RTKd

RTKd, short for RTK daemon, is a term used in GNSS Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning to describe a background software service that manages real-time differential corrections and data routing between GNSS receivers and clients. The exact definition and capabilities of RTKd vary by implementation, but the core purpose is to enable centimeter-level positioning in real time by centralizing correction data and streamlining its dissemination.

Typical functionality includes establishing connections to GNSS receivers via serial, USB, or network interfaces, ingesting raw observations or correction streams, and forwarding or transforming these data into standard formats such as RTCM. RTKd-based systems may broadcast corrections to rovers over networks using protocols like NTRIP or relay streams to downstream clients within a local network. They are commonly deployed as a continuous background service on a server, workstation, or embedded device, with features such as logging, status monitoring, and automatic restarts.

RTKd plays a central role in a range of RTK workflows, including surveying, construction, precision agriculture, and autonomous navigation, where reliable real-time corrections are essential. Performance depends on factors such as network latency, correction source quality, and rover geometry, as well as compatibility with receiver hardware and software stacks.

RTKd implementations are found across various GNSS toolchains, including open-source projects such as RTKLIB, where a daemon-like component can act as a real-time data server or caster. See also RTK, GNSS, RTCM, NTRIP, RTKLIB.