DroneDeploy believes in providing helpful and accessible information wherever you need it. This guide explores core principles for maintaining high accuracy when using Real Time Kinematics (RTK).
Overview
RTK allows your drone to receive satellite data in real-time, helping it determine a precise position mid-flight. This ensures your drone captures highly accurate data during the flight.
Availability: Who has access?
RTK workflow is available for Advanced, Teams, and Enterprise subscriptions.
Users must use a supported drone, such as the Mavic 3E or Mavic 3T, equipped with an RTK module.
Pre-flight RTK assessment
Before you fly, always verify RTK availability for your project area within the DroneDeploy Ground App.
Green: Ideal signal strength.
Amber: Weak or limited coverage. Consider using Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) corrections instead.
Red: No coverage.
Connecting to the RTK network
DroneDeploy automatically establishes the RTK connection. Follow these steps to ensure a successful fix:
Power on your drone.
Monitor the RTK icon. The icon in the top right corner of the flight screen will flash amber while seeking a connection.
Confirm a solid green icon. A solid green icon signifies a successful RTK connection and ongoing correction application.
Restart if necessary. If you are in a coverage area but do not receive a fix, cycle the drone off and then back on.
Ground Control Points and Checkpoints
While RTK provides high absolute accuracy, Ground Control Points (GCPs) remain the most reliable way to generate consistent absolute accuracy.
Always use Checkpoints to verify and understand your map accuracy.
For projects requiring the highest level of absolute accuracy, use RTK in conjunction with GCPs.
Limitations
Continuous internet connection: You must have a stable internet connection throughout your flight to utilize RTK. Use a mobile hotspot in remote locations.
Custom NTRIP: You cannot configure your own NTRIP for RTK corrections within the DroneDeploy app.
Regional coverage: If you are outside the RTK network coverage area, you will not receive RTK corrections.
FAQs
Q: Will I need to lay down GCPs and Checkpoints when using RTK?
A: With an RTK fix, your maps may have sufficient absolute accuracy for many use cases. However, we still recommend using Checkpoints to verify the accuracy against known benchmarks.
Q: What if I need to fly outside of the RTK network coverage area?
A: You can still fly with DroneDeploy, but you will not receive RTK corrections. You may choose to connect to your own network and fly with the Pilot 2 app or use our PPK processing.
Q: How do I process RTK images?
A: Simply upload your images to the Smart Uploader. DroneDeploy will automatically apply the corrections during processing.
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