Skylark Quick Start Guide

Welcome to the Skylark Quick Start Guide! This guide is intended for first-time Skylark users and provides a step-by-step overview for setting up your account, connecting your device, and answering common questions along the way.

Check your device’s compatibility with Skylark

Skylark Precise Positioning Service is compatible with a wide array of receivers, modules and chipsets to allow for seamless integration into any application. Skylark needs an NTRIP client and uses standard MSM data formats:

Skylark Nx RTK: MSM5
Skylark Cx: MSM4, MSM5
Skylark Dx: MSM1

The Skylark service works with any device that supports NTRIP, such as most mapping equipment, RTK GNSS receivers, autonomous robots, drones, and other location-based sensors.

Use our tool to check if your device is compatible with Skylark.

If your device (e.g. a specific drone model) isn’t listed in the tool, you might need to identify which GNSS chip is used in the device and then look it up in the compatibility checker.

Purchase a Skylark compatible device

Our Receiver Catalog is a curated selection of popular Skylark-compatible GNSS Evaluation Kits such as those from ArduSimple & MikroE. We also list compatible ready-to-use devices from our partners such as the Bad Elf Flex and Emlid Reach GIS receivers or the Skydio X10 drone. Here, you can identify which Skylark variants are supported by each receiver, find direct links to purchase hardware, and access step-by-step setup guides to get up and running quickly.

All listed evaluation kits are compatible with Skylark and many come with a free 6 month trial.

Select the best Skylark variant for your use case

Skylark is available in three variants, each optimized for different use cases, balancing accuracy, power consumption, coverage, and data requirements:

Skylark Nx RTK: A Network RTK service leveraging advanced atmospheric modeling to deliver 1–2 cm accuracy. Best suited for high-precision applications such as autonomous navigation, robotics, and survey-grade mapping.
Skylark Cx: A PPP-RTK corrections service delivering 3–7 cm accuracy across entire continents. Ideal for applications that need wide-area consistency without regional infrastructure.
Skylark Dx: A DGNSS corrections service providing sub-meter accuracy for low-power devices and bandwidth-constrained environments.

Each variant enables developers to match correction performance with their application’s constraints and geographic requirements.

For more information, read our detailed blog on the topic: Which Skylark Variant Fits Your Use Case?

Check Skylark coverage

An interactive coverage map of Skylark Nx RTK is available here. For Skylark Cx & Dx, coverage can be found in their product sheets, linked to above.

Creating a Skylark User Account

1. Create an account

To create a new account complete and submit the registration form at account.swiftnav.com/sign-up.

2. Add a new device

In the Subscriptions page, click ADD NEW DEVICE to create a subscription. We offer a 14-day free trial given once per account and applies to your first device.

3. Choose your subscription

Select the Skylark variant that suits your application and choose either monthly or annual billing. This stage is also where you can enter a promo code if you have one.

If you are unsure which Skylark variant is best suited for your use case and/or geography, you can click HELP ME DECIDE to enter a few details and get a custom recommendation of the best plan for you.

After selecting your variant you will be prompted to enter payment details. We support bank transfers and all major credit and debit cards.

All new users are entitled to a 14 day free trial, no payment info required.

4. Manage your subscription

Once you’ve added a device and selected a plan, you have full control over your account. From the dashboard, you can toggle auto-renew, update payment methods, or even enable and disable specific devices as your fleet requirements change.

This is also where you manage your connection details. You can view your NTRIP username and password, or generate the correct Caster URL by providing the necessary inputs. If your setup changes, you can edit the Caster URL directly or delete the device entirely to keep your portal organized.

For detailed instructions on subscription and device management read our support article: Skylark Portal User’s Guide

Connecting your device to Skylark

Skylark GNSS corrections are distributed over the Internet in RTCM v3.x format using NTRIP v1.0 or v2.0 protocols. A reliable Internet access is required for good navigation performance.

To configure the NTRIP client, use the credentials (endpoint URL, port, mountpoint, username, and password) from your Skylark User Portal account.

Skylark Endpoint URL
You will need to enter an endpoint URL into your NTRIP client, here’s how it is formed:

Skylark Mountpoints
The Mountpoint selects the correction stream from the NTRIP caster, which includes the required reference frame (datum). Selecting the correct reference frame is critical; choosing the wrong one can result in large, systematic positioning errors.

Skylark Nx RTK

NXRTK-MSM5: Global Frame, ITRF2020
NXRTK-RTCM31: Global Frame, ITRF2020
NXRTK-NAD83-MSM5: North American Frame, NAD83
NXRTK-DREF91-MSM5: European Frame, DREF91
NXRTK-ETRF2000-MSM5: European Frame, ETRF2000

Skylark Cx

MSM4
MSM5
OSR
SSR
SSR-integrity
SSR-integrity-AES-CMAC

Skylark Dx

DX-MSM1

For example if you are in the United States, wanting to operate on the L1/L5 dual-band frequency, using a standard port on the Skylark Nx RTK global mountpoint (ITRF2020), your endpoint URL address would be as follows:

na.l1l5.skylark.swiftnav.com:2101/NXRTK-MSM5

For more detailed guidance on connecting your device to each of the Skylark variants, please refer to the following support articles: Receiver Configuration for Skylark Nx RTK, Cx and Dx

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection to receive corrections?

Yes. Your GNSS receiver needs to be connected to the Internet (cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite) to receive correction data via the NTRIP protocol. A stable, low-latency connection is essential for maintaining an RTK Fix.

How do I connect my device to the Internet?

All GNSS receivers require a reliable internet connection to receive Skylark data. The recommended methods are:

Cellular Modem: For mobile or remote setups, use a cellular modem (with a SIM card and data plan) to provide internet access. Many GNSS receivers support USB or built-in cellular modems.
Ethernet Connection: Connect your device directly to a network router or switch using an Ethernet cable. This is the most stable option for fixed installations.
Wi-Fi: If your device supports Wi-Fi, connect it to a local wireless network with internet access.

Once connected, your device can use the NTRIP client to receive Skylark corrections over the internet. A stable connection is essential for best positioning performance.

Do I need to install my own RTK base station?

No, Skylark utilizes a network of ultra high quality Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) around the world to model corrections in the cloud so that you do not need to install your own.

I’m not getting the accuracy I was expecting, why?

There are several factors that can impact the accuracy you experience with Skylark:

Distance from corrections source: The farther your receiver is from the nearest reference station or outside the optimal coverage area, the more likely you are to see reduced accuracy. In all RTK services (including Skylark Nx RTK) the distance from the base station is a very important factor, every receiver has a maximum baseline. This does not apply to Skylark Cx or Dx which offer uniform performance across the coverage area.
Internet connection quality: A stable and reliable internet connection is required for your device to receive real-time corrections. Interruptions or high latency can degrade performance.
Sky view: Your receiver needs a clear view of the sky to track enough satellites. Obstructions like buildings, trees, or being indoors can cause multipath errors and reduce accuracy.
Receiver quality: The overall quality and configuration of your GNSS receiver and antenna play a significant role in achievable accuracy.
Ionospheric disturbances: Solar activity and atmospheric conditions can temporarily affect GNSS signal quality.
Device configuration: Ensure your device is properly configured for the Skylark variant you are using (Nx RTK, Cx, or Dx). Refer to the relevant receiver configuration guides for best results.

If you continue to experience issues, be sure to check out our RTK Troubleshooting blog for common fixes, or reach out to support for further assistance.

Can I get a volume discount?

Yes, volume discounts are available for Skylark subscriptions. If you are planning to deploy Skylark across multiple devices or require a large number of licenses, please contact the Swift Navigation sales team to discuss your specific needs and receive a custom quote. Enterprise and high-volume customers can benefit from significant discounts based on the number of devices and the length of the subscription commitment. For more information or to request a volume pricing proposal, visit the contact page.