Table of Content
- What is WingtraPPP?
- Key Benefits of WingtraPPP
- WingtraPPP is recommended for
- WingtraPPP is not recommended for
- Best practices
- How to use WingtraPPP with WingtraGROUND
- How to use WingtraPPP with other GNSS Receivers
🗺️ What is PPP?
PPP is a feature in WingtraCLOUD that delivers accurate absolute positioning using cloud-based Precise Point Positioning (PPP). It does not require pre-surveyed control points or a connection to an RTK network.
Users simply record GNSS data with WingtraGROUND or any compatible GNSS receiver set up as base station. After the flight the data is uploaded and WingtraCLOUD will apply PPP corrections automatically to obtain an accurate base location.
💡 Under optimal conditions (2–3 hours of logging), WingtraPPP can deliver horizontal accuracy down to 2 cm (0.06 ft) and vertical accuracy down to 3 cm (0.1 ft). For logging times of around 1 hour, expect approximately 5–10 cm (0.16ft - 0.33ft) absolute accuracy.
⭐️ Key benefits of WingtraPPP
- Included at no additional cost for all WingtraCLOUD Pro and Unlimited customers
- Powered by Trimble CenterPoint RTX for high-precision, globally consistent positioning results
- Provides global coverage without requiring an internet connection on site during data collection
- Simple, automated workflow with no additional training required for ground crews
✅ WingtraPPP is recommended for
- Professionals who need absolute accuracy without relying on local RTK infrastructure, internet connection or pre-existing control
- Engineering and construction teams requiring fast, reliable absolute positioning
- Mapping service providers looking to minimize ground setup time
❌ WingtraPPP is not recommended for
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Legal or cadastral surveys that require certified local control and regulatory compliance
-
High-precision engineering or deformation monitoring projects that mandate dense GCP networks
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Environments with severe GNSS obstruction, such as urban canyons
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Projects with absolute accuracy requirements beyond the expected performance of PPP (down to 2cm horizontally, 3cm vertically)
🕹️ Best Practices
- Resulting accuracy strongly depends on GNSS logging duration
- Minimum required logging time: 10 minutes (reduced accuracy)
- Recommended logging time: ~60 minutes (expect approximately 5–10 cm absolute accuracy.)
- Longer logging times generally improve accuracy, under optimal conditions (2–3 hours of logging), WingtraPPP can deliver horizontal accuracy down to 2 cm (0.06 ft) and vertical accuracy down to 3 cm
- Try to start GNSS logging as soon as you arrive on site
- Ensure the GNSS receiver has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky at all times
- Base file requirements receiver settings (when not using WingtraGROUND)
- Supported data formats: RINEX 2, RINEX 3, Trimble proprietary (e.g. to2,to4)
- Dual-frequency pseudorange and carrier phase observations GNSS (L1 and L2)
- Logging rate: 1 Hz (Logging rates above 2 Hz are not supported)
- Max logging duration: 24h
- The processed data will be available approx. 3 hours after logging is finished. For the best repeatable accuracy, reuse the base location and its coordinates rather than processing again.
How to use WingtraPPP with WingtraGROUND
On site
Post mission
- Enter the processing screen
- Drag and Drop your image data
- Wingtra GROUND will automatically upload base station and target files
- Under "Correction Data", choose "New Location (PPP)"
- Start processing
💡 Tip: If you re-fly the site, enable "Save base location to site details to reuse"
How to use WingtraPPP with other GNSS Receivers
- Enter the processing screen
- Drag and Drop your image data and base files (.XXO or .to2/.to4)
- Under "Correction Data", choose "New Location (PPP)"
- Start processing
💡 Tip: If you re-fly the site, enable "Save base location to site details to reuse"
⁉️ Frequently asked questions
How is WingtraPPP different from RTK or PPK?
RTK/PPK requires either a local RTK network, or a known base station coordinate. Wingtra PPP works globally without any local RTK infrastructure
Is WingtraPPP survey-grade?
WingtraPPP delivers absolute accuracy for many engineering, construction, and mapping workflows, but it is not intended for legal or cadastral surveys that require certified local control and regulatory compliance.
Do I need an internet connection on site?
No, all GNSS data is recorded offline. PPP corrections are applied after the mission, once the data is uploaded to WingtraCLOUD.
How long does PPP processing take?
PPP processing typically completes around 3 hours after GNSS logging has finished and processing has started. The corrected trajectory is automatically integrated into the processed results.
Can I create a new known point without conducting a flight?
No, currently PPP can only be used, if also a flight happens. Or if Ground Points were measured with WingtraGROUND.
What is the difference between OPUS and WingtraPPP?
OPUS is a free service, for US corrections. It requires multiple manual steps and inputs to get to absolute accuracy. OPUS can be part of a defensible workflow if used correctly. It requires numerous manual steps (right uploaded file, antenna height, metadata, etc.), which are error-prone.
WingtraPPP is a managed service we run in the background for users. The value is not “one less upload step” — it’s the simplest path to a result with fewer manual inputs and fewer opportunities for human error. And under the hood, WingtraPPP runs Trimble CenterPoint RTX, which is defensible when used correctly and documented.
author: André Becker