Evaluating UAV RTK Photogrammetry Mapping Accuracy in Urban Areas without Ground Control Points

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology have gained prominence in geospatial applications, particularly in urban environments. This study focuses on assessing the mapping accuracy of UAV RTK photogrammetry in urban areas without the traditional use of Ground Control Points (GCPs). The exclusion of GCPs is motivated by the desire to streamline data acquisition processes and reduce the time and cost associated with fieldwork. The study employs a comprehensive evaluation framework to analyze the accuracy of UAV RTK photogrammetry outputs, considering factors such as point cloud density, positional accuracy, and 3D model precision. Data acquisition is carried out using a state-of-the-art UAV platform equipped with high-resolution cameras and RTK-enabled GNSS receivers. Preliminary results indicate promising mapping accuracy without the need for GCPs, demonstrating the potential efficiency of UAV RTK photogrammetry in urban contexts. However, challenges related to GNSS signal obstructions and urban canyon effects are also explored, highlighting the need for further refinement in data processing algorithms. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the feasibility and limitations of UAV RTK photogrammetry for urban mapping applications, paving the way for optimized workflows in the rapidly evolving field of geospatial technology. The results show that the horizontal accuracy is ± 0.025m and vertical accuracy is ± 0.035m.