Process PPK Data Using an Onsite Base Station RINEX File

 


It is possible to submit a RINEX file from a local or onsite location to serve as the source of corrections for data collected from Propeller's PPK solution. This allows customers to use their own GPS base station when performing Propeller PPK surveys on a site with a local coordinate system and extra flexibility while uploading data to a Site on a global coordinate system.

When uploading RINEX data to process AeroPoints and PPK data, users will enter base station coordinates in any coordinate system supported by Propeller. 

For sites on local grids, the data will then process against this RINEX instead of requiring a known point for the location of the AeroPoint. This can also speed up processing AeroPoint and PPK datasets for customers outside of the Propeller Corrections Network.

General requirements

To process AeroPoint data using a RINEX file, you need a RINEX file with the following properties:

  • The file must be RINEX v2.11.
  • The RINEX sampling interval must be less than 10s (we recommend 5- or 10-second intervals).
  • The RINEX file must cover the entire duration of the AeroPoint survey and flight, from the time the first AeroPoint was turned on to the time the last AeroPoint was turned off.
  • The maximum file size of the RINEX file is 100MB
  • The survey duration is given as GPS or UTC time when you select the RINEX upload option. Make sure your file covers the time period of the AeroPoint survey using the correct timezone.
  • You must know the coordinate reference system of the measurements in the RINEX file (it must match your site). 

How to Use This Feature?

During the PPK Dataset upload

  • Drag in your images and name the dataset following the PPK upload steps here

Data Upload RINEX Method Detail Description.png

  • After selecting your AeroPoint survey, select the RINEX Upload option on the Control page and drag your RINEX file into the upload window.
  • Enter in your base station coordinates in the fields at the bottom. 
  • Coordinates can only be entered in the coordinate system the site is set up in.           
    • Easting/Northing/height for local or projected systems.
    • Latitude/Longitude/height for geographic systems.

Things to be aware of:

By convention, the coordinates generally refer to the point on the ground the receiver is positioned over, so either:

  • the correct antenna pole height must be set in the RINEX file header, or 
  • the pole height should be set to 0, and the antenna coordinates should be used.

In the AeroPoints interface

The RINEX upload option is also available for PPK geotag processing in the AeroPoints interface. 

  • Coordinates can be entered in any of Propeller's coordinate systems: local, geographic, geodetic, or projected.
  • The coordinates will default to the geodetic coordinates found in the header of the RINEX file as they did before.

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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