For sites with a permanent DirtMate BaseStation, you can now use it as your GNSS correction source for drone and AeroPoint surveys. This offers a high-quality, on-site alternative to the Propeller Corrections Network (PCN) or manual Known Point (KP) methods, helping you improve accuracy and speed up turnaround times.
Before you begin: requirements
To ensure your survey processes correctly, please keep the following in mind:
AeroPoint capture: Recommended but not required. Customers can choose to use AeroPoints, a combination of AeroPoints and a CSV file, or a CSV file only.
You are using DirtMate 2. The previous hardware version (DirtMate 1) is not supported for photogrammetry processing.
Base setup: Your DirtMate must be configured as a base station. To set up your base DirtMate, refer to How do I add a base DirtMate to my existing DirtMate site.
Range: Ensure your survey flight path is within 40 km / 25 mi of the DirtMate BaseStation for optimal results. For CSV only workflows, the DirtMate BaseStation must be within 20 km / 12 mi of the flight area to guarantee survey-grade accuracy.
This new workflow helps improve survey accuracy and can reduce turnaround times by using a dedicated base station that is already set up and collecting data on your site.
Discover DirtMate and unlock full functionality here.
How to use a DirtMate BaseStation
When you upload a survey, the system will check for any available DirtMate BaseStations on your site and present them as a correction method option.
- Start the survey upload as you normally would.
- In the survey uploader, navigate to the Correction Method section.
- Select Use a DirtMate BaseStation from the available options.
- From the dropdown menu, choose the specific DirtMate BaseStation you want to use.
| ℹ️ Note: If only one DirtMate BaseStation is available on your site, it will be automatically selected for you. |
Why use a DirtMate BaseStation for corrections?
Using your DirtMate BaseStation for survey corrections can be a valuable alternative to other methods, especially if you are unable to use the Propeller Corrections Network (PCN) due to:
- Location: Your site may be outside the range of a PCN base station.
- Local Coordinate Systems: If your site uses a local coordinate system, the DirtMate BaseStation is an effective solution.
Unlike other methods like a manual Known Point AeroPoint or custom RINEX file upload, using your DirtMate BaseStation requires no additional setup or manual coordinate input, reducing the risk of human error and streamlining your processing workflow.
Troubleshooting and considerations
- No DirtMates available: If you have no available DirtMate BaseStations, the option will be inactive, and a message will explain why. This may be because there are no DirtMates on the site, or they are not set up as a base station.
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Range:
- Using AeroPoints: Survey-grade accuracy (< 3 cm) is guaranteed when AeroPoints are within 40 km / 25 mi of the DirtMate BaseStation.
- Without AeroPoints: Survey-grade accuracy is guaranteed when the DirtMate BaseStation is within 20 km / 12 mi of the flight area.
- Accuracy: Using a DirtMate BaseStation with known, accurate coordinates will produce the best survey results. Ensure your DirtMate is properly configured with your site's coordinate system.
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, the Propeller hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.
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