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Emlid Reach RS2

The Emlid Reach RS2 base and rover system is commonly used for Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) applications when working with drone LiDAR systems that rely on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) technologies. Here are the key reasons for using the Reach RS2 system in such scenarios:

  1. Centimeter-level Accuracy: The Reach RS2 system offers high-precision GNSS positioning with centimeter-level accuracy. This level of precision is crucial for drone LiDAR applications, where accurate positioning is essential for generating precise and reliable point clouds and elevation data.
  2. Dual-Frequency GNSS: The Reach RS2 supports dual-frequency GNSS reception, which enhances the system’s positioning accuracy and robustness. Dual-frequency receivers can mitigate common errors and biases associated with single-frequency systems, such as ionospheric and multipath effects, resulting in more reliable and accurate positioning.
  3. PPK Capability: PPK is a technique used to improve the accuracy of GNSS positioning by post-processing the collected GNSS data with known reference station data. The Reach RS2 system supports PPK workflows, allowing users to collect raw GNSS data during flight missions and later process it using post-processing software. This enables achieving higher accuracy compared to real-time kinematic (RTK) solutions, especially in areas with limited or no real-time correction network coverage.
  4. Base-Rover Configuration: The Reach RS2 system consists of a base and a rover unit. The base unit serves as a reference station, collecting raw GNSS data throughout the flight mission. The rover unit is mounted on the drone and receives corrections from the base station in real-time or logs data for later post-processing. This base-rover configuration facilitates accurate georeferencing of the drone’s LiDAR data, enabling precise alignment and registration of the point clouds with other spatial data.
  5. Long Baseline Support: The Reach RS2 system supports long baselines, allowing the base and rover units to be placed several kilometers apart. Longer baselines can improve the accuracy and reliability of the positioning solution, particularly in areas with challenging GNSS conditions or in larger surveying areas.
  6. Integration with IMU: In drone LiDAR systems, an IMU is used to measure the drone’s orientation and motion. The Reach RS2 system can be easily integrated with the drone’s IMU, enabling the fusion of GNSS and IMU data. This integrated GNSS-IMU solution enhances the LiDAR data georeferencing accuracy by compensating for the drone’s attitude and position changes during the LiDAR data acquisition.

In summary, the Emlid Reach RS2 base and rover system is chosen for PPK workflows in drone LiDAR applications due to its centimeter-level accuracy, dual-frequency GNSS support, PPK capability, base-rover configuration, long baseline support, and compatibility with IMU integration. These features combine to provide accurate and reliable georeferencing for LiDAR point clouds, facilitating precise mapping and analysis in various industries, such as surveying, construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.