Measuring Angles with RTK: Two Simple Workflows You Should Know

If you already use GNSS/RTK for point surveying, you can also use it to measure the included angle formed by three points — one vertex and two points along the sides.
This guide walks you through two quick and practical workflows and explains what's happening behind the scenes, without going into formulas or equations.

💡 Note: In some systems the function appears as “Angle Measure” (sometimes mistyped as “Angel Measure”). Don't worry — they're the same feature.

Who This Guide Is For

• Field surveyors and site engineers who want a fast way to measure angles

• Training instructors creating demonstration materials

• Anyone who needs to confirm layout geometry directly from their RTK controller

What You'll Need

• An RTK-capable controller or receiver with a Survey application

• A project with a defined coordinate system (UTM, grid, or local)

• A stable RTK fixed solution for accurate point collection

The Basic Concept

You'll measure three points in total:

1. The vertex of the angle (the intersection point)

2. A point on the first side

3. A point on the second side

Once you collect these three points, the controller can automatically calculate the angle formed by the two sides.

Workflow A — Using CAD Stakeout

This method is best when you want to visualize the points and the measured angle on your screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Survey → Point Survey

   • Collect the three points: vertex first, then one point on each side.

2. Go back to the Survey interface and tap CAD Stakeout.

   • You'll now see the three points you just measured.

3. Tap the Settings icon to open the settings menu.

   • Under Tool bar → Options, check Angle Measure.

   • You'll see it appear under Display items on the left.

   • Tap OK to return.

4. On the main screen:

   • Tap the Angle Measure icon on the left.

   • Tap the Pointer Catch icon to select points.

5. Select your three points in sequence:

   • The vertex, then the two side points.

And that's it — the system instantly shows the included angle on screen.

Workflow B — Using Tools → Angle Calculation

If you just want the number quickly, this is the fastest method.

1. After collecting your three points, open Tools → Angle Calculation.

2. Under Point Coordinates, choose the three points you just measured.

3. Tap Calculate.

4. The system will immediately display the measured angle.

This method skips the visual interface setup — ideal for quick checks.

Pro Tips for Better Results

✅ Confirm RTK Fix
Make sure your receiver is in a fixed state before each shot for consistent precision.

✅ Name Points Clearly
Use names like ANG_V (vertex), ANG_S1, and ANG_S2 so they're easy to find.

✅ Stay Consistent with Units
Check whether your system displays angles in degrees, gons, or radians.

✅ Order Matters
The order in which you select the side points determines whether the software gives you the left or right angle (interior or exterior).

✅ Work in Plan View
RTK angle measurements are based on horizontal (E/N) coordinates — elevation doesn't affect the result unless you're using a 3D feature.

Wrapping Up

You now know two quick and reliable workflows for measuring angles using RTK:

• Workflow A: Survey → CAD Stakeout → Angle Measure — great for visualization

• Workflow B: Tools → Angle Calculation — perfect for fast results

By keeping a fixed RTK signal, naming your points clearly, and selecting in the correct order, you'll get accurate, repeatable angle measurements every time.