RTK vs PPK Drone Kits: Workflow and Best Practices

Understanding the difference between RTK and PPK drone kits is essential for anyone serious about precision drone mapping. Both technologies enhance   GPS accuracy, but they do so differently.  

This blog breaks down what RTK vs PPK are, why they matter, what components they include, how workflows differ, and offers some advanced tips plus future trends. 

Fundamentals: What Are RTK and PPK?

RTK, or Real-Time Kinematic, improves GPS accuracy by using a fixed base station that sends correction data directly to the moving drone in real time. This instant data transmission lets the drone’s GPS position refine down to centimeter-level accuracy instantly during flight. 

PPK means Post-Processed Kinematic. Instead of relying on real-time corrections, PPK stores raw GPS data onboard.  

After the drone lands, this data is processed back at base together with base station information to achieve precise geolocation. It can be more flexible in environments where constant communication with a base station is difficult. 

Why Use an RTK / PPK Kit on a Drone? 

Both RTK and PPK kits ensure highly accurate GPS positioning critical for drone mapping, surveying, and inspection. These systems eliminate errors common in standard GPS, allowing drones to create detailed orthomosaics, topographic maps, and 3D models. 

RTK is ideal when continuous, precise positioning is essential during flight, such as in construction site monitoring or agriculture operations. PPK suits missions where real-time connectivity is unstable or impossible, for example, in remote areas or dense urban canyons.

Components of an RTK / PPK Kit

An RTK or PPK kit generally includes: 

• Base Station: A stationary GPS receiver placed at a known survey location generating correction data. 

• Rover Receiver (on drone): The GPS module on the drone that receives satellite signals and, in RTK, correction data real-time. 

• Communication Link: For RTK, this could be radio or cellular connection transmitting corrections from base to drone. 

• Data Logger: For PPK, the drone logs raw GPS data during flight to be processed later. 

Some kits also include software for planning flights, processing data, and delivering mapping outputs. 

Drone Workflow: RTK vs PPK in Action

RTK Workflow: 

Before flight, the base station is set up. During flight, it streams corrections live to the drone. The drone updates GPS continuously with these corrections allowing immediate accuracy. Data captured is nearly survey grade, often usable without much post-processing. 

PPK Workflow: 

The base station likewise records its GPS signal continuously. The drone logs raw GPS data while flying without needing live corrections. Post-flight, software compares base and drone data, adjusting the drone’s recorded positions. This method compensates for signal loss and works well in challenging environments. 

Advanced Tips, Hybrid Approaches & Future Trends

Some drone operations combine RTK and PPK for extra certainty, called hybrid approaches, using RTK during flight and PPK to refine data afterward. This approach achieves very high accuracy for demanding projects. 

Going forward, integration with emerging drone UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) and improvements in GNSS satellite systems will further boost RTK/PPK effectiveness. AI and automated processing will cut time and increase mapping quality. 

BeyondSky’s Featured RTK Drone Kit 

SMC 2000 UAV Kit

SMC 2000 UAV Kit Delivers centimeter-level precision with reliable RTK accuracy. It offers fast RTK fixes within 10 to 60 seconds, supports LTE connectivity, and works across temperature extremes. 

• Compact and lightweight (95 x 75 x 15 mm, 130g) for easy drone integration 

• Features PPS output support for synchronization 

• Ideal for precision agriculture and autonomous applications 

Synerex, the company behind the kit, pioneers solutions in drone geolocation for the 4th Industrial Revolution, focusing on applications in agriculture and autonomous systems. 

RTK Premium

RTK Premium is an advanced GNSS correction solution designed to deliver real-time, centimeter-level positioning for high-accuracy perations. 

• Powered by a global network of 8,000+ reference stations distributed across multiple continents.

• Offers broad coverage and seamless connectivity for international operations.

• Compatible with all major satellite constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

• Delivers sub-1.5 cm positional accuracy to support demanding workflows.

• Ensures exceptional system reliability with 99.98% uptime.

Explore RTK & PPK drone kits and high-precision GNSS systems on BeyondSky

Conclusion 

Choosing between RTK vs PPK kits comes down to mission specifics. RTK suits operations needing real-time accuracy, while PPK works best in unreliable communication zones. Many professionals find best results by integrating both methods. 

Understanding each technology’s strengths ensures you pick the right tool for dependable, survey-grade drone mapping. Consider available kits like SMC 2000 UAV Kit and RTK Premium for high-precision, reliable performance. 

FAQs 

1. What is the main difference between RTK and PPK?
   RTK provides real-time GPS corrections during flight using a base station, allowing immediate centimeter-level accuracy. PPK records raw GPS data onboard and applies corrections after flight, offering flexible and often more reliable accuracy in challenging conditions.​
2. When should I choose RTK over PPK?
   Choose RTK for projects needing instant data and continuous corrections, such as construction monitoring or infrastructure inspections in open areas with reliable connectivity.​
3. When is PPK better suited?
   PPK excels in remote locations with weak or no live connection, and for large-scale mapping where post-processing enhances accuracy and data reliability.​
4. What components are included in RTK/PPK drone kits?
   Both kits include a base station, rover GPS receiver, and data communication/logging systems. RTKrequires a stable communication link; PPK relies on data loggers and post-flight software processing.​ 
5. Are hybrid RTK-PPK workflows common?
   Yes. Combining RTK during flight with PPK post-processing yields the best accuracy and reliability for demanding survey work, ensuring data integrity even if RTK signals drop temporarily.​
6. How do these systems impact drone mapping costs and efficiency?
   RTK offers faster turnaround times but requires robust communication infrastructure. PPK can reduce re-flights by allowing post-flight corrections, particularly in difficult terrain, though it adds processing time.