PPK Positioning for UAV Mapping

Description

KlauPPK Positioning System

The Klau Geomatics PPK System is a synergy of hardware, software and methodology to seamlessly integrate into your existing UAV or manned aerial mapping and inspection operations, adding an unprecedented level of accuracy, reliability and efficiency.

The key to accuracy in any mapping or 3D modelling project is control. This can be either GCPs (ground control points) visible in the photos, or camera locations, the precise point where each photo was taken.

Enabling your mapping data acquisition with accurate camera locations will reduce or eliminate the need for GCPs, saving on ground survey crew time and cost while increasing accuracy and reliability.

Now Integrated with DJI

Plug and play kits for your DJI drone or complete out of the box systems. DJI Inspire 2 and M200/M210 drones with the X4s camera, a powerful surveying instrument when powered by Verity PPK.

Compatibility

Cameras – Camera signal capture is achieved from most cameras:

• Aerial cameras such as Phase One and Hasselblad
• Any DSLR camera
• Light cameras with a flash hotshoe or output
• Light cameras with no flash output (requires camera modification)
• DJI cameras, X3, X5, X4s and X7
• Micasense RedEdge multispectral
• other cameras, thermal, multispectral, LiDAR

Aircraft

Compatible with manned and unmanned aircraft. Plug and Play installation kits available for most UAVs.

• Manned aircraft, fixed wing and helicopter
• DJI M100, M600 with installation kit
• Multirotor UAVs, typically larger than Phantom or Solo, with any flight controller,
• Installation kits for Falcon 8, Microdrone and others
• Fixed wing UAVs, Mavinci Sirius, Event38 and other custom systems
• Custom installation on your drone
• Handheld gimbal integration….. that’s right, you don’t even need a drone!

Customer Testimonials

Luke Burton
Principal Surveyor
BHP Billiton Mining, AU

27 June 2018

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to participate, my experience has been great.

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy?

After conducting numerous missions of trial areas, as well as comparisons to physical GPS/laser scanning surveys I have observed the following accuracies:

• Camera accuracy MAX 30mm (as reported in agisoft);
• PPK accuracy AVG 12mm (compared to RTK points);
• GCP accuracy AVG 4cm (compared to RTK points, flown at GSD 3.2, 120m AGL);
• DEM accuracy AVG 1cm (compared to how we normally survey surfaces via driving or walking with RTK GPS);
• Standard deviation of all output point clouds to ‘site proven’ data is 30mm.

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

We compared multiple products and ended up down the path of PPK, this left 2 products on the market.  We already had one of the other products, so was in our best interest to trial the KLAU system.  Ultimately the results were favourable for KLAU, hence our subsequent orders.  The difference came down to:

• Ease of use: only requiring 2 SD Cards to process the data. i.e no flight controller data required;
• Portability: the external batteries are favourable when surveying all day;
• Software: easy to follow, localized site datums;
• Hardware: physical modification of the camera to get the exact timing;
• Support: excellent telephone and email support. Screen sharing, general optimization tips and overnight software updates definitely tipped the scales towards KLAU.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

As above, however excellent support, accurate.  Physical modification and calibration of the camera to get the exact timing.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

We have found the accuracy to be excellent, based on our flight settings and subsequent processing in Agisoft.  The support received from KLAU team has proven superb and helped with implementation of the product.  Physically tapping the shutter on the camera removes a large source of error that other products only compensate for.

Michael Cutfield
Survey Manger
The Fletcher Construction Company Ltd, NZ

26 June 2018

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy? 

The accuracy of the Klau PPK Module exceeds expectations every time.  I have performed some checks using a surveyor’s Total Station against the results from the Klau PPK Module, and if the flight is done at low altitude and with a large overlap, the accuracy on any point is as good as single measurement performed by RTK GNSS measurements (usually better than 20mm).

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

After an experience with a competing system, I needed to be sure that Klau Geomatics was going to deliver the system that was offered.  After speaking with Rob Klau many times, I could tell that he and his company were very capable of delivering, as well as being always available to provide support and answer any questions.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

I love the fact that it just works… every time.  Oh, and not spending hours/days placing ground control points too, of course.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

The support is second to none.  And the cost benefit of not placing GCPs will pay for itself very quickly.  Not to mention the added safety and freedom of not needing to walk the subject site.  It’s a no brainier.

Will Heesterman
Surveyor
The Surveying Company HB Ltd, NZ

26 April 2018 

Basically this PPK unit is awesome.

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy?

Most errors come in at around 20mm horizontally and 30mm vertically. The worst result I have achieved is 49mm vertically on a check point, and 33mm horizontally. This is well within spec for the work we do with the UAV.

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

I read numerous articles on PPK vs RTK, and PPK appeared to be the better option for many reasons. I started researching PPK units for UAV’s, and found the Klau unit. I then spoke to Rob a few times about how it all worked etc and he was extremely helpful. Being able to speak directly to the company and ask questions was a big plus. And that support has been ongoing, even after purchasing the unit.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

The best thing about this unit is that it allows you to survey areas that are inaccessible without having to lay ground control. The time saved by not having to drive all over the survey area putting out ground control is huge. The unit is also very small and doesn’t seem to have an effect on flight times, and the post flight reduction software is pretty straight forward to use.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

Give Rob a call and have a chat. Then just buy one!