DroneDeploy uses high-accuracy positioning to ensure your maps are as precise as possible. Depending on the metadata in your images and the files you upload, the system automatically determines whether to process your map using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) or Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) workflows.
How DroneDeploy chooses a processing method When you upload data via the Smart Uploader, DroneDeploy evaluates the quality of the GPS fix for your images. The system uses a specific calculation to decide if the RTK data is sufficient or if it should fall back to PPK.
The RTK fix test To qualify for RTK processing, your flight data must meet the following criteria:
Standard Deviation (SD) Threshold: For each image, the system checks the maximum SD value among North, East, and Down coordinates. This value must be 0.1 meters or less.
Consistency Requirement: At least 80% of the total images in your upload must pass the SD threshold.
If these conditions are met, the system identifies the data as having an adequate RTK fix.
Smart Uploader badges To provide transparency before you start your upload, the Smart Uploader displays badges on the map row to indicate the intended processing method:
RTK Badge: This badge appears if the images pass the RTK fix test and "Force PPK" is not enabled. The tooltip will read: "Map will be processed with RTK".
PPK Badge: This badge appears if you have uploaded valid PPK files and either "Force PPK" is enabled or the images failed the RTK fix test. The tooltip will read: "Map will be processed with PPK".
Availability * RTK and PPK processing is available for users with supported high-accuracy hardware (such as DJI Enterprise or Wingtra drones).
These features are included in Individual, Advanced, and Enterprise aerial subscriptions.
How to use PPK in the Smart Uploader 1. Open your project in DroneDeploy. 2. Upload your images. Drag and drop your flight photos into the Smart Uploader. 3. Add PPK files. If you are using a PPK workflow, include your observation logs and navigation files. * The total file count at the bottom of the uploader includes your PPK files. 4. Verify the Badge. Check the row in the Smart Uploader to see if the RTK or PPK badge appears. 5. Address validation errors. If your PPK files are invalid, a clear error message will appear. If no badge appears, the map may process with standard GPS accuracy.
Key Features * Automatic Fallback: If images contain RTK metadata but fail the 80% consistency test, DroneDeploy can use provided PPK data as a fallback to ensure high accuracy.
Real-time Validation: The Smart Uploader validates PPK files during the selection phase to prevent processing failures later.
Limitations * Adequate RTK Fix: If your drone loses its RTK link during flight and more than 20% of images have a max SD greater than 0.1 meters, the map will not trigger the RTK badge.
Manual Override: To ensure PPK is used even when RTK data is present, you must enable the "Force PPK Processing" flag in your account settings or upload requirements.
FAQs Q: Why is the RTK icon greyed out or missing on my recent map? A: This usually happens if the flight did not maintain a consistent RTK fix. If fewer than 80% of your images met the 0.1-meter precision requirement, the system defaults to PPK (if files are provided) or standard GPS.
Q: Can I reprocess a PPK map with RTK? A: Reprocessing is possible if the original images contain the necessary RTK metadata. Please contact the Support team to request a manual toggle of the "Force PPK" requirement for a specific map.
Q: Do PPK files count toward my upload limit? A: Yes, the Smart Uploader counts all files, including images and PPK data, in the total upload count.
V2.2