How to process drone data with Mavic 3E and Smart Construction Edge.【RTK】

Introduction

This procedure is the case using Mavice3E RTK mode.

Please use google translation function when you read this article if you want to know it in your native language.

・Point cloud processing has area and processing density limitations.
・If the device does not have a SIM, automatic transfer is not available.

・If there is no correction information service, it is not possible to install at unknown points.

・If the coordinate values used at the installation location are local coordinates, localization using Rover is required in advance.

Drone Flight

It is possible to merge flight data, but please note the following

From the standpoint of accuracy, it is necessary to ensure that multiple flight paths lap around each other.

If the lap area is not sufficient, point cloud generation may fail, and generation may not be possible in some cases.

　　　　　　Lap flight performed　　　　　　　　　　Lap flight not performed

Edge2 Device

The values below are for reference only.

If the maximum processing area is exceeded, a processing error will occur, and the data must be processed by dividing the number of flights.

Level	Density	Maximum processing area
		Point Cloud + ortho + Unnecessary object Removal point cloud	Point Cloud + Ortho	Point Cloud ＋ Unnecessary object Removal point cloud	Point Clouds only
Ultra-high density	280p/m2	5ha	5ha	10ha	10ha
High-density	160p/m2	9ha	9ha	18ha	18ha
Medium	100p/m2	15ha	15ha	30ha	30ha
Standard density	16p/m2	50ha	50ha	50ha	50ha

Procedure

1. Set up the device

Turn the bolt around and remove the cover to introduce the battery.

Make sure you have locked the battery.
After installation, be sure to put the cover back on again.

1-2. Set up the surveying tripod

Prepare a tripod with a 5/8 in. screw on the top.

The top of the tripod must be flat. 

Fix the screw firmly to the bottom screw of Edge Box.

Use a levelling device if needed.

Set up the Device at a known point.

1-3. Trun on the Device

To turn on the Edge2, press and hold the power button on the EdgeBox for about 4 seconds.
Startup in progress: LED flashes green.
Startup complete: LED is solid green.

① Power button status LED	② Battery indicator	③ Power button
④ GNSS reception status	⑤ PPK logging status LED	⑥ Error Update status LED

1-4. Tablet connection with the device
After the LTE lights up, the tablet's Wi-Fi function is activated and connected to the device.

①. The serial number of each device.

1-5. Install Ege2icon to start the app 

For first-time users, you will need to install an Edge2-specific start icon in your ipad tablet.
Please refer here for instructions.

How to install an icon

2. Creation of projects to prepare data for processing

An Internet environment is required for the linkage.
If you do not have one, please start from ③.

It needs the free storage space of more than 50GB if you process the data.

You can check the remaining storage

178GB(remaining)/198GB(capacity)

① Create project：The start depends on the use case.
② Generate a new project by connecting to SMART CONSTRUCTION Dashboard.
	Generate a new project on SMART CONSTRUCTION Dashboard.
	Import a project from SMART CONSTRUCTION Dashboard.
③ Generate a new project without connecting to SMART CONSTRUCTION Dashboard.
	Generate a new project in SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge.
④ Select a project：To select from already created projects

2-1. Set up coordinate type for processing flight data

The selection is depends on the survey coordinates used in the field.
If local coordinates are to be used, they must be imported into the localization device on site prior to use.

① Project name	First enter the project name.
② Coodinate system to Use
WGS 84	Known	Local
If the known point is a point that has been calculated using correction information, it is available for surveying in WGS84 format.	If the coordinate type is world-based, point data can be transformed via projection system.	The local data must be used and localization must be conducted in advance.
③ Import Localization File
④	Cancel	Create

Example of the format above for imprt localization file

	⇩Order of XYZ:ENZ				Date starts from first raw. (Without any heddaer) ⇩
Point name	X(E)	Y(N)	Z(Alt.)	Lat.	Lon.	Elipsoidal height
A	-44040.093	22842.694	3.36	35.36100055	140.0507608	38.11
B	-44164.236	22697.367	3.904	35.36059902	140.0501823	38.715
C	-44071.288	22619.448	3.906	35.36090117	140.0458736	38.741
D	-4392.312	22743.991	3.548	35.36139004	140.0503701	38.402
⇧ Data starts from first Column				⇧ Lat./Lon DD format.(Decimal)

2-2. Set up local coordinate after import

① Height Unit	meters	international feet	US survey feet
② Lat/Lon	DD		DMS
③ Coordinate Order	ENZ	NEZ	Data start row	select  ▼
④ Decimal Point	.(point)	.(comma)	Data start column	select  ▼
⑤ Separator	;(semicolom)	(tab)	,(comma)	Space
⑥ ☑Reflect the change here to"Locale setting" in the setting menu.
Cancel　　/　　　OK

2-3. Confirmation of the horizontal and vertical shift in the local coordinate
Check that the differences in the imported files are correct, as they are critical for accuracy, and create the project.

⑦ Residuals
Horizontal ☑0.001	Vertical ☑-0.006
⑧ Re-select the file
Cancel	Create

3. How to set up base station for sending the collection data

① Base satation mode ( To switch to the base station mode for sending correction Information )
Cancel	OK

3-1. Select the project you create

① Select a project.

Please select the project you created.

3-2. Set up the base sataion point 

Select or add a base station installation point of SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge.
① Add base station pints	② import point files
① - ① select the already imported data or USB. Cancel / OK	② - ① If you would like to use this function, Internet and GNSS correction data service (Network RTK service)required. ② - ② Direct input of known points. Cancel / Add
① - ② Be sure to check the points of installation of Edge2 and known points.

3-3. Measuring the pole height after inputting the installation point

To enter the height at which the satellite is to be received, measure and enter the exact distance from the ground to the line shown in the illustration.

To connect the Mavic3E controller with the Edge2,select the Wi-Fi button.

⓪ Wi-Fi	To connect with controller of Drone.
① imput the pole height	value	unit　▼
② Measuring method of the pole height. You can measure the height by clicking.
③ Start broadcasting

3-4. Set up getting ppk log 【 for insurance 】
PPK logs can be obtained simultaneously while using RTK mode.

Please consider using this as an insurance policy.

If not needed, please skip the following steps. 

Use known points during device setup.

If the known point is in the localization, it can be selected from the import.

If additional points are needed, they can be registered directly in addition.

① PPK Logging
② Add Base Station points
③ Import Point Files
You can select the known point from imported data.	Known point
②-①.◎ Enter Base Station point Coordinates (Local Coordinate)

3-5. Measuring the pole height　

To enter the height at which the satellite is to be received, measure and enter the exact distance from the ground to the line shown in the illustration.

Please ppl logging time should be done before starting the flight and continue until the completion of the multiple flights.

① imput the pole height	value	unit　▼
② Measuring method of the pole height. You can measure the height by clicking.
③ Start ppk logging

4. How to set up flight setting

RTK module must be installed with Drone.

Set up the Wi-Fi connection between controller and Edge2

Select the SSID of serial number of Edge2 and enter the password.

The pass word is edge2-ap

Press and hold the Wi-Fi icon

Creation filght Project and set up flight Route.

Our product does not apply on Waypoint Route.

① Flight Route

② Create a Route

③ Area Route for creation a project

4-1. Set up the flight route

① Creation for flght area

② save button

Tips

If you plan your flight so that Edge2 is in the flight area, you can use Edge2 as a GCP point when processing data.

4-2. Set up receiveing GNSS correction data via Wi-Fi

Please work outdoors for GNSS reception of the drone.　

①  RTK positioning	ON
①  Maintain posititoning accuracy mode	ON
②  Select RTK sarivice type	Custom Network RTK

4-2. Set up receiveing GNSS correction data via Wi-Fi　

Set up the Custom Network RTK Name, account name, and password are optional. If you have not decided on a name, please refer to the following.
Neme	Edge2
NTRIP　Adress	scedge.local
Port	2101
Acount	Edge
Password	1234
Mount Point	RTCM3_2_MSM7
		Delete　　/    Cancel     /   Save

Please check the status after setting 
Success: Conected

4-4. Select the drone type and camera setting

Red text is must for setting

① Select Aircraft Model	M3E Series	① Select Camera Model	M3E
② Enter the project name
③ Ortho collection		Oblique Collection
④ Ortho GSD（1cm/pixel）		Recommendaiton size is 1.00 cm
⑤ Altitude Mode		Relative to Takeoff Point(ALT)

4-5. Select the drone type and camera setting

Red text is must for setting

① Route Altitude(Unnecessary adjustment)	Depend on Othro GSD
② Elevation optimization	ON
③ Safe takeoff altitude	After takeoff, you can set the altitude to travel to the starting point. If there are no obstacles around, it is recommended to set the same value as the route altitude.
④ Speed Higher speeds may cause the flight path to be rounded and the drone to shake more.  If high accuracy is desired, the speed must be reduced. Note that the slower the speed, the faster the battery will run out. maxspeed should be less than 11.2 m/s.
④ Course angle Ability to change the direction of the flight path Depending on the shape of the flight course, the number of round-trips increases the possibility. By changing the angle, the number of round-trips is expected to decrease.
④ Advance Settings　（please click after setting）

Check Side Overlap Ratio and Frontal Overlao Ratio,Photo Mode 

Note the shooting range and camera mode settings.

Red text is must for setting

Advance Settings
① Side overlap ratio（%）	60 (basic rate)~80
② Frontal overlap ratio（%）	80 (basic rate)
③ Photo mode	Distance interval shot
④ Custom camera angle	OFF
⑤ Save button

4-6. Select the shutter speed

Note that point cloud data cannot be generated if the shooting speed is incorrect.

Red text is must for setting

① Preflight chekku button	② Next
③ Shutter setting    1/1000	④ Upload flight mission

4-7. Important points to note when flying

Please keep distance from devices that are acquiring satellites.

5. How to generate the Point cloud data after flight

If the device is connected to the Internet, you can transfer the point cloud data to the Smart Construction Dashboard job site via the cloud.
A separate contract is required to use the Smart Construction Cloud.

① Generate Point Cloud
①-① Reservation of the point cloud reneration			Internet connection required
② Point Cloud Name		Enter the project name
③ Generation Method	Use PPK only		□＋GCP
	Use RTK flight data		□＋GCP
	Use GCP only
④ Destination of the generation process	◎ SMART CONSATRUTION Edge
	◎ SMART CONSATRUTION Cloud		Internet connection required other license required
⑤ Send to the cloud	□　Selection job site		Internet connection required
Without a license of SMART CONSTRUCTION Cloud SfM, you cannot use point-cloud generation on the cloud.
Cancel		Next

5-1. Selection of generate the Point cloud data

Unwanted objects can be removed automatically when processing flight data.

Select the density of your point cloud.

Standard is recommended for use in soil volume calculations

If you prepare checkpoints to compare the point data, you can check accuracy.

Ortho data can be generated by selection.

① Unnecesary Item Removal			OFF	ON
② Point cloud Density	Standard 16points/㎡	Medium 100points/㎡	Hight 160points/㎡	Ultra Hight 280points/㎡
③ Generate point cloud for higher-precision accuracy check.			Loading the check points
④ Ortho Image and DEM Image creation			OFF	ON
⑤ Strat PPK processing			Upper limit of photo number

5-2. Confirmation of the outcome of the Point Cloud data

You can check the processing results of the generated point cloud data and the accuracy of the data with the range and validation points.

① Generate Point cloud / select created point cloud data.
② point cloud imformation	②-① Calculation setting
	②-② PPK Processing Results you can check flight route and PPKfix rate.
③ Point Cloud	③-① adjust the point size for checking the point cloud data
④ Vertical accuracy check
④-① Radius of point cloud Range (cm)
④-② Vertical accuracy check can be run with only the position of SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge if the check point is not specified.
④-③ Validation Results Check point in red letters is out of range of the point cloud and is not used by the vertical accuracy check.

5-3. Offset the outcome of point cloud data

By offsetting with respect to a known point, small variations can be adjusted from the result.

④-④ Average of valid vertical difference for all Check Point: 0.001 Offset (meters): 0.000	OFF	ON
④-⑤ Edit the offset value
◎ Vertical offset with the average of vertical differences
◎ Vertical offset by any value
Enter the offset value. (Enter a negative value to low the height.)
Reflect the offset value

6. How to shut down

You can shut down the app.
Select the gear icon and tap the shutdown button in information and operations.

①　Gear icon for setting and confirmation
②　Information and operations
Shutdown SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge
Restart SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge
Delete Data	Data recovery is not available.
Display SMART CONSTRUCTION Edge Information