Thursday 19 January 2023

GCP, RTK, and PPK: Which One is the Better Surveying Technique

Accuracy has become a new parameter to judge something. We can say that it is an ordinary term in the field of inspection, checking, and surveying.

Sometimes, we become confused about acronyms and concepts due to various methods having the same purposes for instance GCP, RTK and PPK.

These terms are used in aerial mapping or surveying. If you are aware of these words or not, we as a Drone Consultancy in Ireland will give you in-depth knowledge about their differences and help you figure out which one is right.


 Ground Control Point (GCP)

GCP is an aerial method to conduct an assessment of particular geopolitical locations using variously marked or reference ground points.

The creation of marked points is very convenient since surveyors walk with a global positioning system and cover thousands of miles to set points.

This aerial inspection creates a grid surface that aids in estimating stockpile volumes, tracks cut or fill, and tracks progress during earthen works, which can take as little as 20 minutes. 

Real-Time Kinematics (RTK)

RTK is a preferred technology for the real-time correction of localized data obtained from a geostationary satellite.

The RTK system works with a single reference station or continuously operated reference station network. Using real-time kinematics, you can get the positional data of a drone but not a specific point on the ground.

That is why a Drone RTK Survey in Ireland with GCP is a better option, as both provide precise positional data from ground points and a drone.

Post-Processed Kinematics

It is another way to correct retagged, located data after the drone captures images and they are then post-processed.

Which One Inspection Method Suits Your Business?

The ground control point is an excellent choice for surveying a small area or ground with high accuracy in a short period of time.

RTK is the best surveying technique using a drone for inspection of a vast open ground or field that does not have trees, buildings, or crowds.

PPK comes as a solution where RTK fails to show results. It indicates that PPK does precise aerial surveys in a crowded ecosystem, like a city center.

Select one of the drone surveying techniques that meets your expectations.