I have a customer requesting a topographical map of a 40 acre site. Survey grade accuracy is not needed. I plan to capture the data with my Macic 3E. Will RTK or GCP's be needed? Also looking for recommendations of a map service provider for pay as you go jobs. Any input will be appreciated.
Map processing for topographic DTM
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adm_geomatics
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There's no reason to not use RTK if everything needed is available. You won't need GCP's as long as you can process with a GEOID and they are ok with the positioning from your base and/or network RTK service. It either of those isn't ok then you will need a GCP to rectify to.
Thank you adm_geomatics for your feedback. I don't have a problem acquiring a RTK module, but I'm not prepared to invest in a base station. Also, since you're in Texas, you know our state's RTK network service isn't free. This a good customer that I've only provided orthomosaic maps. My current business isn't doing survey grade work, so it doesn't make good sense for a substantial financial investment for this one request. I hate to pass on the job, but also don't want to agree to something I'm not prepared for. So if I understand you correctly, I would at the very least need some GCP's?
What processing software?
You can score an RTK module sub $500 if you look enough. Then PPK your data from the M3Es GNSS files. NGS CORS logs are free and so is various PPK software.
If this works out and you plan to offer higher accuracy services, this could be your start in that direction. Add an Emlid RS3 for collecting control points and you will be on your way.
You should always use check points but in a case where I cannot collect any control points, I will RTK or PPK the drone images and then take the dense point cloud and overlay it on authoritative LiDAR data to "check", assess accuracy.
You can score an RTK module sub $500 if you look enough. Then PPK your data from the M3Es GNSS files. NGS CORS logs are free and so is various PPK software.
If this works out and you plan to offer higher accuracy services, this could be your start in that direction. Add an Emlid RS3 for collecting control points and you will be on your way.
You should always use check points but in a case where I cannot collect any control points, I will RTK or PPK the drone images and then take the dense point cloud and overlay it on authoritative LiDAR data to "check", assess accuracy.
Thank you jaja6009. I appreciate this helpful information! This an area that I definitely need to be knowledgeable and prepared for before accepting a job. I'll work on that first.
adm_geomatics
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Oh ok, I saw the M3E reference and sorry my brain assumed it already had RTK. If you're not ready to invest in a base then I would say you're not quite ready for high accuracy (not even Survey-grade) mapping and if your client is good with non-referenced orthos then keep doing what you're doing and once you have $3K or so saved then get an Emlid RS2+ and the RTK module. It will change your perception on mapping. Until then I would encourage you to at least approach your clients about getting some GCP's set if they have the capability.
