RTK Receiver
Web Bluetooth Setup
Pasco SiteView can connect to RTK GNSS receivers via Web Bluetooth, enabling centimetre-accurate point capture directly from the browser. This page covers what Web Bluetooth is, which browsers and devices support it, and which RTK receivers are compatible.
What is Web Bluetooth?
Web Bluetooth is a browser API that allows web applications to communicate with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices without installing native software or plugins. SiteView uses Web Bluetooth to:
- Discover nearby RTK receivers
- Establish a BLE connection
- Read NMEA position data from the receiver
- Forward RTCM correction data to the receiver (for NTRIP)
This means you can connect your RTK receiver to SiteView running in a standard web browser — no dedicated app required.
ℹ️ Did you know?
Web Bluetooth is a relatively new browser feature and is not yet supported by all browsers. Check the compatibility table below before attempting to connect a receiver.
Browser Compatibility
| Browser | Platform | Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS | Yes |
| Microsoft Edge | Windows, macOS | Yes (Chromium-based) |
| Google Chrome | Android | Yes |
| Samsung Internet | Android | Yes |
| Safari | macOS | No (not supported) |
| Safari | iOS / iPadOS | No (not supported) |
| Firefox | All platforms | No (not supported) |
⚠️ Watch out!
Web Bluetooth is not available on iOS or iPadOS, regardless of which browser you use. All browsers on Apple mobile devices use the Safari WebKit engine, which does not implement Web Bluetooth. For RTK capture on iOS, use the SiteView Mobile app instead.
Checking Your Browser
To verify your browser supports Web Bluetooth:
- Open your browser's developer console (F12 or Cmd+Shift+I)
- Type
navigator.bluetoothand press Enter - If the result is an object (not
undefined), Web Bluetooth is available
SiteView also checks compatibility when you attempt to connect and displays a clear message if your browser does not support Web Bluetooth.
Device Requirements
Bluetooth Hardware
Your computer or device must have Bluetooth hardware (built-in or USB dongle) that supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.0 or later). Most modern laptops and tablets have this built in.
Enabling Bluetooth
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device:
- Windows — Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > toggle on
- macOS — System Settings > Bluetooth > toggle on
- Android — Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth > toggle on
- ChromeOS — Settings > Bluetooth > toggle on
HTTPS Requirement
Web Bluetooth requires a secure connection (HTTPS). SiteView production at siteview.pasco.cloud uses HTTPS by default. If you are running a local development instance, ensure it is served over HTTPS or use localhost (which is treated as secure by browsers).
Supported RTK Receivers
SiteView works with any RTK GNSS receiver that exposes NMEA data over Bluetooth Low Energy. The receiver must:
- Support BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) — not just classic Bluetooth
- Transmit NMEA 0183 sentences (GGA and RMC at minimum)
- Accept RTCM correction data via BLE write characteristic (for NTRIP support)
Tested Receivers
The following receivers have been tested with SiteView:
| Receiver | Notes |
|---|---|
| ArduSimple LR | Budget-friendly L1/L2 receiver, excellent BLE support, widely used in construction |
| SparkFun RTK | Open-source RTK receiver with BLE, good community support |
Other receivers that meet the BLE + NMEA requirements should work, but may need configuration to enable BLE output of NMEA sentences. Consult your receiver's documentation for BLE setup instructions.
💡 Tip
Before purchasing a receiver for use with SiteView, confirm that it supports BLE (not just classic Bluetooth) and can output NMEA sentences over the BLE connection. Some receivers only support BLE for configuration apps, not for NMEA data streaming.
Preparing Your Receiver
Before connecting to SiteView:
- Power on the receiver and ensure it has a clear sky view for satellite acquisition
- Enable BLE output in the receiver's settings (some receivers require this to be turned on via a configuration app)
- Configure NMEA output to include at least GGA and RMC sentences at 1Hz or faster
- Place the receiver where it can maintain line-of-sight to the BLE radio in your device (typically within 10-30 metres)
What's Next?
- Connecting a Receiver — step-by-step guide to pairing your receiver with SiteView
- NTRIP Corrections — configure correction data for centimetre accuracy
- Capturing Points — use the connected receiver to capture survey points
- RTK Status & Accuracy — understand fix quality levels and what affects accuracy