Course Details

RTK and PPK Surveying for High Precision Training Course

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of geospatial data acquisition, achieving centimeter-level accuracy is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for a myriad of applications, including high-precision construction, detailed topographic mapping, machine control, and land boundary surveys. While conventional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) methods provide good accuracy, they often fall short of the rigorous precision demanded by these critical tasks. This is where Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) surveying techniques become indispensable. Both RTK and PPK leverage the advanced capabilities of GNSS by using carrier-phase measurements and differential corrections from a reference station to achieve significantly higher accuracy than standard GNSS. RTK provides immediate, real-time corrections, allowing surveyors to obtain precise coordinates directly in the field, enabling immediate decision-making and stakeout. PPK, on the other hand, collects raw GNSS data from both the rover and a base station, and applies corrections in post-processing, offering greater flexibility in challenging environments where real-time communication might be interrupted. Mastering these high-precision techniques requires a thorough understanding of their underlying principles, proper field procedures, equipment setup, and the nuances of data processing. Without this specialized knowledge, professionals risk compromising the accuracy of their projects, leading to costly rework, delays, and unreliable spatial data. Many geospatial practitioners understand the concept of high precision but lack the practical expertise to implement and troubleshoot RTK and PPK workflows effectively.

Conversely, mastering RTK and PPK Surveying for High Precision empowers professionals to consistently achieve centimeter-level accuracy in their geospatial data, enabling them to undertake complex projects with confidence and efficiency. This specialized skill set is crucial for transforming raw satellite signals into highly reliable and precise spatial information, driving superior project outcomes in surveying, engineering, construction, and beyond. Our intensive 5-day "RTK and PPK Surveying for High Precision" training course is meticulously designed to equip surveyors, civil engineers, construction managers, geomatics engineers, GIS professionals, and researchers with the essential theoretical knowledge and extensive practical, hands-on skills required to confidently plan, execute, and process high-precision surveys using both RTK and PPK methodologies.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "RTK and PPK Surveying for High Precision" training course is specifically designed for professionals and individuals who require advanced knowledge and practical skills in achieving centimeter-level accuracy using GNSS technology. This includes:

• Professional Land Surveyors: Seeking to enhance their high-precision surveying capabilities and efficiency.
• Civil Engineers: For precise construction layout, quality control, and deformation monitoring.
• Construction Managers and Site Engineers: Implementing machine control and ensuring accurate project execution.
• Geomatics Engineers: Specializing in advanced geospatial data acquisition and processing.
• GIS Professionals and Spatial Data Analysts: Requiring highly accurate input data for their projects.
• Drone Pilots and UAV Operators: Utilizing RTK/PPK drones for precise aerial mapping and photogrammetry.
• Researchers and Academics: In fields requiring rigorous positional accuracy (e.g., geodynamics, structural monitoring).
• Agricultural Engineers: Implementing precision agriculture technologies.
• Anyone involved in projects where sub-decimeter to centimeter-level accuracy is critical.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "RTK and PPK Surveying for High Precision" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of RTK and PPK, including carrier-phase measurements and ambiguity resolution.
• Differentiate between RTK and PPK, and select the appropriate technique based on project requirements and environmental conditions.
• Set up and configure GNSS base and rover receivers for both RTK and PPK operations.
• Execute various high-precision GNSS surveying techniques, including static, RTK, and PPK workflows.
• Identify and mitigate common error sources affecting high-precision GNSS measurements.
• Process and analyze raw GNSS data using specialized post-processing software for PPK solutions.
• Perform quality control and evaluate the accuracy and reliability of RTK and PPK derived positions.
• Plan and manage high-precision GNSS surveys efficiently and effectively for various applications.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Advanced GNSS Principles for High Precision

• Review of GNSS fundamentals: Satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
• Understanding carrier-phase measurements and their role in high precision.
• The concept of integer ambiguities and their resolution.
• Factors affecting carrier-phase measurements: Ionosphere, troposphere, multipath, noise.
• Introduction to advanced GNSS receiver technology for RTK/PPK.

Module 2: Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveying

• Principles of RTK: Base station and rover configuration, real-time corrections.
• Communication links for RTK: UHF radio, cellular/NTRIP, internet.
• Setting up an RTK base station over a known point or a temporary point.
• RTK rover operation: Initialization, fixed solution, float solution.
• RTK workflow for topographic surveying, stakeout, and control establishment.

Module 3: Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) Surveying

• Principles of PPK: Raw data logging by base and rover, post-processing workflow.
• Advantages of PPK over RTK: No real-time communication dependency, robustness in challenging environments.
• Applications of PPK: Drone photogrammetry, remote or obstructed areas, backup for RTK.
• Data requirements for PPK: RINEX files, precise ephemeris.
• Planning and executing a PPK field survey.

Module 4: GNSS Network RTK (NRTK) and Virtual Reference Stations (VRS)

• Concept of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) networks.
• Understanding Network RTK (NRTK) and Virtual Reference Stations (VRS).
• Advantages of NRTK/VRS: Single-rover operation, wider coverage, consistent accuracy.
• Accessing and configuring NRTK services.
• Comparing NRTK/VRS with traditional base-rover RTK setups.

Module 5: GNSS Data Processing for High Precision

• Introduction to GNSS post-processing software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, Leica Infinity, Topcon MAGNET Tools, RTKLIB).
• Importing and managing raw GNSS data files.
• Baseline processing: Setting processing parameters, ambiguity resolution algorithms.
• Network adjustment for Static and PPK surveys.
• Analyzing processing reports: Baselines, residuals, error ellipses, solution type (fixed/float).

Module 6: Error Analysis and Quality Control in High Precision GNSS

• Detailed analysis of common error sources: Atmospheric delays, multipath, satellite geometry (PDOP).
• Strategies for mitigating errors: Long observation times, robust antenna setup, clear sky visibility.
• Quality control procedures in the field: Redundancy, check shots, re-initialization.
• Post-processing quality checks: Reviewing residuals, cycle slips, solution statistics.
• Understanding and reporting positional uncertainties and confidence levels.

Module 7: Advanced Applications of RTK/PPK

• RTK/PPK in Drone Surveying: Integration of GNSS with UAVs for accurate photogrammetry and LiDAR data.
• Machine Control: Guiding construction machinery (e.g., graders, excavators) with RTK.
• Deformation Monitoring: Using high-precision GNSS to detect subtle movements of structures (dams, bridges, slopes).
• Precision Agriculture: GNSS for guidance, variable rate application, and yield mapping.
• Hydrographic surveying with RTK/PPK for bathymetry.

Module 8: Survey Project Management and Best Practices

• Developing a comprehensive survey plan for RTK/PPK projects.
• Equipment selection and maintenance for high-precision GNSS.
• Data management strategies: Field to office workflow, backup procedures.
• Understanding survey specifications and standards for high-accuracy work.
• Troubleshooting common issues in RTK and PPK operations and processing.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com