Follow this guide to ensure you complete all the necessary steps for creating a high-accuracy map with Ground Control Points (GCPs).
Availability
Processing maps with GCPs is included for Enterprise, Teams, and Advanced subscriptions. Customers on an Individual plan can purchase GCP processing for $49 per map.
The GCP checklist
Before you begin
- [ ] Confirm your drone is supported. Your drone must be compatible with DroneDeploy to capture images for mapping. Review our list of Recommended and Supported Drones to be sure.
- [ ] Understand your project's accuracy needs. Determine the level of accuracy your project requires. This helps you choose the right high-accuracy workflow. Review: Understanding Ground Control and Choosing a High-Accuracy Workflow.
Pre-flight
- [ ] Plan your GCP and checkpoint layout. Review the best practices for placing ground control points and checkpoints. Proper placement is essential for an accurate result. Review: Best Practices for Ground Control Points.
- [ ] Survey your GCPs and checkpoints. Use survey-grade equipment to collect the coordinate data for each ground target you have placed on your site.
Processing
- [ ] Prepare your GCP file. Format your GCP and checkpoint data in a CSV file. You can use one of our downloadable templates to ensure the format is correct. Review: GCP .CSV File Formatting.
- [ ] Upload your map photos and GCP file. Upload the images from your flight to a new or existing project. After the images finish uploading, the workflow prompts you to add your CSV file in the GCPs section. Review: GCP Uploading & Processing Ground Controlled maps.
- [ ] Tag your GCPs and checkpoints. Once initial processing is complete, you must tag the center of each GCP and checkpoint in the DroneDeploy interface. This final step applies the corrections and generates your high-accuracy map. Learn more: Tagging Workflow for GCPs and Checkpoints.
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