treatments, and harvesting. - Environmental monitoring
For tracking in areas subject to erosion, landslides, or ground movement. - Vehicle or drone-based surveys
For mobile applications: road surveys, rooftop mapping, or infrastructure surveys using car-mounted or RTK drones.
ProTRACK in Base + Rover configuration
If you want a simple, portable, and multi-frequency solution, ProTRACK is an ideal tool.
Thanks to the BaseQui function, you can dynamically reposition the GNSS base in the field to progressively extend the survey area while maintaining a stable and accurate differential correction. This solution is perfect for activities in remote areas, farmland, mountain construction sites, or in any situation where no network connection is available.
The setup is done through the Analist Mobile app, which allows you to:
- 1. Select the operating mode (Base or Rover)
- 2. Start the local network to transmit corrections
- 3. Monitor device and connection status
Watch how it’s done
For a video demonstration, watch the step-by-step tutorial on YouTube:
Conclusion
Now that you understand what a GNSS Base + Rover system is, what it’s for, and how to set it up, you’re ready to put it into practice. Whether you need to perform a topographic survey, trace agricultural boundaries, or monitor an environmentally sensitive area, this technology ensures the accuracy you need.
And if you’re looking for a solution that combines reliability, simplicity, and portability, devices like ProTRACK allow you to work even without an internet connection or complex networks.
You’ll be up and running in minutes, with professional-grade results at your fingertips.
As always, if you have questions or need advice on which configuration is right for you, you can contact an expert or explore other articles available on our blog.
