Published on 9 September 2025

swipos-GIS/GEO for RTK applications and post processing

swipos-GIS/GEO is a positioning service for professional users with accuracy requirements in the cm range. 

swipos-GIS/GEO provides real-time kinematic (RTK) correction data for a virtual reference station (VRS) based on data from the 31 AGNES stations and several stations in neighboring countries.

For applications with increased accuracy requirements or if no internet connection is available, swipos-GIS/GEO provides the required reference data in the form of RINEX files on the swipos shop.

Currently we support all 4 global satellite systems, all four together increase the availability of satellites but not necessarily the accuracy.

As with all satellite-based positioning services, the signal passes through the atmosphere, which is why an exact determination of its parameters increases the quality of the positioning. The ionospheric index I95 provides an indication of ionospheric disturbances, which concerning RTK measurements. The swipos shop shows you the current state of the index.

Coverage

swipos-GIS/GEO is available in Switzerland wherever GNSS and GSM reception is possible.

Equipment

For swipos-GIS/GEO, geodetic GNSS receivers are required which can be combined with a GSM module (at least 3G). The receiver must be able to output the proximity position (in NMEA format) and receive correction data in the RTCM 3.1 or RTCM 3.2 MSM Multi Signal Message. In addition, the GNSS receivers must support the NTRIP protocol.

With the introduction of a new secure correction stream using the MSM4 format, it is now recommended that the receiver support both the MSM4 format and secure NTRIP connections via SSL/TLS. This ensures compatibility with all current and future services. Receivers that do not support these specifications may still continue to use the RTCM streams, which remain available in parallel.

A geoid must also be stored on the receiver in order to be able to determine heights correctly.

In addition, you will need a mobile phone contract with enough data volume to receive the corrections.

Customer benefits

• Increased economic efficiency as you don’t need your own reference station
• Increasing the accuracy and reliability of RTK measurements thanks to the VRS method.
• Highest accuracy monitoring of the AGNES reference network. Link PNAC

Prices and Ordering

• swipos-GIS/GEO - Pay per use - CHF 0,50 per minute
• swipos-GIS/GEO - Flatrate - CHF 1500 / year.
  When purchased from the same reseller: 2nd and 3rd licence: CHF 600,
  each additional licence CHF 200.

Further information on prices and ordering can be found at the following link.

Restrictions on use of products

May only be used as a reference station for RTK positioning and for access corresponding RINEX data. The correction data may only be used for the simultaneous operation of one (1) end device.

Technical details for RTK applications

Access data and information on rover settings: Technical Information

Measurement accuracy

Comments

• The accuracy specifications are based on the mean annual standard deviations of the monitor station at swisstopo.
• The achievable measurement accuracy depends on the hardware and software used, the measurement duration and the distance to the AGNES station used.
• The measurement accuracy can vary in time, location and due to atmospheric influences.
• When taking measurements, we recommend to measure for at least 10 seconds, and to verify periodically against the known coordinates of a reference point.

Details for post processing

Acces

Link to swipos shop.

Data formats

• RINEX 2.11
• RINEX 3.03

Satellite systems:

• GPS/GLO (RINEX 2.11)
• GPS/GLO/GAL/BDS (RINEX 3.03)

Data rates: 1 / 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 60 seconds.
Compressed (ZIP).

The data from the AGNES stations are available online for 365 days.

Links

• swipos News
• swipos FAQ
• swipos Prices and ordering