Course Details

RTK/PPK Techniques in Drone Mapping Training Course

RTK/PPK Techniques & GIS Integration with Drone Survey Data Training Course

Introduction

Unlock the highest levels of accuracy and analytical power in your drone mapping projects with our intensive 10-day "RTK/PPK Techniques & GIS Integration with Drone Survey Data" training course. This advanced program is meticulously designed for surveying professionals, geospatial experts, and drone operators who demand not only centimeter-level precision in their data acquisition but also the ability to seamlessly integrate and leverage that data within sophisticated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for comprehensive spatial analysis. You will move beyond basic drone operations and photogrammetry, mastering the workflows that transform raw aerial data into actionable, decision-support tools.

This immersive training provides hands-on expertise in setting up and operating RTK/PPK drone systems, executing precise data capture missions, and then expertly processing, managing, and analyzing these high-accuracy outputs within leading GIS software. Participants will gain the critical skills to conduct advanced spatial analysis, perform change detection, generate detailed 3D models, and create compelling cartographic outputs, ensuring they can confidently deliver survey-grade results and derive deep insights from integrated drone and GIS workflows. Elevate your expertise and position yourself at the forefront of geospatial innovation.

Duration

 10 Days

Target Audience

The "RTK/PPK Techniques & GIS Integration with Drone Survey Data" training course is ideal for experienced professionals who already possess a foundational understanding of drone operations and photogrammetry, and who are specifically looking to achieve survey-grade accuracy and advanced GIS analytical capabilities. This includes:

• Land Surveyors and Geodetic Engineers: Seeking to fully integrate high-accuracy drone data into their established workflows and perform advanced analyses.
• GIS Professionals and Analysts: Who need to understand, process, and integrate precise drone-derived data for complex spatial modeling and decision-making.
• Civil Engineers and Construction Managers: Requiring highly accurate site data for design, volume calculations, progress monitoring, and as-built surveys within GIS.
• Experienced Drone Pilots: Aiming to specialize in providing high-precision surveying and mapping services and manage the full data lifecycle.
• Geospatial Project Managers: Overseeing projects that require both highly accurate drone data acquisition and sophisticated GIS analysis.
• Remote Sensing Specialists: Interested in the practicalities of combining high-resolution drone data with other geospatial datasets.
• Environmental Scientists and Consultants: For precise land cover mapping, detailed change detection, and advanced environmental impact assessments.
• Researchers and Academics: Utilizing drones for high-precision geospatial data collection and subsequent in-depth spatial analysis in studies.
• Government Agencies and Municipalities: Involved in urban planning, infrastructure management, and precise land administration.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "RTK/PPK Techniques & GIS Integration with Drone Survey Data" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the theoretical principles and practical implementation of RTK and PPK positioning for drone mapping.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate RTK/PPK-enabled drone systems and base stations to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.
• Plan and execute optimal drone missions for high-precision data acquisition, minimizing the need for extensive GCPs.
• Process raw PPK GNSS data and integrate precise drone positions into photogrammetry workflows.
• Import, manage, and validate various RTK/PPK-derived drone products (orthomosaics, DSMs, DTMs, point clouds) within GIS.
• Perform advanced spatial analysis, 3D visualization, and modeling using high-accuracy drone data in GIS environments.
• Conduct robust quality control and accuracy assessment of both acquired and processed drone data.
• Apply GIS analytical techniques for change detection, volumetric calculations, and other advanced applications.
• Troubleshoot common challenges encountered in both RTK/PPK data acquisition/processing and GIS integration.
• Develop comprehensive and accurate geospatial solutions by leveraging integrated RTK/PPK drone data and GIS capabilities.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of High-Precision Drone Mapping

• Review of core surveying principles: coordinate systems, datums, and geoids.
• Introduction to RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) concepts.
• Advantages of RTK/PPK over traditional GCP-dependent drone mapping.
• Overview of the integrated RTK/PPK drone mapping to GIS workflow.
• Understanding common sources of error in high-precision drone data.

Module 2: RTK/PPK Hardware & Base Station Setup

• Detailed examination of RTK/PPK-enabled drone platforms and integrated GNSS systems.
• Understanding different types of GNSS base stations (fixed, portable, network RTK/CORS).
• Proper setup and configuration of a GNSS base station for RTK/PPK corrections.
• Ensuring reliable communication links (radio, cellular, NTRIP) for RTK.
• Best practices for base station placement and observation for optimal data quality.

Module 3: Advanced Mission Planning for RTK/PPK

• Utilizing professional flight planning software for complex RTK/PPK missions.
• Designing flight paths to optimize GNSS signal reception and minimize signal loss.
• Planning for specific deliverables: high-density point clouds, precise orthomosaics, corridor mapping.
• Strategies for mission planning in challenging environments (e.g., urban canyons, dense foliage, mountainous terrain).
• Incorporating minimal validation checkpoints for independent accuracy assessment.

Module 4: RTK/PPK Data Acquisition & Field Procedures

• Step-by-step pre-flight checks and system calibration for RTK/PPK drones.
• Executing autonomous and manual flight operations tailored for high-accuracy data.
• Monitoring GNSS status, correction signals, and data logging during flight.
• Troubleshooting common RTK/PPK field issues and ensuring data integrity.
• Efficient field data management: secure storage, battery management, and mission logging.

Module 5: PPK Data Post-Processing

• Importing raw GNSS observation files from the drone and base station.
• Utilizing PPK processing software (e.g., Emlid Studio, DJI Terra, Waypoint Inertial Explorer).
• Processing kinematic baselines to generate highly accurate drone trajectory and image positions.
• Quality control of PPK processing results: understanding fixed solutions, RMS values, and residuals.
• Exporting corrected image position data for photogrammetry software.

Module 6: Photogrammetry Processing with RTK/PPK Data

• Setting up new projects in leading photogrammetry software (e.g., Pix4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape) using RTK/PPK positions.
• Optimizing processing options for high-accuracy RTK/PPK datasets (e.g., bundle block adjustment, dense cloud generation).
• Leveraging RTK/PPK to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for extensive GCPs.
• Generating high-resolution orthomosaics, Digital Surface Models (DSMs), and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs).
• Assessing the internal consistency and relative accuracy of the processed products.

Module 7: GIS Integration: Importing & Managing High-Accuracy Data

• Understanding various drone data product formats (GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ, SHP) for GIS compatibility.
• Importing RTK/PPK-derived orthomosaics, DSMs, and DTMs into GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).
• Managing large point cloud datasets (LAS/LAZ) within GIS environments (e.g., LAS datasets, scene layers).
• Ensuring correct spatial reference systems and transformations for accurate integration.
• Best practices for organizing and managing project folders and large datasets within GIS.

Module 8: Advanced Spatial Analysis with Drone Data in GIS

• Performing precise volumetric calculations for stockpiles, cut/fill analysis, and mining operations.
• Deriving highly accurate contour lines and terrain profiles from RTK/PPK DEMs.
• Advanced raster analysis: slope, aspect, hillshade, hydrological modeling, and suitability analysis.
• Leveraging point clouds for precise feature extraction, classification, and detailed object modeling.
• Integrating vector data digitized from high-resolution orthomosaics with other GIS layers.

Module 9: 3D Visualization, Change Detection & Quality Control in GIS

• Creating compelling 3D scenes and animations from drone-derived terrain and 3D models in GIS.
• Conducting high-accuracy change detection analysis using multi-temporal RTK/PPK datasets.
• Implementing robust quality control procedures for drone-derived GIS products.
• Validating data accuracy against independent survey points and existing reference data within GIS.
• Generating professional maps, reports, and presentations for stakeholders.

Module 10: Advanced Applications & Future Trends

• Case studies of integrated RTK/PPK and GIS workflows in specific industries (e.g., smart city development, infrastructure management, precise agriculture).
• Exploring the integration of drone data with other high-accuracy sensors like mobile LiDAR in GIS.
• Introduction to automation in GIS using scripting (e.g., Python, ModelBuilder) for drone data workflows.
• Emerging trends: AI/ML for automated feature extraction, real-time drone data streaming to GIS.
• Strategic planning for implementing and expanding advanced drone mapping and GIS capabilities within an organization.

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