This article explains how to upload PPK data collected using the DJI Phantom 4 RTK (P4RTK), DJI Matrice 300 and 350 RTK (M300 RTK/M350 RTK), the Mavic 3 Enterprise (M3E) and the Matrice 4E (M4E).
The upload process differs slightly for users with standard (non-PPK) workflows or drones like the WingtraOne, Autel EVO, Anzu Raptor, or Quantum Trinity F90+.
Required Inputs
To successfully upload your PPK data, ensure you have the following:
- One or more drone flights, each with at least 10 JPEG images.
- Two GPS observation data files per drone flight (commonly named PPKRAW.bin and Timestamp.MRK).
- One AeroPoint flight that has not been processed. You will process this AeroPoint flight as part of the PPK data upload.
- If your AeroPoint flight is already processed, duplicate the AeroPoint survey in your AeroPoints dashboard to create an unprocessed copy.
Upload Process
Confirm you have created a new site or know where you’ll add your survey.
Click the UPLOAD button and select Surveys.
Under the PROCESSING section, select Photogrammetry.
Corrections
Next, select the Corrections method you want to use.
- Propeller PPK will merge your GNSS files with the Propeller Corrections Network, Known Point data, or a provided RINEX file to ensure the highest levels of accuracy.
- Choose Use my drone photos if you want to upload your drone photos, including any high accuracy geotags, if applicable.
Selecting photos for upload
Choose your drone flight data by dragging and dropping each flight onto your browser. Alternatively, you can select a folder containing all your flight folders by clicking Choose a folder.
Once the selected files have been validated, a map will appear with the location of your photos and survey area.
Validation
Your photos are scanned and validated. For them to be properly processed, they must pass these requirements.
If any issues are detected with your submission, you will receive a warning with recommendations on resolving any issues.
When all photos are displayed as expected, click NEXT to proceed.
Dataset details
Set the dataset name and capture date. The date and time default matches the timestamp on the first uploaded picture.
Adding the capture date and time will place each survey chronologically on the Timeline feature in the Platform.
Click NEXT.
Adding AeroPoint survey data
Next, you will submit an AeroPoint survey. You can choose two options:
- AeroPoints, or
- AeroPoints and a .csv file
If you add a survey to an existing site, the site’s coordinate reference system will be displayed here.
Choose the AeroPoint survey from the list of available AeroPoint captures.
To submit PPK data, select an unprocessed AeroPoint survey from your AeroPoint captures.
The surveys outlined in red are already processed but can be duplicated if selected.
Processing methods
Propeller Corrections Network
This method uses the Propeller Corrections Network to obtain globally accurate coordinates.
From the dropdown, assign each AeroPoint in your survey as a Ground control point or checkpoint. You can also exclude it from your survey.
The number of AeroPoints you select as Ground control points vs. checkpoints depends on the area and undulations covered by the survey. Typically, one to three AeroPoints (preferably 5) as Ground control points and the remainder as checkpoints are sufficient.
Global Survey Benchmark
You will select an AeroPoint with a known location and enter its coordinates here. If you used the known point benchmark method to process your AeroPoint survey, be sure it is selected as a Ground control point unless it is outside the survey area.
Local Site Survey Benchmark
You can use the Local Site Survey correction method if you have provided Propeller with a local grid calibration file for your site. If not, you can use the Global Survey Benchmark option.
RINEX Upload
This method uses RINEX GNSS observation data from a base station within 40 km that covers the time period of the survey.
After selecting the appropriate processing method, click SAVE.
To learn more, check out the Ground Control topics in our on-demand training video library.
Submitted ground control & checkpoints
From the dropdown menu, select whether you want to assign an AeroPoint as a Ground control point or Checkpoint, or Exclude it from your survey.
Comments about your GCPs
This is an optional box where you can provide more information regarding your GCPs to our Data Team. For example, it’s helpful to know if anything unusual happened during your survey, such as the AeroPoint was accidentally moved or destroyed during capture.
Outputs
Elevation model filter
Elevation model filters remove undesired artifacts such as trees, buildings, equipment, and vehicles from the digital elevation model output.
You can select No filter or select another available settings as part of the output configuration.
We recommend using either the No Filter or Equipment filter and combining this tool with Terrain Cleanups to ensure you only remove items that would affect your measurements.
Configuring outputs
This is a list of the output files that will be produced as part of the final dataset. Files can be found on the Platform and downloaded from the Viewer.
You can also turn on Vertical Face Imagery (VFI). VFI is primarily a visual inspection tool that provides high-resolution texture on vertical faces. VFI is commonly used for:
- Open Pit Mines or Highwalls. For example, blast planning or geological inspection
- Building facades to inspect for cracks or other anomalies
If you're using vertical face imagery, please note that this data will become available after your dataset has been released. We’ve structured it this way to ensure your surveys are delivered as quickly as possible, rather than delaying the entire release to process vertical face data.
Summary and Upload Progress
Please review your dataset for accuracy before you click SUBMIT.
1. Dataset details
General information about the dataset you are submitting, including:
- Site name
- Date and time flown
- Total gigapixels and photos
- Type of upload
2. Corrections
Select the Corrections method you want to use for you upload.
3. Ground control
- Type and number of GCPs and checkpoints
4. Processing outputs
- Files included in the platform
- Downloadable files
5. Quality assurance settings
This guides how many QA checks are made on your survey. Generally, the stricter the chosen QA, the longer the turnaround time.
6. Dataset credits
Total number of credits used to process your data.
I still can't do it!
We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.
If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the support button on the top right corner of your user portal.
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