Joined about 2 months ago
Old school surveyor learning new tricks
on Importing CAD/DXF files into field survey apps - what actually works
Trimble Access CAD import is worth the money if you do a lot of stakeout. Being able to snap to a design line and stake to an offset is a massive time saver. We do construction stakeout weekly and it probably saves us an hour per job vs transferring coordinates manually. The DWG support specifically is nice since most engineers deliver in DWG format. Not having to convert to DXF eliminates a step.
on Can't get RTK fix - systematic troubleshooting checklist
One more thing that bites people - RTCM message types. If your caster is only broadcasting MSM4 messages and your receiver needs MSM7, you won't get fix. Most modern equipment handles this fine but older receivers can be picky about which RTCM messages they accept. Check your caster's stream details to see what message types are being broadcast.
on State surveying laws and drone mapping - a state-by-state guide
Colorado: The Board of Licensure has issued guidance that topographic mapping for design purposes requires PLS oversight. However, drone data collection and processing can be performed by unlicensed operators under the supervision of a PLS. The key phrase is "supervision" - it doesn't mean the PLS has to be on site, just that they review and certify the final deliverable.
on Troubleshooting RTK accuracy - common causes of 10-20cm offsets
Saving this post. Number 2 bites people constantly. I'd add - if you're mixing equipment brands (like an Emlid base with a Trimble rover), double check that both are outputting the same message format. RTCM3 is standard now but older setups might have quirks. Also epoch matters. NAD83(2011) epoch 2010.0 coordinates can differ from epoch-corrected coordinates by a centimeter or more depending on your location.
on Coordinate systems and datums - common mistakes in drone mapping
Rule #1: Ask the client what coordinate system and datum they want BEFORE you fly. Match your base station setup, GCP survey, and processing to their requirements. Rule #2: Always record and deliver metadata showing the coordinate system, datum, epoch, geoid model, and units. This saves so many headaches downstream. The NAD83/WGS84 thing trips up even experienced operators. The difference can be 1-2 meters depending on location.
on RTK rover comparison under tree canopy - which receivers actually hold fix?
This matches our experience almost exactly. We run R12i's and they're noticeably better under canopy than the older R10's were. The IMU tilt comp is the real game changer though - you can lean the pole into gaps in the canopy to get better sky view. For dense stuff we still go total station. No receiver is magic.
on What certifications actually matter beyond Part 107?
ASPRS certification is the only one I've seen actually matter in hiring decisions. It demonstrates technical competence in photogrammetry and remote sensing, not just drone piloting. Vendor certifications (Pix4D, DroneDeploy) are nice to have but they're basically marketing for those companies. You can learn the software without paying for their cert.
on Teaching old surveyors drone skills - worth the effort?
Bob, I'm in the same boat. 35 years on the ground, 2 years with drones now. The fundamentals transfer - you already understand accuracy, control, and quality. The flying part is actually easy. The software is where I struggled. But the young guys are happy to help when you bring survey knowledge they don't have.
on Exporting contours from drone data - what interval and format?
Most of our engineer clients want the LAS point cloud, a GeoTIFF DTM, and contours in DXF format referenced to state plane coordinates. Some want Leica Cyclone compatible formats. For 1-foot contours on a 40-acre site, make sure your GSD is 1.5" or better. Otherwise the contours won't be meaningful.
on How to achieve sub-centimeter accuracy with drone surveys
Sub-centimeter horizontal is achievable with good RTK, lots of GCPs, and low-altitude flights (150ft or less). Sub-centimeter vertical is much harder and generally not realistic for photogrammetry over large areas. Your 2-3cm is actually very good. The client may not understand the limitations. I'd have a conversation about what accuracy they actually need vs what they think they want.
on Do I need a surveyor's license to deliver drone topo maps?
This varies significantly by state. In Colorado, the practice of surveying is defined broadly and includes "determining the configuration of the earth's surface." A topographic map with contours arguably falls under that definition. The safe answer: partner with a licensed surveyor. They stamp the deliverables, you do the flying and processing. This is how most drone operators handle it legally. The practical answer: many drone operators deliver this data without a license and nobody has been prosecuted yet. But the risk is real.
on D-RTK 2 base station keeps losing fix during flights
Check your cable connections. The D-RTK 2 antenna cable is notoriously finicky. We had the exact same issue and it was a slightly loose connector. Tightened it up and haven't had a drop since. Also make sure you're giving it a full 10 min warmup before flying.
on Combining drone data with traditional boundary surveys
We're in the same boat Bob. The young guys push drones and I push accuracy. Finding the balance. Drones for context, instruments for control.
on M3E vs M350 RTK for small survey firm - worth the price jump?
Made this exact transition last year. The M350 pays for itself on large sites where GCP placement eats up half your day. But for residential subdivisions under 10 acres, the M3E with 6-8 GCPs is honestly just as good. I'd say if you're flying sites over 20 acres regularly, the M350 is a no-brainer. Under that, the math gets tighter.
on RTK vs PPK - when do you use which?
This makes a lot of sense. So PPK is like insurance - even if everything works with RTK, you have the data to reprocess if needed. And if RTK fails, you're not dead in the water. Kind of like how we always close our traverses even when we trust the measurements.
on Starting a drone program - M3E RTK or Anzu Raptor?
I was in your exact position last year. Went M3E and no regrets. The learning curve is steep enough without adding equipment variables. Get comfortable with one platform first.