Hello all,
I am looking for some input regarding the RTK Facet. I would like to use the RTK Facet to place ground control points for drone work, using the local NTRIP system in my state and would like to know if I can utilize the RTK Facet to do this or will I need additional hardware? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated… 
Thanks,
Joe D
Hey Joe,
This depends on how fancy you plan on getting with the GCP’s. If the process you want to do is to use the Facet to mark the GCP coordinates down to within a few millimeters of accuracy, and you know that you have base stations available via NTRIP, then all you should need is a Facet, a phone to push RTCM to the Facet, and a pointed stick with a level on it.
Additional hardware would be necessary for any realtime base/rover system (sometimes people use that for GCP’s when there are not base stations available in their area), but as you’ve described, you should be good to go with just a Facet.
Agreed, A Cell phone running a software package that includes a NTRIP Client (like SW Maps) and a Facet would work great.
Wow, thanks for the super quick and detailed responses, this is exactly what I was looking for, already downloaded SW Maps, and will be ordering a Facet and giving it a try…
Joe D
You don’t need to use Ntrip and you shouldn’t use Ntrip. You would get more accurate locations by postprocessing using CORS data downloaded from the closest base station. But pay close attention to the datum and coordinate system!
This is true, but RTK is usually a better choice for the particular application of UAV mapping.jplgis:
You would get more accurate locations by postprocessing using CORS data downloaded from the closest base station.
The ability to provide so many more GCP’s and independent checkpoints throughout the reconstructed model for a mission far outweigh the difference in absolute accuracy between RTK and Post Processed GCP positions.
Example: If you are at a site for 6 hours, you could gather 2-3 GCP’s for Post Processing in that time.
With RTK, you could gather way more GCP’s in 1 hour than you need for the model reconstruction, plus basically an “unlimited” number of checkpoints to be able to qualify the final 3D model and subsequent deliverables.
Network RTK (aka RTN) is a valid workflow for GCP’s in UAV mapping.
Well he is collecting ground control points and I’m just saying RTK isn’t necessary. For the drone RTK helps with flight somewhat, but also isn’t necessary because all “RTK” drones generate logs for PPK too