PPK processing with DJI Terra and Matrice 4E

DJI Terra now supports DJI Matrice 4E images for PPK processing, further improving mapping accuracy.

What Is PPK?

PPK (Post-processed Kinematic) technology enhances drone UAV geolocation accuracy by correcting satellite carrier phase observations using data from a nearby base station.

The major advantage of PPK is that it does not require real-time connection between the drone and the base station.

This is ideal for obtaining high-precision mapping results in areas where network RTK is unstable or unavailable, and is also suitable for BVLOS flights.

Previously third-party software was required for this workflow when using the DJI M4E, but thanks to Terra V4.4 - following a firmware update - PPK corrections can now be processed directly in DJI Terra.

This is done by importing recorded data from both the drone and base station (compatibility includes the new DJI D-RTK 3), achieving centimetere-level accurate POS coordinates for geospatial data.

Workflow

1: During field operations, set up the D-RTK 3 at a known point and configure it to base station mode. M4E executes the mapping Flight Route Mission while the D-RTK 3 is powered on and logging corrections.

2: Import the M4E survey images into DJI Terra for local PPK processing.

3: Go to POS Data, and select Local PPK from the drop-down.

2: There's no need to modify the base station file name, as the software will automatically recognise satellite observation data from the D-RTK.

3: Then confirm the coordinate system and base station centre.

4: Click to start calculating.

5: The PPK corrections will be applied to the reconstruction process.

What is supported?

The PPK function supports the calculation of PPK base station data from D-RTK 3, D-RTK 2, and third-party GNSS stations, and can support standard RINEX and RTCM formats - as shown in the table below.

Currently, the software only supports the calculation of M4E Visible Light images. More DJI Enterprise Mapping Solutions will be supported in the future.

DJI Matrice 4E comes with a one-year free DJI Terra licence.