A bit of a trivial question that I'm wondering if anyone can answer.
I'm working with Topcon GPS units (HR's) and While I was out in the field I used the static option in areas where the radio was otherwise dipping out.
As I had originally setup for RTK my base was running, and by default I always set it to log a static file for later processing if necessary.
What I'm wondering is if there's a meaningful difference between shooting points as PPK, or a Static run for a short amount of time (1-2 minutes). To my knowledge both options just involve collecting data with your rover over time which will then be processed using data from the base.
Most of my attempts to locate this information online have been unsuccessful, so I'm not sure if that's because this is so wrong no one would even consider it.
Not much difference. Both need post processing, but the algorithms are different and doing kinematic requires that you do not lose lock on the satellites between points observed. Keep in mind that your observation window is small, so a good PDOP is imperative.
Well in the 1 - 2 minute range your logging interval is what matters the most. But this can get tricky. If I am doing PPK I want 1 epoch logging for short time frame. Maybe 5 epoch rate get increase the time. Your base logging 1 second data all day except in a pinch watch your storage for sure. Before RTK I did a lot I mean a lot of PPK. As stated above once you enter that mode you don’t want to be loosing lock so be in the wide open. Think about it this way when you are doing RTK and walk into the woods and you lose lock but gain it back very quickly. With PPK that whole observation before and after are now somewhat suspect.
what I do is this it’s sorta a best of both worlds here for us because we don’t live in the Midwest so canopy and such are all around. So at my base which is in a good open area I log at 15 second rate this works to send to OPUS and when radio goes down or I just want to do some looking and try and find some old corner. I set up my rover pole end my RTK survey and begin a fast static observation on a control point or found rod etc. I let that burn or log while I am doing something else maybe review a deed or plats or looking for some old tree or corner etc. what this does is I already know about how far I am from the base I know how many sats I am tracking at the rover and I might be there from 5 to 15 minutes clearing line of site or scratching around for some stone or tree etc. I might set a pair like this and next day out set base there tie back to other control via RTK or static or both.
You have many tools so use them all. The trick is figuring out when to use what tool and method appropriately to have the best quality and productivity in any given situation. Unfortunately sometimes it’s a radio antenna that’s gone bad and well you have an option walk out 3000 ft or just do a couple 5 to 15 minutes static and process back in the office. To me I am not as young and spry as I use to be so I will sit on a log for a bit and rest while the tool works for me before I walk out and have to come back. Good luck remember usually static is more accurate than RTK or PPK in most situations. Just find your sweet spot and yes watch your DOPS. PDOP HDOP VDOP GDOP etc.