REDtoolbox

GNSS PPK Postprocessing and Geotagging

Enhance your aerial mapping projects with REDtoolbox,
tailored for advanced GNSS PPK postprocessing with RTK drones, if RTK isn’t available! 

REDtoolbox software seamlessly processes extensive datasets from multi-flight missions, utilizing multi-constellation GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo signals across L1, L2, L5 frequencies. Achieve centimeter-level accuracy for thousands of images, optimizing photogrammetry and documentation. Embrace efficiency and precision with REDtoolbox, the perfect solution for professionals aiming to elevate their aerial survey outcomes through superior technical capabilities and streamlined workflows.

Key features

  • For almost any RTK and PPK drone and REDcatch hardware.
  • PPK of multiple flights in one single run
  • Merge RINEX hourly files
  • Shift lat/lon/elev RTK coordinates
  • CLI interface for integrating and automatisation
REDtoolbox REDcatch PPK software drone

from € 69,-  excl. VAT
for perpetual license

What is REDtoolbox software good for?

The software conducts multi-constellation and multiband GNSS post-processing PPK for a Base-Rover setup. This setup is commonly utilized in various UAV/drone applications as well as terrestrial devices. It generates a PPK corrected GNSS path at centimetre-level accuracy, which varies based on the device, the current satellite constellation, and the quality of the signal received. The drone’s captured images are then accurately mapped to this PPK path. Outputted in variouse formats like *.txt and native software file, these results can be directly used into photogrammetry software such as Metashape, Pix4D, RealityCapture, ODM, Terra and other applications.

who is using redtoolbox

Who is using REDtoolbox ?

Back in 2014, at the beginning of RTK drones and direct georeferencing, REDcatch released it’s first version of REDtoolbox. Since then, this nice tool is used by hundreds of happy users worldwide.

Ongoing development and new features are warmly welcome by the drone community and help in daily work.

Compatible drones and devices of REDtoolbox software

Use the output directly in your photogrammetry software

Outputted as plain Text, as image EXIF data or in native Agisoft Metashape Professional, Pix4d Mapper, Pix4d Matic, Shape file and Google Earth kml, these information can be used directly witouht any additional converting.

Applications., eg. in photogrammetry and documentation.

Agisoft deutsch preis dichte punktwolke pointcloud genauigkeit schulung
(R), TM ….All listed company and product names like DJI, Phantom, Autel, Emlid, Yuneec, ublox, etc. are registered trademarks.

Our promises

Since 2009, were working on surveying using direct georeferencing technique from drone images.

  • We help you!
  • Providing professional support
  • Assist you integrating the software into your workflow
  • Get the most out of your gps data
Step 1: Perform your survey
DRONE: perform a flight using RTK drones or upgrade kits. You'll receive RINEX data and a trigger file.

BASE STATION: run your own base station or download RINEX data from a base station provider
Step 2: run REDtoolbox software
Run GNSS PPK processing and geotagging with only a few clicks
Receive centimetre accurate image coordinates for direct georeferencing
Step 3: Photogrammetry
Use output directly in Photogrammetry software like Agisoft Metashape, Pix4d Mapper, RealityCapture and many more...
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REDtoolbox Tutorials

PPK and Geotagging Highlights

  • latest PPK algorithms
  • Automatic and highly accurate Trigger assign mapping
  • supports multiconstellation GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo in multiband L1, L2, L5
  • PPK processing of multiple flights (folders) in a single run
  • geoid support
  • merges RINEX files (eg. hourly base station files)
  • Compatible to your own and service provider base station data. Also compressed RINEX
  • Writes and updates EXIF coordinates and accuracy into *.jpg
  • Outputs TXT files for maximum compatibility in any software
  • Outputs Agisoft Metashape *.psx and Pix4D Mapper *.p4d file
  • Outputs a *.shp file for use in GIS software and *.kml for Google Earth
  • creates a PDF Report

Bulk shift (xyz) EXIF lat/lon/elev coordinates

Already have RTK data but you discovered discrepancies compared to your GCPs in lat/lon maybe due to missing NTV2 local transformation?
Or in elevation/height due to non accurate geoid information?

REDtoolbox helps you to:

  • by shifting lat/lon/elev coordinates, extracted from drones original EXIF images information
  • enter the bulk shift in meters
  • re-writes this positions into EXIF again so all other data like XYZaccuracy and roll/pitch/yaw remain

Multi flight processing

Learn how to use the “automatic search folder” option to process multiple flights in multiple subfolders in one single rund. This will speed up your PPK processing and provide better results

Apply GEOID information

Apply *.tif geoid heights while PPK processing or on already geotagged RTK photos

Merge RINEX files

No matter what version of RINEX files you have. Outdated 2.x or 3.x, Hatanaka compressed or basic RNX, we can all merge them and update them to latest version.

  • Merge hourly base station file to a single files for easier handling
  • This feature is integrated in the “multiple flight processing” too

Watch the video tutorial to see how easy and powerful the RINEX merge tool of REDtoolbox is.

CLI Command Line Interface

Unlock the full potential of your geospatial data with REDtoolbox’s Command Line Interface (CLI)! Designed for the power user, the CLI opens up automated processing capabilities, allowing you to batch process large datasets with ease. Enjoy the flexibility of integrating REDtoolbox into your existing workflows and the efficiency of running complex operations with simple commands. Whether you’re streamlining data analysis or scaling up your projects, the CLI is your gateway to a more productive and automated geospatial future. Perfect for professionals looking to maximize efficiency and accuracy in their work

REDtoolbox CLI automatisation batch command line PPK drone

How to use? Navigate to the installation directory of REDtoolbox, enter the ../resources/assets/REDtoolboxCLI/ folder on your PC and start by typing REDtoolboxCLI.exe –help

Download & free trial

REDtoolbox REDcatch PPK software drone
Windows x64 software

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Buy REDtoolbox software

Online purchase and product fulfillment are through FastSpring, a trusted reseller.

License only

Euro 69,- /net

License + 1 year updates

Euro 99,- /net

+ Lifetime updates + Support

Euro 199,- /net

For existing customers: Update rates to current version and lifetime update

FAQs - Please read

We offer a 50% discount to teachers and students using REDtoolbox for education purposes. To obtain a discount coupon, please contact us using your verified email address from an educational institution. https://redcatch.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new

 

PPK (Post-Processed Kinematics) and RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) are methods to enhance GPS accuracy. Consider PPK over RTK for remote areas without cellular coverage, extended flight missions, and projects needing high data integrity. PPK offers improved accuracy and flexibility without the need for real-time communication or additional hardware. It’s suitable for critical applications and achieves high accuracy levels through post-processing techniques. Choose PPK when real-time corrections aren’t possible, or when the highest accuracy and data integrity are crucial.

In some cases no, in other yes:

With PPK, GNSS RINEX data is logged onboard the device (such as a drone) during the data collection process. After the flight or data collection is completed, the logged RINEX data is post-processed using REDtoolbox software, along with data from reference stations (base stations). This post-processing step corrects errors in the GNSS data and enhances its accuracy.

Therefore, while PPK does not require a base station during data collection, it does require access to accurate reference data (RINEX data) for post-processing. This reference data can come from various sources, including CORS networks, GNSS rovers, GNSS base stations, or virtual reference stations (VRS). The availability and accessibility of reference data may vary depending on the location and specific requirements of the project.

There are several tutorials and we provide some amount of support for free.

However, to fully harness the capabilities of REDtoolbox PPK software, users are encouraged to participate in dedicated training sessions. These classes offer comprehensive instruction on utilizing REDtoolbox PPK effectively, covering essential topics such as data collection techniques, post-processing methodologies, and Photogrammetry software functionalities specific to REDtoolbox. Through hands-on training, participants gain practical experience navigating the software’s interface, interpreting results, and troubleshooting potential issues. Furthermore, these sessions provide insights into optimizing data accuracy and leveraging REDtoolbox PPK’s features across diverse applications in fields such as drone mapping, surveying, and geospatial analysis. By investing in training tailored to REDtoolbox PPK software, users can enhance their proficiency and confidence in utilizing this powerful tool to its fullest potential, resulting in more accurate and reliable geospatial data outputs for their projects.

No.

REDtoolbox works in GNSS native coordinate system WGS84 using elliptical heights.

Geoids are implemented for vertical correction, but not horizontal coordinate transformation parameters from as most of the nation wide EPSG library coordinate systems definitions are not accurate enough for surveying. See epsg.io to get an idea if your coordinate system is accurate or not. Like epsg 31255 with 0.5m accuracy only.

YES. 

File like *.24o are the observations files including the signal raw measurements for each GNSS satellite.

The *.24n / *.24g *.24p files are the navigation files, including the ephemerides data of the satellites.

if files are named *24p you are lucky: This files are related to RINEX 3.x and contain information on GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo satellites. If you have multiple files, like 24n, 24g, 24l, 24e you are using an outdated RINEX 2.x format which should be avoided. REDtoolbox can handle it, but it is not recommended.