Drones with precise positioning, such as RTK/PPK, are becoming common with those using them for mapping purposes. Is there ever a time when GCPs are not necessary?

RTK/PPK vs GCPs: Which One Do You Need?

Drones with precise positioning, such as RTK/PPK, are becoming common with those using them for mapping purposes. This leads to the question: how precise does positioning need to be to create accurate maps from photogrammetry? With options such as RTK and PPK, image location can be determined within centimeters. So, do these actually help to produce better maps? And how do you verify the accuracy of maps produced using this technology? Is there ever a time when GCPs are not necessary? And can maps made without RTK/PPK enabled systems be as accurate as those with?

These are all important questions that were addressed in a recent webinar held by SimActive. Access the webinar recording here

The specific topics that were covered included the following:

• What is the difference between RTK and PPK

• How RTK/PPKs affect aerial triangulation

• When are GCPs needed

• How accuracy is validated