Absolute Vs Relative Accuracy For Drone Surveying

• The surge in demand for accurate geospatial data highlights the importance of choosing between High Absolute and Relative Accuracy. 

• Find out the difference between Absolute and Relative Accuracy and how they impact/benefit your surveys.

• How RTK and PPK can help increase accuracy. 

In the rapidly advancing field of drone surveying, accuracy is a crucial component which can determine the success of a project.

Two terms often used are Relative Accuracy and Absolute Accuracy, which refer to different aspects of the accuracy of the data collected by the drone.

But what are they?

• Relative Accuracy: Relative Accuracy refers to the precision of measurements relative to each other within the dataset. It focuses on the consistency of measurements taken at different points or times within the surveyed area.

• Absolute Accuracy: Absolute accuracy refers to how closely the measurements taken by the drone reflect real-world coordinates or ground truth. It assesses how accurately the collected data represents the true positions and features on the Earth's surface. 

High absolute accuracy in drone surveying ensures precise alignment with ground truth, bolstering trust and reliability in applications like mapping and infrastructure planning.

Meanwhile, high relative accuracy enhances consistency within datasets, enabling robust spatial analysis and facilitating informed decision-making across various segments of the surveyed area.

Both forms of accuracy play vital roles in maximising the utility and effectiveness of drone-sourced data in diverse fields.

DJI drones leverage onboard sensors like accelerators, gyros, and magnetometers to maintain stability and precision during flight, contributing to reliable relative accuracy.

Measurements you take from your dataset will be accurate but will not line up with a coordinate reference system; offsets may be experienced, particularly on the z-axis.

You can use either a RTK or PPK workflow to capture data with high relative and high absolute accuracy.

RTK corrections can be transmitted to the drone in real-time, whereas PPK corrections are applied in the office and processed against data from a local base station.

Accuracy Vs Precision In Drone Surveying

Before we delve into Relative vs Absolute Accuracy, let's first explore the differences between accuracy and precision, as these are two ways that surveyors can think about errors.

• Accuracy: Accuracy refers to how close the measured values are to the true or known values. In drone surveying, accuracy assesses the correctness of the geospatial data collected in relation to the real-world coordinates.

• Precision: Precision refers to the consistency and repeatability of measurements when taken repeatedly under the same conditions. In drone surveying, precision evaluates the reliability and reproducibility of measurements within the dataset.

In the context of Relative Vs Absolute Accuracy:

• Relative accuracy focuses more on precision rather than accuracy. It emphasizes the consistency of measurements relative to each other within the dataset.

• Absolute accuracy prioritises both accuracy and precision. It ensures that the collected data closely align with true or known coordinates in the real world. 

Understanding Relative Accuracy 

The level of accuracy you need depends on what you are surveying and why. 

Relative accuracy is the best option to conduct a general inspection to compare and analyse within a specific dataset.

Applications such as monitoring changes in vegetation, tracking construction progress, stockpile calculations, or assessing the impact of natural disasters are well-suited to this level. 

Relative accuracy is suitable because these applications require accurate data for a specific section of land, not necessarily its exact location on a global level. 

For example, if you are tasked with determining the distance between buildings and apparatus on a construction site, relative accuracy would give you the most relevant data without any additional reference points.

Benefits of Relative Accuracy

• Rapid Deployment: Without extensive ground control and surveying, you can swiftly deploy your drone with no fuss, which is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. 

• Flexible Data Collection: Relative accuracy allows for more flexibility as no set ground points exist, giving you better adaptability in the air. (rescue missions- elaborate) 

• Sufficient Intra-Dataset Comparisons: Reliable surface-level data, ideal for missions where the primary goal is to compare and analyse features within the same dataset.

• Localised Mapping: When conducting a mission in a small area such as the countryside, you likely do not require precise global geographical data points of high absolute accuracy.* 

*Depending on the type of survey, for example, topographical mapping in the countryside will require a coordinate system. 

Understanding Absolute Accuracy 

High absolute accuracy becomes necessary when you need precise coordinates and more in-depth data for comparing data over long periods. 

We advise you to use high absolute accuracy for surveying, mapping, and any mission that requires more specific and sophisticated data, such as georeferenced data, precision architecture, topographical mapping, and projects that require data that meets standardisation and regulation compliance regulations.

A popular use of high absolute accuracy is tracking data from inspections and surveys over time, as this level of precision shows you exactly how much an area/building has improved or deteriorated over time by demonstrating the visual differences and following the exact coordinates of every mission.  

Benefits of High Absolute Accuracy

• Interoperability and Integration: High absolute accuracy allows for seamless integration of your drone’s survey data with other geospatial datasets, creating comprehensive maps or conducting analyses that span large areas.

• Legal Compliance: Many industries, such as construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, have strict standards and regulations to adhere to, and high absolute accuracy ensures you meet these rules.

• Survey Control and Ground Truthing: This is particularly important for large-scale projects where ground truthing is necessary to validate and refine the survey results.

• Long-Term Comparisons: When conducting surveys over time, high absolute accuracy ensures consistent measurements, which is essential for monitoring changes in landscapes, infrastructure, or environmental conditions over extended periods.

• Precision Agriculture: High absolute accuracy is vital for crop monitoring, yield prediction, and variable rate application of resources, enabling farmers to make informed decisions based on accurate spatial information.

There are two options to achieve high absolute accuracy: RTK or PPK. 

RTK and PPK

RTK and PPK are indispensable to drone surveying for refining geospatial data accuracy. 

RTK operates by utilising real-time differential correction to refine GPS positioning data, employing a base station with known coordinates to transmit correction signals to the drone in the field, or by using an NTRIP RTK licence.  

It ensures centimetre-level precision by adjusting the drone's position during flight, making it ideal for applications requiring immediate data feedback, applying accurate spatial information from the satellites to the photos the drone takes rather than adjusting the aircraft's position. It also improves connectivity and stability during flight, but primary focus is as said in green above.

On the other hand, PPK corrects GPS errors after data collection, processing raw GPS data from the drone alongside information from a stationary base station.

This post-processing technique offers flexibility as it doesn't depend on real-time communication and can achieve levels of accuracy similar to RTK.

The choice between RTK and PPK hinges on project requirements, operational constraints, and available resources.

RTK is advantageous for real-time adjustments and immediate feedback, PPK offers flexibility and comparable accuracy through post-processing, making it suitable for projects with less stringent time constraints. It is also good for users who don’t have access to an internet connection and NTRIP.

To learn more about RTK and PPK, please look at our blog, 'RTK Vs PPK.’

Tips for achieving your desired accuracy

Use this table to decide the best action to achieve your ideal accuracy type. 

Summary

Fundamentally, what level of accuracy is best for you comes down to three main factors: 

• Purpose of mission? What are you looking to find out?

• Is this a one-off or regular task? How often will you be carrying out this/these missions?

• Available time and budget? How much time and money can you afford? 

High absolute accuracy is indispensable for applications demanding precise spatial positioning, adherence to legal standards, or regular inspections.

Ultimately, understanding the distinct advantages of each accuracy metric enables drone surveyors to tailor their approach based on the unique demands of their projects.