Tech Chat | How to conduct PPK survey tasks? – Part 1

2023-07-18

In daily GNSS surveying, RTK should be the most popular survey method, which can improve the positioning accuracy to centimeter-level based on the real-time correction data sent from the base station. Normally, the correction data was sent at a frequency of 1 Hz.

However, when we cannot get a stable datalink between base and rover, or we need a higher positioning frequency like drone surveying, RTK surveying cannot always meet our demands. That's why we need the PPK survey method.

What is PPK survey?

PPK (Post-Processing Kinematics) measurement is a GNSS positioning technology that uses carrier phase for post-difference, and is a dynamic post-processing measurement technology. In other words, PPK doesn’t need a real-time datalink for differential data transmission. GNSS raw data will be recorded and then post-processed in the office to obtain accurate position information. The technology uses dynamic initialization OTF (On The Flying) to quickly resolve the full circumferential ambiguity and can resolve spatial 3D coordinates at the centimeter level in 10s to 30s of observation during the field survey.

Without the transmission limit of the real-time data link, you can get positioning data at a frequency of 5Hz, 10 Hz and even higher, which is perfect for high-speed drone surveying.

How to do PPK survey?

Preparation:

GNSS Receiver × 2
SingularSurv software
Android PDA device
SingularXYZ PP post-processing software
Other accessories, like tripod, centering role, etc.

Step 1: Set up the base station and collect static data.

1. Set up the Y1 GNSS receiver at the base point.

2. Long press the record button on the front panel or config in the SingularSurv software to start static data recording.

Step 2: Initialize the rover for PPK survey.

1. Connect Y1 GNSS receiver with SingularSurv software. Go to Survey >> PPK >> File to add a new PPK file and open it.

2. After creating a new PPK file, Click the Init button and keep the Y1 GNSS receiver stable to finish the Initialization.

Step 3: Start Surveying

After initialization, you can start surveying in the PPK survey interface.

Step 4: Export data

After surveying, download the static data of the base station and the PPK file of the rover.

All above are the field operation steps of PPK measurement. In the next blog, we will introduce how to post process PPK data and get accurate positioning data.

Tips：PProcessing software can be used for both static data and PPK data post-processing, which supports the standard Rinex format.

Learn more about SingularXYZ products.

https://www.singularxyz.com/Y1.html
https://www.singularxyz.com/SingularSurv.html