RTK vs Plain GPS: What Farmers Actually Need

If you're looking for an auto-steering system for your farm, you've certainly heard the terms "GPS" and "RTK" used — sometimes as if they were the same thing. They're not. The accuracy difference is huge, and it determines whether the system will save you money or disappoint you.

The key difference: accuracy

A plain GPS receiver has an accuracy of 2-5 meters. That sounds small, but on a 200-meter seeding line, a 3-meter error means the lines aren't parallel — causing overlaps (wasted seed/fertilizer) or gaps (lost yield).

An RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) system achieves ±2.5cm accuracy — about 100 times more precise. This is achieved via a reference station of known position that sends real-time corrections to the receiver on the tractor.

When is plain GPS enough?

For basic machine-location tracking (e.g. where a tractor is) or very small plots with no need for parallel lines, plain GPS may be enough.

When is RTK worth the investment?

• Row crops (corn, cotton, sugar beets) where line accuracy determines yield
• Large areas where small overlaps mean large waste in absolute numbers
• Spraying/fertilizing work where overlap means a double dose of chemicals
• Night work or low visibility, where the driver fully relies on the system

FahrTrack offers eSteer systems with RTK support and PointSky satellite correction — without requiring a private reference station in many cases. See details on the Agriculture page.