Turn raw drone data into survey-grade maps with PPK drone mapping

PPK, or post-processing kinematic, is a high-precision workflow that ensures your drone imagery is accurately geolocated. Using AeroPoints and high-accuracy drones, processing with Propeller’s PPK makes survey-grade mapping reliable, repeatable, and simple.

a drone aeropoint and smart survey on a black background

Easy

Capture geolocated imagery with minimal setup using our PPK workflow

Scalable

Survey small or large sites at any frequency while collecting consistent geospatial data

Accurate

Achieve consistent survey-grade accuracy with post-processing kinematic techniques

Insightful

Validate your data with clear reports and expert review

How it works

construction worksite surface comparison on Propeller Aero
Step 1

Lay your AeroPoints

Place AeroPoints on-site to record precise ground positions

Quantum trinity drone flying over construction site
Step 2

Gather drone data

Fly RTK-enabled drones along an automated flight path, then process with PPK

upload to Propeller
Step 3

Upload your data

Transfer the collected data to Propeller for processing

Cut fill heat map on Propeller Aero's software
Step 4

Receive processed data

Get a high-resolution 3D map, point cloud, and orthophoto

How drone photogrammetry works

Why PPK matters

  • Remove reliance on real-time GNSS connections that can drift or fail
  • Achieve consistent survey-grade accuracy across multiple flights and large sites
  • Reduce errors and rework by validating imagery against precise ground control
  • Make confident, data-driven decisions for planning and reporting
  • Scale easily across projects while maintaining repeatable results

Verify your data

Along with your processed dataset, you’ll receive a summary report detailing:

  • GNSS corrections applied to each photo
  • Ground control accuracy
  • Overall survey precision
construction worksite surface comparison on Propeller Aero

FAQs

PPK drone mapping is a post-processing kinematic workflow that improves the accuracy of drone surveys by combining aerial imagery with precise ground control.

Unlike real-time kinematics (RTK), PPK performs corrections after the flight, making it more reliable and accurate, especially for large or complex sites.

Use recommended drones with AeroPoints, follow the PPK workflow, and validate your data with Propeller’s geospatial data processing.

PPK drone surveying captures images with precise GPS data from AeroPoints and the drone, then applies post-processing kinematic corrections to produce survey-grade 3D maps.

PPK ensures precise, repeatable results for planning, reporting, and compliance, even on sites with vegetation, rough terrain, or complex features.

Using Propeller’s PPK workflow and recommended equipment, surveys can reach 1/10ft (3cm) accuracy.

RTK-enabled drones and AeroPoints are required for full PPK integration and high-precision survey results.