Introduction

If you have shopped for an ag sprayer drone in the last year, you've heard about RTK, Real-Time Kinematics, and how it gives drones centimeter-level accuracy. It's a real, useful technology. It's also oversold for a lot of the people buying it.

At Talos Drones, one of our core values is transparency, so here is the straight answer: most row crop spray operations don't actually need RTK. The standard GPS in modern ag drones is accurate enough for the job. Where RTK earns its place is in orchards, mapping, and surveying, and we will explain exactly why below.

What Is RTK in Drone Technology?

Real-Time Kinematics is a satellite positioning method that corrects standard GNSS signals in real time, delivering positional accuracy down to roughly 1–2 centimeters horizontally. By comparison, the standard GPS in your phone or a consumer drone is typically accurate to 1–3 meters, fine for navigation and most spray work, not fine enough for precision mapping or tight tree-by-tree spraying.

How RTK Positioning Works

RTK uses two GNSS receivers working together:

• A base station sits on a known, surveyed point on the ground.

• The rover, your drone, flies and receives the same satellite signals.

Because the base station knows exactly where it is, it can measure the small errors in incoming satellite signals (atmospheric distortion, clock drift, orbital noise) and broadcast a correction to the drone via radio link or cellular network. The drone applies those corrections instantly and locks its position to centimeter accuracy.

You have two practical ways to feed your drone those corrections:

• A physical base station, like the DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station, is set up on the job site.

• An NTRIP subscription, software that streams corrections from a regional reference network over the internet, if there's a station near you.

RTK vs. Standard GPS

RTK vs. PPK: Which Is Right for Your Workflow?

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) corrects positions during the flight. You see accuracy live, and the drone can fly precise, pre-planned missions or return to exact waypoints.

PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) records raw GNSS data during flight and corrects it after landing using base station logs. PPK is more forgiving when the radio link drops or the drone flies far from the base.

A quick rule of thumb:

• Choose RTK when you need real-time precision for autonomous flight, orchard spraying, or stake-out work.

• Choose PPK when you're mapping remote areas with weak connectivity and don't need live accuracy.

Do You Actually Need RTK for Ag Spraying?

This is the question that matters most for our customers, and the honest answer depends on what you're spraying.

Row crops: GPS is usually enough

For broadacre row crops, corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, alfalfa, the built-in GPS on the Talos T60X and DJI Agras T100 delivers more than enough accuracy. Both drones offer RTK as an option, but in real-world operations, the majority of row crop applicators run standard GPS and get excellent results. The flight planning, terrain following, and swath spacing on these aircraft are designed around it.

Orchards: RTK is required

Orchard spraying is a different story. To use the dedicated orchard mode on the T60X or T100, the mode that lets the drone navigate around individual trees and apply precisely under the canopy, you need RTK. There's no way around it. The drone has to know where each tree is to within a few centimeters, and standard GPS just isn't precise enough to keep the aircraft from colliding with trunks or wasting product.

Quick guide: Spraying corn or beans? Standard GPS. Spraying almonds, citrus, or a vineyard with orchard mode? You need RTK.

Mapping and surveying: RTK is standard

If you're producing orthomosaics, DEMs, or 3D models for clients, RTK isn't optional; it's how you deliver survey-grade results without laying ground control points across every job.

Your RTK Hardware Options

For the T60X and T100, there are two practical paths to RTK:

DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station

A portable base station that broadcasts centimeter-level corrections directly to your drone. It also doubles as a relay station to extend transmission range and as a rover station for survey work. Compatible with the T60X, T50/T25, T40/T20P, and DJI FlyCart 30.

NTRIP subscription

If a public or commercial reference station is within range of your operation, a subscription will stream corrections over your phone's cellular connection. No base station hardware required. Coverage varies by region, so check what's available near your fields before going this route.

Limitations to Know

RTK isn't magic. It depends on:

• Clear satellite view. Heavy tree canopy, urban canyons, and large metal structures can degrade the fix.

• A stable correction link. Lose the radio or cellular connection, and you fall back to standard GPS accuracy.

• A correctly placed base station. Garbage in, garbage out. The base must sit on an accurately known point.

• A bit more setup time. Plan an extra 5–15 minutes per mission.

How to Maximize Accuracy and Performance

• Place the base station on high, open ground with a clear sky view.

• Wait for a FIXED solution before starting the mission, not FLOAT.

• Keep the base within radio range, or switch to NTRIP for longer flights.

• Update firmware regularly; GNSS algorithms keep improving.

• For mapping, fly with adequate overlap. RTK boosts accuracy but doesn't replace good photogrammetry practice.

FAQs

Do I need RTK to spray row crops with the T60X or T100?

No. Standard GPS is accurate enough for row crop applications. Most growers and applicators running these drones don't use RTK in day-to-day spray work.

When is RTK actually required?

If you want to use the orchard mode on the T60X or T100, you need RTK. It's also standard for any mapping or surveying work.

Can I use RTK without an internet connection?

Yes, that is exactly what the D-RTK 3 base station is for. Set it up on the job site, and it broadcasts corrections directly to your drone over its own radio link. NTRIP is the option that requires connectivity.

How do I know if there's an NTRIP station near me?

Coverage depends on your state, the surveying networks operating in your area, and any commercial subscriptions available. We're happy to help you check what's accessible at your operation. Just give us a call.

Does RTK work in all weather?

RTK works in rain and overcast skies. Heavy storms, dense canopy, and strong solar activity can disrupt the fix.

Not sure whether RTK belongs in your operation? At Talos Drones, one of our core values is transparency, so we will tell you straight whether you need it or whether the GPS that ships with your drone is enough. Call (800) 953-0923 or email support@talosdrones.com.