GNSS correction methods for Wingtra data
Once your drone images are captured, their geotags are refined using a reference source.
Wingtra offers four methods, depending on your accuracy requirements, available equipment and project location.
How each correction method works
Your own base station
High accuracy results with the equipment you already trust
Use your existing GNSS base station. Upload your RINEX base station data to Wingtra software and continue with geotagging.
If you use a Trimble GNSS receiver, you can also upload .t02 and .t04 files directly—no RINEX conversion required.
WingtraGROUND
High-accuracy data with fewer manual steps
WingtraGROUND is a portable all-in-one GNSS base station kit for drone mapping powered by EMLID.
It simplifies GNSS base station and checkpoint setup, so you can get high-accuracy survey data faster with fewer manual steps.
Wingtra Network Corrections
Accurate geotags without a base station
Network Corrections is a built-in Wingtra software service powered by Trimble PP-RTX. It corrects the GNSS image geotags from your RGB flight without the need for a local base station or sourcing CORS data.
After the flight, you simply select Network Corrections during geotagging and continue processing in Wingtra software.2
What to consider when using Network Corrections
- Network Corrections is not a replacement for a local base station on projects with strict contractual, legal or tolerance-sensitive accuracy requirements.
- It corrects image geotags; it does not measure ground points. Validate final map accuracy with independent checkpoints whenever the deliverable requires it.
- Plan a flight of at least 10 minutes; longer flights improve results.
- North America, Brazil and Europe are fast-convergence regions. The same service is available globally, though processing may take longer elsewhere.
- It requires a subscription to WingtraPRO or WingtraUNLIMITED.
CORS network
High accuracy using existing reference infrastructure
Use data from a nearby continuously operating reference station (CORS) to correct your Wingtra flight without deploying your own GNSS receiver.
Confirm that a suitable station is available near your project, download its observation data, then import the file into Wingtra software for geotagging.
Looking for RTK?
RTK corrects image positions while the drone is flying. That can work well, but it depends on a continuous correction link between the aircraft and a base station or correction network.
- Cellular coverage, radio range, terrain, interference or a network interruption can affect that link
- Possible gaps in correction data or even a need to refly
Why Wingtra uses post-processed corrections
Wingtra uses post-processed kinematic (PPK) correction instead. Observations are recorded during the flight, and Wingtra software corrects the complete dataset after landing.
- Reduced dependency on multiple links
- Correction data is consistent and complete throughout the flight
Compare GNSS correction methods for Wingtra data
Highest accuracy, with the equipment you trust
Highest accuracy, with the most streamlined workflow
- 3 cm (0.1 ft) 1
- 3 cm (0.1 ft) 1
- 3 cm (0.1 ft) 2with GCPs
- 3 cm (0.1 ft) (depends on proximity) 1
- 100%
- 100%
- 100%
- Location dependant
- A high-quality surveying GNSS receiver
- WingtraGROUND field kit
- None
- None
- None
- Supported in WingtraPRO and UNLIMITED
- Included with WingtraPRO and UNLIMITED
- Depends on the CORS network provider and location
- High-accuracy requirements
- and when you already have suitable equipment
- High-accuracy requirements
- Teams looking for a streamlined workflow
- Fast, receiver-free RGB surveys
- Remote locations
- Or for a dependable backup when a base fails
- Reliable, accessible CORS coverage
- Extra equipment
- A safe setup location
- Time before and after the flight
- Manual data handling
- WingtraGROUND field kit
- A safe setup location
- Time before and after the flight
- Uses modelled corrections rather than local-error elimination
- Needs sufficient flight time for the solution to converge.
- RGB flights only, LIDAR is not yet supported
- Access, proximity and data delivery vary
- Data may be behind a paywall, delayed or missing support for some GNSS constellations.
Workflow
- Set up the receiver
- Log in before and after the flight
- Download GNSS files from the receiver
- Upload GNSS files
- Set base location: known coordinate, manual entry, or PPP.
- Set up the receiver
- Log in before and after the flight
- The data is automatically uploaded to Wingtra software for geotagging.3
- Set base location: known coordinate, manual entry, or PPP.
- Fly for at least 10 minutes for recommended accuracy
- Select Network Corrections during geotagging
- Confirm suitable nearby reference-station coverage prior
- Download the reference-station file
- Import it into Wingtra software
1 Achievable with WingtraRAY and built-in GNSS antenna (PPK enabled), the SURVEY61 sensor, a base station or WingtraGROUND within 10 km (6 mi), and Wingtra processing software with PPK corrections. Validate final accuracy with at least 3 independent checkpoints that are not used as ground control points (GCPs) in processing.
With other WingtraRAY sensors, achieve 6 cm (0.2 ft) absolute accuracy (RMS x, y, z) without GCPs or 3 cm (0.1 ft) absolute accuracy with at least 3 GCPs in photogrammetric processing
2 Accuracy figures are based on flights with WingtraRAY and SURVEY61 based on testing in the US and Switzerland.
3 Requires an internet connection to upload the data to Wingtra software. You can also complete this step after the flight, back at the office
4 Requires Trimble Business Center with photogrammetry module
FAQ
Do I need a GNSS receiver to use Wingtra Network Corrections?
Is Network Corrections available everywhere?
Is Network Corrections as accurate as using a local base station?
The methods use different correction approaches. A local base station and WingtraGROUND use local observations, while Network Corrections uses a modelled network solution. Network Corrections is designed to provide corrected image geotags down to 3 cm (0.1 ft) horizontal and vertical after a 15-minute flight; a local base provides stronger vertical geotag accuracy. Select the method that fits the required accuracy and validate deliverables with independent checkpoints when needed.
Can I still use my own base station?
Does PPK require a live internet connection during the flight?
Does Network Corrections support LIDAR flights?
Not yet. Network Corrections currently supports RGB flights only.