Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques

Eren Gürsoy Özdemir; Emirhan Deniz; Melisa Hezer

doi:10.26833/ijeg.1686266

Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques

Abstract

Accurate spatial positioning is essential for many geospatial applications, particularly those requiring high precision. This study evaluates the positional accuracy of maps derived from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data by comparing them with Ground Control Points (GCPs) established using a high-precision electronic total station. Four positioning methods were assessed: Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), TUSAGA-Active (Turkish National Permanent GNSS Network – Active), UAV Post-Processed Kinematic (UAV_PPK), and UAV Network RTK. Accuracy was evaluated regarding horizontal and vertical deviations using standard deviation (SD) and root mean square error (RMSE) metrics. Among the tested methods, RTK demonstrated the highest positional accuracy under the tested conditions, whereas UAV_PPK exhibited the lowest, particularly in vertical positioning. RTK consistently yielded horizontal and vertical RMSE values below 25 mm, while UAV_PPK produced errors exceeding 60 mm in horizontal and reaching up to 115 mm in vertical components. These findings indicate that although UAV-based techniques provide operational efficiency, integrating accurately surveyed GCPs remains critical for achieving reliable spatial accuracy. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate positioning methods based on project-specific accuracy requirements and supports further research to optimize UAV-based mapping workflows.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK BİDEB

Project Number

1919B012316133

Ethical Statement

No ethical Statement

Thanks

This research was supported by the TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program under the project titled “Accuracy Analysis of Maps Generated Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Different Surveying Techniques (1919B012316133).” We express our gratitude to TÜBİTAK BİDEB for their support.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Eren Gürsoy Özdemir ^*
0000-0002-1829-9624
Türkiye

Emirhan Deniz
0009-0000-4807-7646
Türkiye

Melisa Hezer
0009-0000-6219-1744
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

August 25, 2025

Publication Date

October 1, 2025

Submission Date

April 29, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 22, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1686266

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22MH42LP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Özdemir, E. G., Deniz, E., & Hezer, M. (2025). Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences, 11(1), 226-238. https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1686266

AMA

1.Özdemir EG, Deniz E, Hezer M. Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques. IJEG. 2025;11(1):226-238. doi:10.26833/ijeg.1686266

Chicago

Özdemir, Eren Gürsoy, Emirhan Deniz, and Melisa Hezer. 2025. “Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques”. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences 11 (1): 226-38. https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1686266.

EndNote

Özdemir EG, Deniz E, Hezer M (October 1, 2025) Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences 11 1 226–238.

IEEE

[1]E. G. Özdemir, E. Deniz, and M. Hezer, “Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques”, IJEG, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 226–238, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.26833/ijeg.1686266.

ISNAD

Özdemir, Eren Gürsoy - Deniz, Emirhan - Hezer, Melisa. “Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques”. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences 11/1 (October 1, 2025): 226-238. https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1686266.

JAMA

1.Özdemir EG, Deniz E, Hezer M. Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques. IJEG. 2025;11:226–238.

MLA

Özdemir, Eren Gürsoy, et al. “Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques”. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences, vol. 11, no. 1, Oct. 2025, pp. 226-38, doi:10.26833/ijeg.1686266.

Vancouver

1.Eren Gürsoy Özdemir, Emirhan Deniz, Melisa Hezer. Assessment of Positional Accuracy in Maps Derived Using UAV_PPK, UAV Network RTK, RTK-GNSS, and TUSAGA-Active Techniques. IJEG. 2025 Oct. 1;11(1):226-38. doi:10.26833/ijeg.1686266

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