Kinematic Correction Technologies
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) are two GPS correction technologies used in surveying. PPK is a correction method that takes place after data is collected and uploaded, while RTK is a method that performs real-time corrections to the data and images. Both of these technologies are commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying.
Benefits of PPK and RTK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) have many advantages when used for surveying. PPK has the advantage of providing more accurate location data with less data loss, while RTK provides real-time accuracy. Both technologies are also cost-effective and can be used for a variety of applications.
Applications of PPK and RTK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) are used for a variety of applications. PPK is commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying, while RTK is used for navigation and guidance. Both technologies can also be used for precision agriculture and other land surveying applications.

PPK techniques effectively capture accurate location information as an alternative for traditional methods, i.e., ground control points (GCP).
This article discusses the working and benefits of PPK surveying in the construction industry.
Working of PPK Surveying
Overview of Kinematic Correction Technologies
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) are two GPS correction technologies used in surveying. PPK is a correction method that takes place after data is collected and uploaded, while RTK is a method that performs real-time corrections to the data and images. Both of these technologies are commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying.
Benefits of PPK and RTK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) offer many benefits when used for surveying. PPK provides more accurate location data with less data loss, while RTK provides real-time accuracy. Both technologies are also cost-effective and can be used for a variety of applications.
Applications of PPK and RTK
PPK surveying requires at least two Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver units to achieve cm-level accuracy of measurements. The receivers are either static (the reference receiver called the “base”) or moving (the “rover”). During the workflow, the base station and the rover units record raw GNSS data. This raw data
Features of PPK Surveying
Overview of Kinematic Correction Technologies
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) are two GPS correction technologies used in surveying. PPK is a correction method that takes place after data is collected and uploaded, while RTK is a method that performs real-time corrections to the data and images. Both of these technologies are commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying.
Benefits of PPK and RTK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) offer many advantages when used for surveying. PPK has the advantage of providing more accurate location data with less data loss, while RTK provides real-time accuracy. Both technologies are also cost-effective and can be used for a variety of applications.
Advantages of Using PPK for Surveying
PPK surveying reduces the need for ground control points (GCP), saving field preparation time. As there is no requirement to have a linked connection between the rover and the base station, the method is suitable for survey areas with obstructions like trees, buildings, etc.
PPK surveys are used for mapping or surveying the points where several centimeters of precision are needed, such as recording the locations of sample sites, mapping out a feature (such as shorelines) and measuring the positions of markers (such as points on glaciers). In addition, PPK allows having longer baselines of up to 100 km.
Advantages of PPK Surveys
- PPK data recording time at the site is quicker than RTK’s real-time recording because main calculations and error corrections are performed post-survey.
- The PPK system does not require the surveying team to maintain the connection between the base station and rovers.
- It is more flexible and can be employed in more challenging environments.
Even though the PPK survey is performed quickly, it demands more time to post the data and implement GPS corrections.
FAQs
What is PPK survey technology?
Overview of Kinematic Correction Technology
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) is a GPS correction technology used in surveying that corrects the location data after it is collected and uploaded. It is commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying, along with its counterpart, Real-time Kinematic (RTK).
Benefits of PPK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) offers many advantages when used for surveying. PPK provides more accurate location data with less data loss compared to RTK and is cost-effective. The technique also reduces the need for ground control points (GCP), saving field preparation time.
Applications of PPK
PPK surveys are used for mapping or surveying the points where several centimeters of precision are needed, such as recording the locations of sample sites, mapping out a feature, such as a shoreline, and measuring the positions of markers, such as points on glaciers.
PPK Workflow
During the workflow of a PPK survey, the base station and the rover units record raw GNSS data. This raw data contains all observations without any calculations. While doing so, there is no need for a stable connection between the rover and the base station.
The data collected is stored in the survey controller or recipient until the fieldwork is completed. This data is later processed using software, and the corrections are applied to the data.
What is the difference between PPK and RTK survey methods?
Overview of Kinematic Correction Technologies
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) are two GPS correction technologies used in surveying. PPK is a correction method that takes place after data is collected and uploaded, while RTK is a method that performs real-time corrections to the data and images. Both of these technologies are commonly used in drone mapping and land surveying.
Benefits of PPK and RTK
Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) and Real-time Kinematic (RTK) offer many advantages when used for surveying. PPK has the advantage of providing more accurate location data with less data loss, while RTK provides real-time accuracy. Both technologies are also cost-effective and can be used for a variety of applications.
Applications of PPK and RTK
PPK surveying reduces the need for ground control points (GCP), saving field preparation time. In PPK, the rover moves and collects the location coordinates without bothering about its connection with the base station. Hence, the technique allows having longer baselines of up to 100 km. As there is no requirement to have a linked connection between the rover and the base station, the method is suitable for survey areas with obstructions like trees, buildings, etc. PPK surveys are used for mapping or surveying the points where several centimeters of precision are needed, such as:
Recording the locations of sample sites
Mapping out a feature, for e.g. shorelines
Measuring the positions of markers, for e.g. points on glaciers
PPK Workflow
During the workflow of a PPK survey, the base station and the rover units record raw GNSS data. This raw data contains all observations without any calculations. While doing so, there is no need for a stable connection between the rover and the base station. The data collected is stored in the survey controller or recipient until the fieldwork is completed. This data is later processed using software, and the corrections are applied to the data.