Tech Chat | What Affects Your RTK Fix Rate? — and How to Improve It

In RTK surveying, achieving a Fixed solution is always the first priority before conducting any surveying or stakeout task. In addition to correct configuration, sometimes we may still face challenges in obtaining a stable fixed solution under certain conditions.

In this blog, let's explore the main factors that affect RTK fix rate, and more importantly, the strategies you can apply to improve your fix performance in the field.

Main Factors Affecting RTK Fix Rate

After correctly setup the RTK base and rover kits, surveying in areas such as dense trees, near tall structures or some other conditions may still result in reduced fix rates. Here are the four major influencing factors:

1. Signal Blockage

Obstacles like trees, buildings, or terrain can block GNSS signals, reducing satellite visibility and making it harder to obtain a reliable fix.

2. Multipath Effect

When signals reflect off smooth surfaces such as glass, metal, or water, the receiver may receive distorted signals through multiple paths, leading to inaccurate positioning or prolonged float states.

3. Electromagnetic Interference

Power lines, communication towers, and nearby electronics can emit electromagnetic noise that disrupts signal processing and weakens GNSS performance.

4. Differential Data Issues

RTK relies heavily on differential corrections. If the corrections are weak, lost, or poor in quality, fix performance will drop.

• Data loss or weak transmission can result from radio signal attenuation over long distances or blockage by obstacles, or unstable network coverage.

• Low-quality correction data may result from poor base station placement, excessive baseline distance (e.g., >50 km), or significant ionospheric differences between base and rover stations due to differing weather conditions.

Strategies to Improve RTK Fix Rate

Based on these common issues, here are several proven strategies to help you achieve a faster and more stable fix.

1. Use a High-Performance GNSS Receiver

Choose receivers with powerful satellite tracking capability (supported satellite systems, channels) and strong anti-interference capabilities to enhance signal reception in challenging environments.

For example, SingularXYZ GNSS receivers integrated full-constellation tracking and advanced anti-interference algorithms that effectively enhanced tracking satellite number and signal quality, improving fix rates in obstacle environments.

2. Adjust Survey Parameters

• Change radio frequency if interference is suspected on the current channel.

• Increase observation time (e.g., average point time from 5 to 10 seconds) for better reliability.

• Raise antenna height to improve signal visibility over obstacles.

• Lowering the elevation mask angle or DOP limits if signal availability is limited, allowing the receiver to use more satellites for a solution. 

3. Use Auxiliary Measurement Technologies

In high-obstruction areas, tilt measurement function can help point the receiver antenna toward clearer sky directions without manually leveling the pole. Or leverage non-contact laser measurement, such as in the Orion ONE receiver, to measure targets several meters away, avoiding obstructions entirely.

4. Optimize Base Station Setup

Your RTK fix performance is closely tied to the quality of correction data from your base station.

• Choose a base station site with good sky visibility and low interference. For detailed setup tips, check our previous blog: Tech Chat | Tips for Setting Up a Reliable Base Station.

• Keep the baseline distance within 50 km if possible. Longer baselines increase atmospheric discrepancies, reducing fix reliability—unless using advanced methods like VRS.

RTK fix performance can vary depending on environmental conditions and it used to be a headache for surveyors. But with the development of GNSS technology, they can be effectively mitigated through good using method and advanced surveying equipment.

Learn more about SingularXYZ GNSS RTK receiver,

https://www.singularxyz.com/X1.html
https://www.singularxyz.com/Orion_ONE.html