Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (NTRIP) is a cornerstone technology in geolocation and surveying. From precision agriculture to construction, land surveying, and autonomous vehicle navigation, a variety of businesses can use NTRIP to access real-time, high-accuracy location data essential for their operations’ efficiency and accuracy.
But most organizations simply aren’t equipped to set up their own RTK or NTRIP system — and choosing the best NTRIP service provider can be daunting.
This article takes a closer look at some of the top NTRIP and RTK service providers in the advanced positioning systems landscape so you can find the best option for your business needs.
What is NTRIP?
NTRIP, or Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol, symbolizes a significant advancement in geolocation technology. An online protocol for streaming Differential GPS (DGPS) or Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction data, NTRIP is a high precision location-based service, making it an integral part of modern surveying, agriculture, and autonomous navigation systems.
What is an NTRIP Service Provider?
An NTRIP service provider facilitates the transmission of correction data via the Internet to enhance the accuracy of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. These providers maintain a network of base stations across regions like North America, offering operational capabilities and coverage that elevate standard GNSS accuracy.
What is an RTK Service Provider?
RTK, or Real-Time Kinematic, takes accuracy further by providing real-time corrections for centimeter-level precision. RTK service providers use a complex network of base stations to broadcast correction data essential for high-precision tasks in surveying, construction, and automated systems.
These providers offer features that ensure active and reliable positioning and are crucial in industries and communities where precision is non-negotiable.
RTK & NTRIP Service Providers in the US
The United States is home to a diverse array of RTK/NTRIP service providers. This section focuses on these providers, highlighting their services, operational areas, and the features that set them apart in the market.
Point One Navigation
Point One Navigation is a global NTRIP service provider known for precision in absolute and relative navigation. With a location stack that makes it easy to build production-grade products quickly, Point One is built on advanced algorithms and the most modern infrastructure available for centimeter-level location data for the most accuracy.
How it Works: Point One uses signals from the GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou satellite constellations to determine globally consistent position. Its position engine and Polaris correction network increase satellite signal accuracy by over 100x for 5cm or better accuracy.
Areas Served: The Point One Polaris network includes over 1,400 stations that cover a significant area, including the United States, Europe, Australia, and more.
Services:
- Centimeter-Accurate Positioning: Advanced sensor fusion algorithms for high accuracy in location data.
- Reliability: Trusted statistical models that provide reliable location data with confidence intervals at 99.99% uptime.
- Ease of Setup & Management: No setup required–Point One manages the network. Just connect to a single mountpoint and you’re good for global RTK–Point One picks the closest for you.
- Quick Integration: Robust APIs, cross-platform developer tools, and open reference designs for easy integration.
- Polaris Network: Measures common GNSS error sources and transmits corrections, enhancing location accuracy.
- Sensor Fusion: Improves location accuracy by combining data from various sources, including IMU and wheel odometry.
- Hardware Compatibility: Options for different hardware preferences, supporting common GNSS providers and NTRIP corrections.
- Developer Tools: Easy access to location data and history through an API and a Desktop App.
- Density of Base Stations: Point One has incredible density, with most urban areas having 2+ stations, vastly increasing accuracy
- Quick Deployment of New Stations: Point One can deploy base stations on request if customers need them in specific areas
Point One offers a range of features suitable for high-accuracy positioning in various industries and locations.
CWU (Central Washington University)
The Pacific Northwest Geodetic Array (PANGA) & CWU Geodesy Laboratory offers GPS/GNSS-related research and services, focusing on academic and scientific applications in geospatial technologies.
Areas Served: Services primarily for academic and research purposes, with regional and global collaborations.
Services:
- GPS data collection and analysis.
- Geospatial research and educational programs.
- Collaboration in scientific studies and projects.
The GCGC (Gulf Coast Geospatial Center) Real Time Network
GCGC offers a GPS control network, facilitating high-precision positioning for various applications in the Gulf Coast region. It uses the Mississippi Height Modernization program which provides increased accuracy of elevation measurements that comprise the vertical portion of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) by integrating GPS and other new survey technologies.
Areas Served: The Gulf Coast region of the United States
Services:
- Establishes and monitors over 50 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS).
- To aid in designing and constructing roads and buildings.
- Quick establishment of horizontal and vertical measurements in areas where local infrastructure has been destroyed.
- Measurement of subsidence, sea-level rise, and vertical accretion of marshes.
- Precise modeling of storm surge and pollution trajectories during extreme weather and hazardous spill events.
Indiana DoT (Department of Transportation)
INDOT provides geospatial data and RTK correction services to support transportation and infrastructure development in Indiana. If your GPS or GNSS receiver can connect to the internet, INDOT can deliver the data you need. You don’t need to set up a base station first and worry about its safety. Just start your GNSS rover and connect. A few seconds later, you can access the ability to survey with cm-accuracy.
Areas Served: Indiana State
Services:
- Geospatial data for transportation planning.
- RTK corrections for surveying and construction.
- Infrastructure development support services.
KYCORS of KTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
KTC offers KYCORS: Kentucky Real Time Reference Network Application. Its RTK and NTRIP services are primarily used for transportation and infrastructure projects within Kentucky. The Sensor Map provides the real-time status of the KYCORS stations.
Areas Served: Kentucky State
Services:
- RTK and NTRIP services for transportation projects.
- Surveying and mapping support for infrastructure.
- Data services for transportation planning.
- KYCORS sensor map.
MaCORS (Massachusetts Continuously Operating Reference Station)
MaCORS is a system of continuously operating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference stations located throughout Massachusetts. It is designed to assist surveying, engineering, and GIS mapping professionals in a variety of static and real-time differential GNSS positioning applications.
Areas Served: Massachusetts State
Services:
- 22 GNSS base stations approximately 50 km apart.
- Continuous GNSS network data.
- Support for surveying, engineering, and GIS applications.
- Real-time and post-processed GNSS data services.
Mesa County
Mesa County offers a publicly accessible Real Time Virtual Reference Network (RTVRN), primarily serving the needs of local surveying, agriculture, and construction industries within the state of Colorado. It requires registering for an account to use.
Areas Served: Mesa County, Colorado, and surrounding regions
Services:
- Free RTVRN access.
- Support for local surveying and construction projects.
- Agricultural land management and mapping services.
- Mesa County local coordinate systems app.
- RTVRN Real Time Status Map.
MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation)
The MDOT CORS of Michigan provides a variety of free connections and corrections services, including GPS and GLONASS corrections, legacy device connections for older devices, advanced GNSS message types with Doppler shifts, and standard GNSS messages.
Areas Served: Michigan State
Services:
- Corrections for devices capable of GPS or GPS/GLONASS corrections.
- Access to RTK datastreams, RINEX data streams, legacy RINEX2.3 data streams,
- Post-processing data access.
- Real-time mapping.
MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation)
The MoDOT Real Time Network is made up of a series of GNSS receivers that cover the entire state. They’re set up at a maximum distance of 70 km and collect data 24 hours a day. The system works to provide RTK data via the Internet for use in improving GPS data collection accuracy.
Areas Served: Missouri State
Services:
- RTK and NTRIP services for transportation and infrastructure.
- Surveying and geospatial data support.
- Infrastructure planning and development assistance.
National Geodetic Survey
NGS is the United States government agency responsible for defining and managing the national coordinate system. It provides the framework for all positioning activities in the Nation based on the foundational elements of latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline information.
Areas Served: The United States
Services:
- GNSS antenna calibrations for specific antenna types.
- Disaster recovery and environmental monitoring.
- Large-scale conformal map projections to support surveying, engineering, and mapping activities.
- Users can obtain a specific block of GNSS data in RINEX format
NYSNet of NYSDOT
NYSDOT provides advanced geospatial data services, including RTK corrections, to support transportation infrastructure and development projects across New York. NYSNet is a spatial reference network of continuously operating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference stations (CORS) throughout New York State that can be used for differential GPS applications.
Areas Served: New York State
Services:
- RTK correction services for enhanced positioning accuracy in transportation and infrastructure projects.
- Comprehensive geospatial data support for state-wide transportation planning.
- Surveying and mapping services to aid infrastructure development and maintenance.
- Provides users the ability to achieve centimeter positioning for surveying applications or sub-meter positioning for GIS mapping applications.
- Position information from this reference network can be utilized by using static data in post-processing or by using the real-time network (RTN).
ORGN
ORGN, or Oregon Real-Time GNSS Networks, consists of continuously operating GNSS reference stations that provide real-time kinematic correctors to field GNSS users over the internet. GNSS users who are properly equipped can survey the field to the one-centimeter horizontal accuracy level in real time.
Areas Served: Ohio State
Services:
- Enhancing and maintaining the vertical and horizontal geodetic control infrastructure.
- Single frequency “nearest site” RTCM correctors for mapping resource GNSS receivers in the non-proprietary RTCM 2.3 format.
- Network (multi-base) and single reference station survey accuracy (dual-frequency) correctors.
- Network corrector MAX in a non-proprietary RTCM version 3.x format.
SCRTN (South Carolina Real-Time Network)
SCRTN provides a real-time network for enhanced GNSS accuracy, supporting various applications in South Carolina. It ensures accurate, real-time positioning for improved efficiency for engineering, surveying, automated road construction, precision agriculture, mining, and golf course maintenance via 43 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers installed throughout the state as well as two receivers in Georgia and ten receivers in North Carolina.
Areas Served: Statewide coverage in South Carolina.
Services:
- Satellite data from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations are collected and processed every second.
- Obtain corrected positions and elevations accurate to approximately 0.02 m (0.06 ft) horizontally and 0.04 m (0.13 ft) vertically in real time.
- Support for surveying, mapping, and construction projects.
SmartNet
SmarNet, or HxGN SmartNet, offers a comprehensive network for precise GNSS positioning down to the cm for accurate surveying work: field studies, stakeouts, and as-built records. It provides data from over 5,300 reference stations worldwide.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Advanced GNSS technology and solutions.
- Real-time corrections on any GNSS device.
- RINEX Data for post-processing.
- Geospatial data services and analysis.
- Network hosting services.
- Infrastructure monitoring.
SOPAC (Scripps Orbit and Permanent Array Center)
California’s RTN (supported by SOPAC) specializes in high-precision GPS/GNSS data processing and analysis, primarily for scientific research and education. The CRTN provides a clearinghouse of real-time GNSS data in California and the borders of neighboring states.
Areas Served: The Pacific region with global data contributions
Services:
- GPS data processing and analysis.
- Four subnetworks according to California Coordinate System (CCS83) zones.
- CRTN base stations broadcast CSRS Epoch 2017.50 (NAD83) positions.
UC Berkeley BARD Network
BARD is a network of 33 continuously operating Global Positioning System receivers in Northern California. The network’s primary goal is to monitor crustal deformation across the Pacific-North America plate boundary and in the San Francisco Bay Area for earthquake hazard reduction studies and rapid earthquake emergency response assessment.
Areas Served: Northern California
Services:
- GPS data collection and analysis.
- Research in geosciences and related fields.
- Educational programs in geospatial technologies.
- Data from the BARD network may also be used for surveying applications
- Receiver data, both raw and RINEX 24-hour files, are archived and available at the NCEDC.
WSRN (Washington State Reference Network)
WSRN offers a network of reference stations providing RTK corrections for improved positioning accuracy in Washington State. It’s operated as a cooperative of 80+ cities, counties, utilities, state agencies, and private entities (infrastructure partners) who maintain, operate, or otherwise contribute to the operation of a statewide array of over 100 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). Their static data is free to the public.
Areas Served: Washington State
Services:
- RTK network services for precise location data.
- Support for surveying, construction, and agricultural applications.
- Real-time and post-processed data services.
- Raw GNSS observation data for both real-time and static high-precision positioning.
WSDOT WISCORS (Wisconsin Department of Transportation CORS Network)
WSDOT WISCORS operates a CORS network to enhance GNSS accuracy for various applications in Wisconsin, called the Wisconsin Continuously Operating Reference Stations (WISCORS) Network. The network consists of over 115 permanent GNSS reference stations that can provide GNSS corrections to mobile users in real-time.
Areas Served: Wisconsin State
Services:
- Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) for improved GNSS data.
- Establish and maintain the horizontal and vertical geodetic control infrastructure across the state of Wisconsin.
- Two-centimeter accuracy level in real-time.
WVDOT WVRTN (West Virginia Department of Transportation Real-Time Network)
WVDOT WVRTN service provides real time kinematic correctors to GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/BEIDOU capable receivers to enhance the precision of position data derived from satellite-based GNSS. This provides observations for post-processing from 32 CORS with 17 of these sites on the National Spatial Reference Frame (NSRS).
Areas Served: West Virginia State
Services:
- A Sensor Map provides the operational and storage status of the individual CORS.
- Reference Data Shop will retrieve up to 30 days of observations from most system CORS
- Virtual RINEX format file from a user-chosen position using the network processor’s results.
VT CORS (Vermont CORS Network)
VT CORS from the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) offers a network of reference stations for RTK corrections, enhancing geospatial accuracy in Vermont. It consists of 18 reference stations across the State. All stations, excluding VJSC and VTWR, are accredited with NOAA CORS Network (NCN) status.
Areas Served: Vermont State
Services:
- Trimble Pivot Platform software to configure and monitor the quality of data from the reference stations.
- Real-Time Network (RTN/VRS) solutions.
- RTK correction services for enhanced positioning.
- Users can access the raw GNSS data in multiple formats and epoch intervals.
- Data spans on the Vermont Enhanced CORS and Transmission of Real-time (VECTOR) corrections website.
RTK & NTRIP Service Providers Outside the US
Beyond the borders of the United States, a diverse landscape of RTK and NTRIP service providers catering to global positioning needs exists. This section highlights key players in the international market, offering insights into their services, areas of operation, and unique offerings.
These providers are crucial in meeting the high-precision positioning demands of various industries worldwide.
Point One Navigation
Recognized for its precision and reliability in the US, Point One’s Polaris also extends its services globally. Using advanced algorithms and modern infrastructure, Polaris provides centimeter-level accuracy in location data, catering to a variety of international applications.
Areas Served: Polaris offers services in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with over 1,400 stations for comprehensive coverage and accessibility in different parts of the world.
Services:
- Global Positioning Accuracy: Centimeter-level accuracy in location data globally.
- Reliable Data: Robust statistics for trusted location data.
- Rapid Integration: APIs and tools for quick integration into various systems.
- Wide Network Coverage: Extensive network with many stations for broad coverage.
- Sensor Fusion Technology: Combines data from various sources for improved accuracy.
- Hardware Flexibility: Compatible with a range of GNSS providers and offers hardware options for different needs.
- Developer-Friendly Interface: Accessible location data and history through a comprehensive API and desktop application.
Polaris by Point One Nav is a leading choice for global users seeking high-precision location services. Polaris offers a reliable and efficient solution for surveying, agriculture, or autonomous navigation.
For more information or to integrate Polaris into your global operations, contact Point One today.
International GNSS Service (IGS)
IGS is a global service providing high-quality GNSS data that enables access to the definitive global reference frame for scientific, educational, and commercial applications through their Real-Time Services. The RTS is a GNSS service providing access to real-time precise products such as orbit and clock corrections, code, and phase biases, which can be used as a substitute for ultra-rapid products in real-time applications.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- High-quality GNSS data and products.
- Support for geodetic and geophysical research.
- Enables precise point positioning (PPP) and related applications, such as time synchronization and disaster monitoring, at worldwide scales.
RTK2GO
RTK2GO offers a free, real-time NTRIP caster service for GNSS RTK networks, catering to a global user base. It’s a community NTRIP Caster that was created to allow individuals to publish GNSS correction streams for others to use with their NTRIP Clients.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Free NTRIP caster services for RTK networks.
- Support for a wide range of GNSS applications.
- Accessible platform for real-time positioning.
- 500 free base stations online at any time.
- 5,000 registered base stations.
Rx Networks
Rx Networks offers location-based services and solutions, focusing on enhancing GNSS positioning accuracy and reliability. It provides relevant location assistance information that improves the GNSS experience and strengthens the connection between people, devices, and businesses.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Single-frequency devices can achieve half-meter or better accuracy
- <20 cm accuracy for dual-frequency devices.
- Optimal correction configurations
SmartNet
Smartnet offers a comprehensive network for precise GNSS positioning down to the cm for accurate surveying work: field studies, stakeouts, and as-built records. It provides data from over 5,300 reference stations worldwide.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Advanced GNSS technology and solutions.
- Real-time corrections on any GNSS device.
- RINEX Data for post-processing.
- Geospatial data services and analysis.
Topcon
Topcon Positioning Systems specializes in precision measurement and workflow solutions for various sectors, including construction and surveying through TopNET+. TopNET+ provides users with the accuracy and performance advantages of joint GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/GALILEO satellite tracking, no matter whether your network requires a CORS approach or a full-constellation network RTK.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Scalability in functionality and geographic coverage area.
- Easily upgradable from CORS functionality to modeled network RTK data correction.
- Remote interaction with CORS via the internet, modem, USB, or serial for configuration, uploads, and data logging.
- Automatic raw and RINEX data push to FTP.
- Monitoring of satellite and site parameters.
Trimble
Trimble Positioning Services is available in areas of North America, Europe, and Australia with comprehensive cellular coverage. It was designed by surveyors and offers innovative GNSS solutions for agriculture, construction, and surveying industries, enhancing global positioning accuracy.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Instant access to real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections using a CORS network and proprietary PIVOT software.
- Corrections with sub-centimeter accuracies.
- Immediate initialization times.
- Precision agriculture technology and services.
Ublox
Ublox is a global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies for the automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. It delivers pre-certified ISO-26262 ASIL-B end-to-end safe positioning solutions for automotives.
Areas Served: 33+ locations worldwide
Services:
- GNSS modules and chips.
- Short-range radio and cellular communication solutions.
- Services for IoT and automotive applications.
UNAVCO
The UNAVCO NTRIP services are part of the GAGE facility, an organization operated by the EarthScope Consortium on behalf of the National Science Foundation with support from NASA and the USGS. GAGE streams real-time GNSS/GPS data from a subset of Network of the Americas (NOTA) GNSS stations as part of regular data operations.
Areas Served: Worldwide
Services:
- Real-time 1Hz streams.
- Streams are openly available in BINEX, RTCM 3.1 formats, and 1-hz point process position in NMEA format.
- Nominal data latencies range from 0.2~2.0 sec, depending on station telemetry.
Work With the Best NTRIP Service Provider
For businesses and developers looking to integrate the highest level of precision in their location-based services, selecting the best NTRIP service provider is crucial. Factors such as coverage area, data accuracy, ease of integration, hardware compatibility, and customer support are essential considerations.
For more information on specific providers or assistance in making an informed choice, don’t hesitate to contact the companies directly. Their teams are typically more than willing to help you understand their services and how they can benefit your specific use case.
With its Polaris service, Point One stands out for its comprehensive coverage, centimeter-level accuracy, and user-friendly tools. Polaris provides RTK corrections anywhere in the world–no base station required. It observes the components of error present in existing satellite signals and then precisely calculates corrections data for your application.
By partnering with an NTRIP service provider like Point One, you’re not just acquiring data; you’re enabling precision, efficiency, and innovation in your operations.
