See our Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK workflow here!
See our Phantom 4 Pro/M300/M350 RTK Workflow here!
DroneDeploy can process data captured with both Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) or Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) technology. While these advanced methods enhance drone positioning accuracy, proper flight planning is important for optimal results. For critical projects, consider using a combination of RTK or PPK with a few well-placed GCPs (some as checkpoints). This adds an extra layer of quality control and ensures the highest level of accuracy for your drone surveys within DroneDeploy.
Here are some best practices to consider when planning your RTK or PPK flights in DroneDeploy:
Flight Planning Considerations:
- Image Overlap: Maintain a consistent image overlap (typically 60-80%) between adjacent flight paths. This ensures complete coverage of the survey area and sufficient imagery for processing with RTK/PPK corrections within DroneDeploy. Utilize the flight planning tools in DroneDeploy to visualize the path and overlap before you fly.
- Flight Path Boundary: If capturing GCPs, ensure at least a 50ft/15m boundary from the edge of the target area to ensure there are enough images of each GCP.
- Flight Altitude: Higher altitudes might offer better overall coverage and reduce flight time but consider the required level of detail and the size of your GCPs - higher altitudes reduce resolution.
- Flight Settings: Enhanced 3D is not required unless extra facade detail is needed in the model/point cloud.
Optimizing for RTK or PPK Flights:
- Maintain a solid Internet Connection: Poor/Spotty/Low connectivity may mean that RTK loses connection mid-flight. Consider using PPK in these situations.
- Maintain Strong RTK Signal: Check the RTK coverage in the flight plan settings in DroneDeploy before you commit to attempting an RTK flight. Use PPK workflows in areas with limited or no RTK coverage.
- Consider GCPs for Validation: RTK provides much-improved accuracy over GPS. However, including a few well-placed GCPs can significantly improve your accuracy even further, specifically elevation (z-axis).
- Flight Time for PPK: Ensure your map plan elapses enough time for convergence, depending on which region you are flying in. See our PPK Processing article.
Additional Tips:
- Dewarp: Ensure that Dewarp is disabled in the DJI Pilot 2 Camera settings (Mavic 3 Enterprise)