Review Data
Now that all data has been downloaded, you can begin the Geotagging process. PPK geotagging combines the data streams you have collected into a cm-accurate location for each image.
To begin, click on the ‘Geotag’ tab, which will display the screen shown.
You’ll notice that the data which has been downloaded in the previous tabs is automatically recognised here. An output is given for the number of images, PPK trigger events, and autopilot logs found within the project folder. It is advised to check that these align with your expectations.
Post-Processed Kinematics (PPK)
Next, insert the base station data into the box as shown (if not done already). For the RINEX files, ensure that you add all 3 files (xxg, xxo, xxn). Note that you can first choose the type of processing you wish to do;
Option 1 uses a RINEX file as reference, an accurate location for your base station, an antenna offset, and an antenna type should be available in this file.
Option 2 uses a RINEX file as reference, an accurate location for your base station, an antenna offset, and an antenna type will need to be entered manually.
Option 3 computes a standalone solution.
Option 4 performs no PPK processing on the data, but generates a geotag based on the estimated position.
It is worth noting that options 3 and 4 will only yield accuracies of around 2-3m for each geotag.
Output Options
Finally, choose the output directory and whether you prefer to output the geotags as EXIF data within a new set of image files, or contained within a csv file. Writing to a csv file will allow the geotagging to proceed up to 10x faster depending on your PC speed, also writing to EXIF will mean that the angle and accuracy data is not included, so will be less accurate for photogrammetry!
Marlyn’s PPK module collects all data in WGS84, however when processed with a base station, the coordinate system of the output data will be in the same coordinate system as the location of the base station.
Verify Information
You will also see at the base of the map a text detailing the implications of the distance from the base station to the mapping area. Every 25km that the base station is away from the mapping area will result in around 1cm of uncertainty.
Septentrio Dongle (only if required)
Before geotagging, also ensure that you have the Grey Septentrio Dongle plugged in to your PC. The Orange Septentrio dongle contains the license file which you need to extract and save to your PC the first time you use Geotagger.
Perform Geotagging
When you are ready to proceed, press ‘Geotag’. The software will then compare the data streams to create a set of image geotags, a time indication is given during this process also.
A pop-up box at the end of processing will provide information on the quality of the processing which has been undertaken as shown below.
Your Images have now been successfully geotagged and you can move on to photogrammetry.