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Uploading a PPK Survey with Your Compatible DJI Drones

This article reviews how to upload data using the PPK workflow. You can also process data using the standard (non-PPK) workflow.

This article also describes how to upload data captured with the DJI Phantom 4 RTK (P4RTK), DJI Matrice 300 and 350 RTK (M300 RTK/M350 RTK), and Mavic 3 Enterprise (M3E). The upload process is slightly different if you use a WingtraOne, Autel EVO, Anzu Raptor, or a Quantum Trinity F90+ drone.  

Required Inputs 

  • One or more drone flights with at least 10 JPEG images each.
  • Each drone flight contains two GPS observation data files (the file names usually follow this convention: PPKRAW.bin and Timestamp.MRK). 
  • One AeroPoint flight that has not been processed. You will complete the AeroPoint processing step as part of your PPK dataset upload. 

Make sure you have created a new site or know which site you want to add your survey by choosing it from the dropdown menu. 

Click DATA PROCESSING to +UPLOAD NEW SURVEY. From the dropdown menu, select an existing site or select CREATE A NEW SITE.

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Select Photogrammetry survey processing for the data type you're submitting, then click NEXT.

DataUpload_PhotogrammetrySurveyProcessing.png

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.

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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.

DataUpload_Drag_and_Drop_Images.png

Once the selected files have been validated, a map will appear with the location of your photos and survey area.

DataUpload_ImageValidation.png

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.

File_Validation.png

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.

Data Upload Add Detail to New Survey.png

Adding the capture date and time will place each survey chronologically on the Timeline feature in the Platform.

Click NEXT.

Timeline_Feature.png

Adding AeroPoint survey data

Next, you will submit an AeroPoint survey. You can choose two options:

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If you add a survey to an existing site, the site’s coordinate reference system will be displayed here.

Uploading_Data_CRS.png

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.

Duplicate_Processed_APs.png

Processing methods

Propeller Corrections Network

This method uses the Propeller Corrections Network to obtain globally accurate coordinates.

PCN_Method.png

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.

Uploading_Data_GlobalSurveyBenchmark.png

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.

Uploading_RINIX.png

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.

Data Upload Submitted Ground Control and Checkpoints.png

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.

Uploading_Comments.png

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.  

DataUpload_ChooseFilter.png

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
Adding the VFI option will significantly increase processing time. If you have time-sensitive data, enabling this feature is not recommended.
Please note that providing oblique images to create Vertical Face Imagery is highly recommended for a better result.

DataUpload_ConfigureOutputs.png

Summary and Upload Progress

Please review your dataset for accuracy before you click SUBMIT.

Uploading_Summary.png

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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