RTK

What to check when RTK fixed does not arrive: NTRIP, satellites, antenna and field control

10 min read June 25, 2026

When RTK fixed does not arrive, troubleshoot in order: internet, mount point, corrections, sky view, antenna setup and site conditions.

Field takeaways

Check internet and NTRIP session first.
Satellite count alone is not enough.
Trees, buildings and power lines can make fixed solution difficult.
Antenna height and CRS mistakes can still ruin a fixed observation.
MapLab Survey helps document RTK status and field conditions.

Troubleshooting order

Check whether the phone has a stable internet connection and no VPN or operator issue is blocking correction data.
Confirm the NTRIP username, password, caster and mount point.
Check whether the receiver connection over Bluetooth or cable has dropped.
Move away from trees, walls, buildings or other obstacles if the receiver cannot see enough open sky.
Confirm antenna height and the measurement profile before continuing.

Float risk

A float solution can give an idea for reconnaissance, but it should be treated carefully for stake-out, boundary control, excavation levels or formal delivery. The solution status should be written in the report, and the same point should be checked again in a clearer location or at another time when needed.

Field discipline in MapLab Survey

The surveyor does not only produce coordinates. The surveyor also documents the condition under which those coordinates were produced. Fixed status, notes, photos, layers and reports are valuable because they keep the coordinate tied to the field evidence behind it.

In the field · MapLab Survey

Measure, check and deliver in the right format.

MapLab Survey is a mobile field app for RTK/GNSS points, drawings, area/volume calculations, coordinate conversion and export to DXF, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON and CSV. Capture, calculation and export can work offline; live NTRIP corrections and online basemaps need connectivity.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does RTK fixed fail?

Internet, NTRIP, satellite geometry, multipath or antenna setup can be the cause.

Can float be used?

For reconnaissance only with caution.

What happens when NTRIP drops?

The solution may degrade.

How does MapLab Survey help?

It organizes RTK observations, notes and delivery.

Technical references

The field guidance in this article is aligned with the technical and official references below.