US technology company Trimble has partnered with DroneDeploy, a cloud-based software solution for drones, to enhance drone mapping. 

As part of this partnership, Trimble's Applanix POSPac Cloud post-processed kinematic (PPK) GNSS positioning service, including CenterPoint RTX, has been integrated with DroneDeploy’s reality-capture platform for drone mapping and data collection. 

This collaboration is expected to deliver centimetre-level accuracy and an automated, streamlined workflow for DroneDeploy customers when performing reality capture with drones. 

It is also anticipated to improve the quality of 3D reality capture models, creating new opportunities for drone operators in the construction, topography, and temporal analysis sectors. 

DroneDeploy CEO and co-founder Michael Winn said: “DroneDeploy is delivering high accuracy by default. The collaboration with Trimble allows us to provide centimetre-level accurate data collection as simple as drag and drop. 

“In testing, we've seen large construction, energy and agriculture customers get high-accuracy drone maps simply and reliably to gain insights about the projects and assets they care about, while operating with more confidence.” 

The Trimble Applanix POSPac Cloud PPK service processes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) trajectory based on CenterPoint RTX corrections.  

The integration of Applanix POSPac Cloud PPK with RTX is set to enhance accuracy, reduce time in the field, and improve workflow efficiency. 

The cloud application programming interface simplifies the post-processing of kinematic positions. 

This enables users to achieve precise results without the need for on-site base stations. 

Trimble inertial technology and airborne business director Joe Hutton said: “This collaboration with DroneDeploy is leading the trend for PPK-enabled drone data capture without base stations, enabled by Trimble RTX.”