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Base RTK

Installing Your Own RTK Base Station: What Are the Limitations?

Achieving centimetre-level GNSS accuracy relies on the use of real-time corrections. Professionals have two main options: subscribing to an RTK/NRTK network managed by a specialist provider, or installing their own fixed base station and operating independently. While having your own base station may seem appealing on paper, particularly for financial reasons, it comes with technical and operational risks that should be carefully considered before taking the plunge. How does an RTK base station work? A fixed RTK antenna (or RTK base station) is a reference station permanently installed at a point with precisely known coordinates. The base station continuously broadcasts its satellite observations and known coordinates. The GNSS receiver combines this information with its own measurements to calculate a centimetre-level position. Corrections from an RTK base station are most commonly transmitted over the internet using the NTRIP protocol (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol). The base station continuously sends its data to a server, known as a caster, which GNSS receivers connect to in order to receive the corrections. The entire process therefore depends on the network infrastructure, which must be configured correctly: a stable, permanent internet connection, along with a properly configured router and firewall. A correction is only valid if it is recent. GNSS receivers display the “age of corrections”, meaning the time elapsed since they were transmitted. A slow or unstable connection causes these corrections to become outdated, reducing positioning accuracy and potentially resulting in the loss of the centimetre-level solution. Installing your own base station therefore also means taking responsibility for a small network infrastructure, with all the technical expertise and ongoing monitoring that entails. Reliability of positioning accuracy An RTK base station does not provide an “absolute” position. It transmits correction information based on its own reference coordinates. The receiver therefore determines its position relative to the base station. If the base station’s coordinates are incorrect, all measured positions will be shifted by the same amount and in the same direction. This is what makes the error particularly difficult to detect: the surveys remain internally consistent. Distances and shapes measured on a construction site appear correct. The offset only becomes apparent when these surveys are overlaid with other data, such as utility network plans, cadastral maps, surveys carried out by another company, or measurements taken later using an RTK network. Unlike a professional RTK network, where reference stations are continuously monitored and their coordinates regularly recalculated, a self-installed base station offers no guarantee of long-term positional stability. Maintenance An RTK base station is an active piece of equipment exposed to outdoor conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Power supply, connectivity, weather protection and component ageing are all factors that require regular maintenance. A power outage, network failure or hardware malfunction can interrupt the correction service without warning, potentially bringing operations on the construction site to a standstill. Technical dependencies Configuring an RTK base station is not a straightforward task. It requires advanced technical expertise: entering accurate known coordinates, configuring the correction transmission protocol (NTRIP), managing correction settings and ensuring compatibility with the GNSS receivers connecting to it. The base station and connected equipment are mutually dependent: changing a GNSS receiver, updating firmware or encountering a protocol incompatibility can render the entire system inoperative. Furthermore, the reference system itself evolves: the French National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN) publishes new realisations of the RGF93 reference system. The base station must be kept consistent with these developments. This requires geodetic expertise and rigorous traceability, including records of inspection dates, coordinates used and maintenance operations performed. With a professional RTK network, this responsibility lies with the network operator. Limited coverage A fixed RTK base station only covers a limited area around its installation point. The distance between the base station and the receiver is one of the factors that can affect positioning quality. Differential positioning relies, in particular, on using a reference station close enough for both receivers to observe satellite signals under similar conditions. The further the GNSS receiver moves away, the more the correction accuracy deteriorates. This is known as the baseline effect. However, this degradation is gradual and may go unnoticed by the user: there is no automatic real-time warning that positioning accuracy is deteriorating. As a result, surveys may be carried out under the assumption of centimetre-level accuracy, while the actual positioning error has reached several centimetres without the user being aware of it. A professional NRTK network, by contrast, relies on a network of reference stations that continuously calculate corrections adapted to the GNSS receiver’s position, wherever it is located within the coverage area. Syslor’s recommendation Syslor’s Proteus GNSS receiver is compatible with fixed RTK base stations: if you already have your own base station, Proteus can connect to it. However, Syslor recommends using an NRTK network operated and maintained by specialised professionals. Specialist providers such as Orphéon, Satinfo, Premium Positioning and Teria operate dense networks of reference stations that are continuously monitored and regularly recalculated. They provide extensive coverage, consistent positioning accuracy across the territory and technical support when needed. This is the approach we recommend to our customers: it makes surveys more reliable, simplifies field operations and ensures dependable positioning accuracy over time. Need advice on choosing your RTK subscription? Our team can help you select the solution best suited to your business and your projects. Contact us →

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Trame NMEA

What Language does a GPS Receiver Speak? Understanding the NMEA 0183 Protocol.

Imagine a GPS receiver connected to a field tablet. For the application to display your position, the receiver needs to “talk” to it. And it has plenty to say: time, latitude, longitude, altitude, but also speed, direction of travel (heading), positioning quality, and even the list of satellites being tracked. For all devices to understand one another, regardless of their manufacturer, they need a common language. This is the role of the NMEA 0183 standard. Originally developed for marine navigation, it is now widely used in positioning, mapping, and embedded systems. This standard organizes information into short text messages called “NMEA sentences.” Each sentence carries a specific type of information, always following the same format. This allows any compatible software to read and interpret them. NMEA 0183: Standardized Sentences In practical terms, the NMEA 0183 standard sets the rules: how data is transmitted between devices and how each message must be structured. Messages are sent as plain text in ASCII format. This means they can be read by humans, even if they may seem cryptic at first glance. Each sentence follows the same structure: It generally begins with the $ character, which indicates the start of the message; This is followed by an identifier indicating the source (for example, GP for GPS) and the type of message (for example, GGA for positioning data); Next come the data fields themselves, separated by commas; Finally, in most cases, an asterisk * is followed by a checksum, which helps verify that the message has not been corrupted during transmission. An Example of the Well-Known GGA Sentence $GPGGA,123519,4807.038,N,01131.000,E,1,08,0.9,545.4,M,46.9,M,,*47 At first glance, it looks like a sequence of letters and numbers. But by reading it field by field, we can identify: The GNSS constellation used: GPS in this case; UTC time: 12:35:19; Latitude and longitude; Position fix quality (here, 1 indicates a valid GPS position); Number of satellites used: 8; A horizontal precision indicator (HDOP): 0.9; Altitude: 545.4 meters; Geoid undulation: 46.9 metres. Checksum: 47. Watch out for a common mistake: coordinates are not expressed in decimal degrees, but in degrees and minutes. For example, 4807.038,N means “48 degrees and 7.038 minutes North,” while 01131.000,E means “11 degrees and 31 minutes East.” To convert these values into decimal degrees, simply divide the minutes by 60 and add the result to the degrees. This gives approximately 48.1173° N and 11.5167° E. The Most Common NMEA Sentences A GNSS receiver does not send just one sentence, but several, each serving a specific purpose. Think of them as sections of a newspaper: one provides position information, another reports speed, and another describes satellite status. The receiving software selects the ones it needs. Sentence Type Information Transmitted GGA Time, position, fix-related data, number of satellites, and altitude. RMC Position, speed, course over ground, time, and date. GSA Active satellites and Dilution of Precision (DOP) indicators. GSV Satellites in view, including their elevation, azimuth, and signal strength. VTG Course over ground and speed over ground. GLL Geographic position, time, and position status. ZDA UTC time, date, and time zone offset. Originally, NMEA 0183 was designed around the American GPS system, which explains why the “GP” prefix is still widely used. However, modern receivers can now track multiple constellations simultaneously, and the standard has evolved accordingly. Talker ID Meaning GP GPS solution. GL GLONASS solution. GA Galileo solution. GN Combined GNSS solution using multiple constellations. NMEA Transmits Coordinates, It Does Not Define Them It is important not to confuse NMEA 0183 with a coordinate reference system. NMEA is an interface standard: it describes how data is structured and transmitted between a GNSS receiver and software, a display, or another device. However, on its own, it does not specify the geodetic reference frame in which the position was calculated. In practice, an NMEA sentence provides latitude and longitude, but in most cases does not specify the reference frame to which they relate. This must be determined from the context: the receiver being used, its configuration, and any RTK corrections applied. NMEA transmits geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), rather than projected coordinates in a national coordinate system such as Lambert-93 in France. Software can then interpret these sentences, display the position, and convert the coordinates into the system appropriate for the project. GPS Does Not Speak Just One Language It relies on several complementary elements: The GNSS receiver calculates a position using satellite signals; This position is generally referenced to WGS 84; It is expressed as coordinates, particularly latitude and longitude; It is often transmitted in the form of NMEA 0183 sentences; Software can then interpret these sentences, display the position, and convert the coordinates into the system appropriate for the project. In summary, NMEA 0183 is one of the communication standards that allow a GNSS receiver to exchange data with other devices. It standardizes the transmission of positioning data, but does not, on its own, define the geodetic reference frame being used. To interpret GPS coordinates correctly, it is therefore essential to understand both their transmission format and the reference system to which they relate.

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Données patrimoniales - Comment les fiabiliser ?

How Can You Ensure the Long-Term Reliability of Your Asset Data?

Preserving infrastructure knowledge throughout its lifecycle. Plans, topographic surveys, geographic information system (GIS) data, georeferenced photographs, as-built documentation, technical attributes, intervention histories… As construction and maintenance operations progress, infrastructure generates an increasing amount of data. This information is essential. It tells us where assets are located, how they were built, what changes have been made and under what conditions future interventions can be carried out. But its lifespan extends far beyond that of the project that produced it. Data acquired today may be used several years later, by another team, another service provider or with new tools. In the meantime, the physical assets themselves may also have changed: a network may have been relocated, a road redesigned, equipment replaced or new infrastructure created. This is where the challenge lies: how can reliable and usable knowledge of infrastructure be preserved over time? This challenge concerns all stakeholders who produce, use or transmit infrastructure information: local authorities, utility operators and network managers, contractors and works service providers, engineering firms and surveyors, as well as industrial and sensitive sites. They do not all use data in the same way. Some produce it in the field, others process and transmit it, while others need to use it and keep it up to date over time. But they all depend on the same thing: being able to retrieve reliable information, understand where it comes from and know how far they can trust it. A wealth of data, but knowledge that can become less reliable The problem is not a lack of data. On the contrary, organisations have been accumulating it for years. However, it comes from multiple sources: detection operations, survey campaigns, successive construction projects, as-built plans, maintenance operations, engineering firms, contractors, surveyors, internal departments and utility operators. Methods and tools also evolve. Software changes, information systems migrate, formats succeed one another, and service providers and teams change. Over time, some information is re-entered or moved. Other information is no longer updated. Some data loses its link to the documents or surveys from which it was produced. Other information may simply be lost. Meanwhile, the infrastructure itself continues to evolve. Gradually, a gap can emerge between the actual state of the assets and the knowledge available to document them. Preserving data reliability therefore means not only retaining its context, but also being able to incorporate new information produced during successive interventions so that knowledge of the assets continues to evolve with them. The issue is therefore not simply having data available. It is also being able to determine whether that data accurately reflects reality and whether it can be trusted. When data loses its context, it loses part of its value Imagine a network represented in a GIS. Its position may appear perfectly usable. Yet several years after it was acquired, certain questions become essential: When was this data produced? Which survey was it based on? Which method was used, and with what level of accuracy? Which service provider or team produced it? Which intervention or project version does it correspond to? Are there photographs, surveys or documents that can be used to verify it? If this information is no longer available, it becomes difficult to assess how much confidence can be placed in the data. The consequences are very tangible: document searches, contacting former stakeholders, additional field checks, or even new network detection or location operations. When the available mapping no longer makes it possible to locate an asset with sufficient accuracy, additional investigations or location operations may indeed become necessary. These interventions can represent a significant additional cost for the stakeholders involved, with responsibility for those costs varying depending on the type of investigation and the context in which it is carried out. These costs are compounded by delays, new survey campaigns and, in some cases, decisions made on the basis of information whose reliability remains uncertain. Reliable asset data is therefore not simply accurate data. It is data whose origin, context and history remain understandable over time. This is the core challenge of traceability. Data that must remain reliable from one stakeholder to another Data accompanies infrastructure through different stages of its lifecycle. Uses and responsibilities vary depending on the stakeholders involved, but everyone has an interest in preserving its quality and continuity. For a local authority, the challenge is to build and maintain reliable asset databases despite successive interventions, changes in service providers or changes in teams and departments. This knowledge of utility networks helps prepare future projects, monitor completed works and support planning decisions with reliable, up-to-date information. The challenge today is to ensure that this knowledge, centralised in geographic information systems, remains complete, current and traceable over time. For a utility operator or network manager, the challenge is to maintain reliable, up-to-date knowledge of assets in order to secure interventions, plan works and monitor the evolution of the infrastructure over time. Collecting, structuring and updating field information makes it possible to build an asset database that can be used in GIS and shared between different departments and service providers. For a contractor or works service provider, one of the main challenges is to document field interventions accurately and ensure the continuity of that information through to the office and the project owner. Traceability of interventions, reliable as-built surveys and the sharing of field data make it possible to verify that work has been carried out correctly, limit information gaps and provide reliable documentation for future interventions. For an engineering firm and its surveyors, the challenge is to use data collected in the field efficiently and maintain its reliability through to the production and delivery of final deliverables. Better continuity between the field and the office reduces duplicate data entry and information gaps, facilitates data checking and enables clients to receive accurate, documented and directly usable information. For an industrial or sensitive site, having reliable and up-to-date knowledge of utility networks is directly linked to intervention safety and service continuity. Incomplete or outdated mapping can expose teams to risk,

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Notes géoréférencées - EasyView - Marquage-piquetage réalité augmentée - Syslor

Geolocated Site Notes: How to Enrich and Centralize Your Field Observations 

On a construction site, between an anomaly identified during excavation, a network connection to document, and an observation to report back to the office, field information often circulates poorly. Messaging apps, non-geolocated photos, paper notes: the risk of data loss or errors is real, and re-entering information in the office is time-consuming.  For Public Works stakeholders, the challenge is even greater: maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date documentation of their infrastructure is now essential, both to optimize project monitoring and to comply with regulations on the prevention of damage to underground networks.  EasyView now integrates a module for geolocated site notes to address this challenge — and contribute to better-documented networks with every intervention.  EasyView, Syslor’s Augmented Reality App for the Field EasyView is Syslor’s mobile application designed to visualize underground networks in augmented reality and achieve centimeter-level accuracy in RTK conditions, thanks to its connection with the Syslor GNSS receiver.  It allows field teams to load a network plan, overlay it onto the real-world view via a smartphone or tablet camera, and perform marking and staking operations with automatic generation of marking reports.  Geolocated Site Notes: How It Works EasyView users can now create notes directly from the map or from the augmented reality view. Each field note includes three components:  A free-text comment — observation, anomaly report, team instruction, as-built remark A photo — captured at the time of entry or imported from the gallery GNSS position — automatically recorded from the receiver at the time of entry Step 1: Blank form for creating a georeferenced note Step 2: Add a photo to the georeferenced note Step 3: Display of GNSS coordinates Notes are displayed as markers directly on the map and in the augmented reality view. The content of each note (comment and photo) can be accessed at any time from EasyView, both in plan view and augmented reality molde, as well as from the EasyDesk web portal. Here’s what the feature looks like in the EasyView app: Note markers – plan view Note marker – augmented reality view Visible note – augmented reality view On the web portal side (EasyDesk): Georeferenced note markers – plan view List of georeferenced notes for a project Real-World Use Cases on Site This feature addresses several operational needs across different field scenarios:  Identification and Reporting of Anomalies As soon as a non-compliance is identified — structural defect, deviation from plans, or damage — the operator creates a note on site, including a photo and precise location. The information is instantly available on the portal, with no delay or data loss. Pre-Project Phase During initial site inspections, observations collected in EasyView are directly integrated into the project. The engineering office receives a geolocated field report immediately after the visit, without any need for re-entry. Execution Monitoring Project managers can document progress site by site, build a geolocated history of inspections, and share this information in real time with office teams. Discovery of an Unknown Network When an unreferenced network is uncovered during construction, work is paused to assess the situation. Depending on the context, geolocated notes play a key role: in case of impact, they provide documentation for the joint damage report; if the network is inactive, they allow the discovery to be documented without necessarily halting project progress.  Automatic Centralization in the EasyDesk Portal All notes created in the field are synchronized with the corresponding project in the EasyDesk portal. All stakeholders with access to the project — surveyors, site managers, project managers — can view the notes directly from the portal map, with no file transfer or intermediate steps required.  Available Now Included in the latest EasyView update on iOS and Android, the geolocated site notes module is now available to all users. Contact us via the contact form. Want to see the feature in action? Request a demo. Prefer to reach out directly: contact@syslor.net

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EasyField evolves: new features to enhance accuracy and productivity

EasyField evolves to improve field productivity On public works sites and in underground utility network management, time pressure continues to increase. Field teams must deliver results faster while ensuring impeccable data quality. As part of its continuous improvement approach, EasyField introduces new features focused on two key operational priorities: accelerating data capture and strengthening dimensional control directly in the field. These enhancements are based on user feedback and real-world site usage. Point surveying now available in 1 second Speed is one of the most frequently expressed needs from field teams. On some projects, a large number of points must be surveyed, and every second counts. EasyField now offers two capture modes. Two capture modes adapted to site constraints A 1-second fast mode significantly accelerates surveying operations, particularly on linear networks or large-scale construction sites. It improves workflow fluidity and reduces overall time spent on site. A 5-second standard mode remains available when environmental conditions require longer GNSS signal stabilization or when the user prefers additional measurement consolidation. This flexibility allows fast surveying to be adapted to real site conditions without increasing operational complexity. New real-time measurement and dimensioning features Beyond measurement speed, the application update strengthens geometric control directly from the smartphone, with two new features: Linear dimensioning (both partial — segment by segment — and total or cumulative line length) Area dimensioning (automatic calculation of the surface area enclosed within the geometry) Dynamic display of segment distances When creating a polyline, EasyField displays in real time the distance between the last surveyed point and the vertex currently being positioned. The operator instantly sees the length of the active segment, while partial distances of all existing segments are also displayed, providing complete and precise tracking of the polyline with each new capture. This real-time visualization allows immediate adjustment of vertex spacing and helps avoid corrections after export. Cette visualisation en temps réel permet d’ajuster immédiatement l’espacement des sommets d’un tracé et d’éviter les corrections après export. Automatic calculation of total polyline length Once the polyline is completed, the cumulative length is automatically calculated and displayed within the application. Users can immediately verify measurement consistency before validation. Instant surface calculation for area surveys For area surveys, the surface is automatically calculated as soon as the polyline is closed. This feature simplifies the control of site boundaries, earthwork zones, and operational perimeters directly in the field. Data is no longer merely captured — it is validated at the very moment it is produced. Convert a polyline into a surface Close a polyline to display the surface area value A direct impact on field-to-office workflow efficiency These enhancements deliver tangible operational benefits: 1-second surveying reduces time spent on site Dynamic measurement secures dimensional accuracy Immediate validation limits office rework The result is a more fluid production chain, where data circulates faster and with less uncertainty between field operators, site managers, and design offices. These new features integrate seamlessly into the EasyField ecosystem These capabilities complement the functionalities already available within the application. To discover the full EasyField workflow for stakeout and topographic surveying, explore our detailed solution overview. EasyField also relies on high GNSS accuracy—particularly through our Proteus receiver—to ensure the reliability of field measurements. This update is part of an ongoing commitment to improving site productivity while securing the quality of georeferenced data. Try the new EasyField features The update is available on iOS and Android. To discover 1-second surveying and the new real-time measurement features in action, schedule a demonstration with our team and evaluate how they integrate into your workflow.

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EasyField: the all-in-one solution for staking, topographic surveying, and earthworks

Field operations are facing increasing requirements in terms of reliability, responsiveness, and data quality. For network operators and public works companies, it has become essential to rely on tools that reduce rework, secure field operations, and streamline exchanges between the jobsite and the office. EasyField addresses these challenges by turning a smartphone or tablet into a practical surveying tool tailored to field use. The application covers staking, topographic surveying, and earthworks control within a single mobile environment. EasyField, a mobile surveying application focused on simplicity and accuracy Designed for everyday geospatial operations, EasyField combines: centimeter-level GNSS accuracy, an intuitive interface, a smooth workflow, compatibility with CAD formats (DXF, DWG) as well as point list formats (CSV, TXT, XLSX, ODS). From an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, plans can be viewed directly in the field, operations are guided step by step, and topographic data is captured and verified throughout the intervention. The goal is to reduce time spent on site while ensuring the reliability of the data produced. Staking: fast and plan-compliant field execution Site staking plays a key role in the success of a project: it ensures the accurate transfer of execution plans to the field by guaranteeing precise positioning of structures, and helps prevent construction errors or delays caused by rework. As a critical phase, it requires reliable tools that can be quickly deployed on site. Turning a digital plan into an operational guide EasyField allows you to import your plans in DXF and DWG formats and view your elements (points, lines, areas) directly on mobile. The application then provides real-time guidance, including: distance indication, direction to follow, confirmation upon arrival. Benefits for field teams With EasyField, staking becomes an accessible operation, even without advanced surveying expertise: Faster staking Greater autonomy for field teams Access to always up-to-date georeferenced data Reduced travel and rework Less reliance on subcontractors Topographic survey: capturing field reality in just seconds Topographic surveys are essential for updating underground networks, documenting project progress, or preparing future works. Simplified topographic surveying EasyField allows you to capture: points, polylines, circles and arcs, surfaces. Each measurement is recorded with a level of accuracy suited to your operational requirements and can be exported in DXF or DWG for immediate integration. Quality validation at the point of capture Survey quality is checked at the moment of capture, allowing measurements to be validated immediately and avoiding any later rework. The application continuously displays: GNSS information, expected accuracy. Result: a survey validated on the first attempt, with no rework required. Earthworks: immediate control and optimization of earth movements Earthworks often represent a significant portion of a project’s budget. Poor cut-and-fill estimation can lead to major cost overruns. Project surface analysis EasyField allows you to import your DTMs (Digital Terrain Models) to compare: existing terrain, proposed terrain. Identify areas to be corrected at a glance The application automatically displays: cut areas, fill areas, surface areas, elevation differences. This allows adjustment decisions to be made immediately, based on reliable data. Who is EasyField for? EasyField is designed to meet the needs of different stakeholders facing the same challenges: saving time, improving the reliability of field operations, reducing errors, and streamlining data flow between the field and the office. Here’s how the application adapts to each user profile. Surveyors: remote supervision, validation, and reduced travel For surveyors, one of the main challenges is the frequent back-and-forth between the field and the office, as well as data transfer between teams. The value of EasyField truly comes into play when used with the Syslor platform, which centralizes plans, synchronizes surveys, and ensures data consistency between the design office and the jobsite. This office ↔ field workflow guarantees controlled production and greater operator autonomy. With the application, surveyors can: prepare staking plans in the office and instantly send them to field teams, retrieve surveys without traveling to the site, review data immediately after it is generated, focus their time on truly critical operations. EasyField becomes an operational support tool, allowing surveyors to work more efficiently while maintaining full technical control over their data. Underground network operators and asset managers: ensuring reliable cartographic updates For underground network operators and asset managers (water, electricity, telecom, gas, wastewater), keeping cartographic data up to date is essential to improve: safety, network maintenance, asset knowledge, regulatory compliance. Teams have access to georeferenced surveys that can be immediately integrated into GIS or CAD systems. On site, you can: accurately survey installed networks, document each asset in real time, reduce cartographic update delays, limit the risks of mislocation or uncertainty. Information becomes reliable, standardized, and immediately integrable into the network asset database. Field operators: a guided and intuitive interface Not all field operators are trained in surveying. EasyField is designed with them in mind, with an interface that makes every action easy to understand. The application simplifies: onboarding in just a few minutes, viewing plans directly on mobile, visual guidance for staking and surveying, real-time validation of captured points, automated data export. No surveying expertise is required: the tool builds confidence for field teams and ensures reliable results from the first attempt. Why choose EasyField ? EasyField fits into a structured approach to field operations by combining data reliability, ease of use, and interoperability with existing tools. Certified GNSS accuracy tailored for public works EasyField works with our Proteus GNSS receiver as well as Emlid Reach RS2 and Teria Pyx GNSS receivers, ensuring centimeter-level accuracy essential for: staking, topographic surveying, earthworks control, network updates. Measurement quality is displayed directly in the application, allowing data to be validated at the moment of capture, with no risk of error. Reliable data from the start means less rework, less uncertainty, and lower costs. Unmatched ease of use EasyField is designed to be used by any team member, even without surveying experience.The application is built around: clear visual guidance, consistent workflows. This simplicity significantly reduces: handling errors, training requirements, dependence on technical experts. Your smartphone becomes a professional tool that is immediately operational. Time savings and cost

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How Merging Orthophotos and Point Clouds Enhances Project Accuracy

On construction sites, each photogrammetric survey generates its own dataset — an orthophoto, a point cloud, sometimes dozens of separate files to manage. Over time, these fragmented deliverables become difficult to work with. Misaligned joins, overlapping zones, or missing areas can compromise the overall topographic consistency of the project. For surveyors, engineering offices, and project managers, the issue is often the same: getting a comprehensive and accurate view of the site requires time-consuming manual work, which increases the risk of errors. This is exactly the challenge addressed by the merging of orthophotos and point clouds.By bringing all survey data together into a single, unified, georeferenced model, this process delivers a continuous, coherent, and readily exploitable view of the project. Beyond improving readability, accuracy, and efficiency across the entire production chain, it also saves a significant amount of time for survey teams when preparing their deliverables. To better understand its advantages, let’s start by defining what the merging of orthophotos and point clouds actually is. What Does Merging Involve? Merging consists of combining several separate orthophotos or point clouds into a single, unified, and consistent view, while preserving the original centimetric accuracy and georeferencing.Each area captured during the photogrammetric survey is repositioned within the same coordinate system to create a continuous mosaic of the project. The merging process relies on rigorous management of metadata and spatial coordinates. This ensures that all datasets align perfectly — without offset, elevation gaps, or quality loss. The result is a unified model that faithfully represents the entire site, enabling consistent and accurate measurements across the whole area. With this merging process in place, it becomes possible to visualize, measure, and vectorize an entire project from a single unified dataset, regardless of the project’s size or complexity. Now that the concept of merging is clear, let’s look at how it concretely improves the production and use of photogrammetric deliverables. Why Merge Your Photogrammetric Deliverables? Merging is not just a simple file combination — it’s a key step that allows teams to fully leverage the richness of photogrammetric data while ensuring the consistency of all deliverables.Here are the main advantages it brings, both in the field and in the office. Gain a Global View of the Project and In-Situ Context Merging provides a comprehensive view of the construction site, restoring the entire area within a single, continuous representation.It makes it possible to place each work zone within its broader environment — a valuable advantage for large-scale sites or linear projects such as roads, utilities, or railway corridors. This unified view helps teams understand how different areas interact, for example between the construction footprint, the surrounding environment, and existing underground or above-ground networks. Improve Vectorization Accuracy and Spatial Consistency By merging several orthophotos or point clouds within the same reference system, merging eliminates alignment errors between deliverables.It ensures a homogeneous topographic continuity, which is essential for: the precise vectorization of utility networks, the production of reliable as-built plans, and volume or surface calculations. Each measurement is therefore based on a coherent, georeferenced dataset, with no risk of misalignment between areas. Simplify the Use of Your Deliverables Through Centralized Data With merging, there’s no need to juggle multiple files anymore.Orthophotos and point clouds are grouped into a single unified view, speeding up processing and reducing the risk of errors during plan production or verification. This approach also simplifies importing deliverables into standard GIS or CAD software (DGN, DXF, CSV): a single, complete, georeferenced file, immediately ready for use by all project stakeholders. Enhance Collaborative Work By providing a single, consistent source of truth, merging makes collaborative work much easier.Everyone works from the same reference dataset, improving both validation and quality control of deliverables throughout the entire project lifecycle. Looking Ahead: Tracking Project Progress Over Time In the long term, merging opens the door to new possibilities: tracking the evolution of a construction site over time, overlaying successive surveys (before and after works), and building a true digital twin of the project. This approach will make it possible to accurately analyze site transformations — from earthworks to network installation — and to ensure complete traceability of all operations. How Syslor Facilitates the Merging of Orthophotos and Point Clouds The merging of orthophotos and point clouds truly reveals its value when it’s part of a seamless workflow — from data capture in the field to data processing and analysis. This is exactly what Syslor offers through two complementary solutions: EasyScan for photogrammetric surveying, and EasyMap for the visualization and processing of deliverables. EasyScan – Accurate and Standardized Photogrammetric Capture Everything starts in the field with EasyScan, the solution designed to perform georeferenced photogrammetric surveys. Each survey performed with the EasyScan application ensures centimetric accuracy and structured, standardized data.As a result, right from the survey phase: orthophotos and point clouds are perfectly aligned within the same reference system; deliverables are immediately available in EasyMap for further processing and analysis. EasyMap – Merging and Centralized Management of Deliverables Once the surveys are completed, EasyMap (formerly Sysmap) takes over. The tool, available directly through the Syslor web portal, assembles orthophotos and point clouds from different photogrammetric surveys to generate a unified overview of the entire project. The user then gains access to a comprehensive environment to: visualize the construction site as a whole, vectorize networks on a consistent base, perform measurements and volume calculations without discontinuities, and export reliable as-built plans with full confidence. This automation ensures a smooth, continuous production workflow, from field survey to final deliverable delivery. Ready-to-Use and Interoperable Deliverables Thanks to the complementarity between EasyScan and EasyMap, all data is aligned, merged, and immediately usable across any working environment — CAD, GIS, or collaborative platforms.The result: greater accuracy, less post-processing, and improved traceability throughout the entire project lifecycle. Want to learn more? Request a demo. A Unified Vision for More Accurate and Actionable Deliverables The merging of orthophotos and point clouds is not just a technical step — it’s a key requirement for ensuring the reliability and readability of

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EasyMap News - October 2025

Customized Attribute Libraries, 3D Editing, and Model Concatenation: What’s New at Syslor? 

Syslor is enhancing its EasyMap platform with three new features that make daily operations even smoother for field and design teams. EasyMap is the drawing and tracing tool accessible directly from the Syslor portal, used by EasyScan users to edit orthophotos and point clouds generated from photogrammetric surveys. It enables users to transform survey data into usable plans, control altimetry, and monitor project progress.  The new features focus on three key aspects:  Customizable vectorization,  The move from 2.5D to full 3D,  Model concatenation for an overall project view.  All these improvements share a common goal: simplify deliverable production, increase accuracy, and ensure better continuity between all project stakeholders.  Customize Vectorization to Match Your Standards Attribute Libraries Tailored to Your Needs Every company applies its own mapping standards. EasyMap now includes customizable attribute libraries, grouping the necessary object families (electricity, water, heating, telecom, wastewater, etc.) in line with your internal practices. Ready-to-Use, Standards-Compliant Exports Generated plans automatically comply with your nomenclatures and export formats (DXF, DGN, etc.). No more manual adjustments — exports from EasyMap are structured, standardized, and complete, saving time and reducing the risk of error.  Control and Edit in 3D While Keeping the Simplicity of 2.5D The Limits of 2.5D 2.5D remains widely used because it’s lightweight and easy to handle. However, it reaches its limits when verifying altimetry or working with overlapping networks. On the other hand, navigating within a 3D view allows for continuous control, but it is less intuitive and straightforward due to the complexity of three dimensions. Dual View for Greater Precision EasyMap now offers a dual view: a classic 2.5D view on the orthophoto to maintain the simplicity of tracing, a 3D view of the point cloud to verify altimetric consistency and interact directly with objects. Thanks to this combination, it is now possible to: draw networks on the orthophoto while simultaneously checking the accuracy and diameters within the point cloud, edit in 3D, allowing users to trace networks or modify a point directly in the point cloud and instantly visualize the impact on the orthophoto. This interaction between the point cloud and the orthophoto greatly enhances the accuracy of as-built documentation. Concatenate Models for a Complete Project Overview Global Project Management and Tracking Model concatenation automatically groups multiple photogrammetric surveys into coherent zones. This provides not only a macro view of the project but also continuous monitoring of its progress. This global approach facilitates project management, team coordination, and the progressive updating of data throughout the project. Global statistics (lengths, network types, progress rates) offer a clear and centralized overview. The choice of the background map allows for better contextualization of the project. Continuity and Unified Export Overlapping areas are automatically flagged as attention points. A dedicated process ensures topological continuity between models, reducing connection errors and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted tracing. The entire project can then be exported as a single, consistent file in all standard industry formats. Result: a single, fast, and consistent export, directly usable in standard industry formats (CSV, DXF, DGN, etc.), with no manual post-processing required. A Step Toward Greater Automation These new features already simplify users’ daily workflows by reducing manual corrections and improving coordination. They also mark the next step in Syslor’s broader roadmap: 3D tracing, AI-assisted drawing, and georeferenced annotations will soon further enrich the EasyMap experience.

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Photogrammetry: principles, method and use cases

What is photogrammetry? Photogrammetry is a technique for generating 3D restitution from 2D images. In practice, it makes it possible to model terrain with high precision, without contact, by exploiting the principle of parallax between several photos taken from different angles. Historically, it was first used in geomatics. Today, this method finds concrete applications in the fields of topography, public works, and network management. For its part, Syslor leverages photogrammetry using video captures made directly in the field by users via the EasyScan application, from a smartphone or tablet. These videos are then processed to produce georeferenced orthophotos and 3D models that can be used in our visualization and vectorization portal. Finally, this article outlines the basic principles of photogrammetry, its key steps, the deliverables generated, as well as its main field applications. Types of photogrammetry (analytical, digital) Depending on the evolution of techniques and available tools, photogrammetry can be implemented in different ways. Two main approaches are generally distinguished, which differ in their level of automation and the calculation methods used: Analytical photogrammetry: based on manual or semi-automated geometric calculations. Digital photogrammetry: fully computer-based, it relies on matching algorithms and image processing. How does photogrammetry work? Beyond its theoretical principle, photogrammetry relies on a well-structured processing workflow that transforms simple images into usable geometric data. From the automatic identification of common points to the generation of orthophotos and 3D models, each step contributes to ensuring the precision and consistency of the final result. Here are the main stages of this process: Matching of homologous points The software automatically identifies identical points (tie points) present in multiple images, usually by using correlation methods or feature detection. In practice, this avoids the need for the operator to manually capture every detail and ensures a solid foundation for reconstructing the site in 3D. Parallax and triangulation in photogrammetry The difference in angle between images makes it possible to calculate the 3D position of each point through triangulation. This mathematical process results in an accurate 3D model of the trench or surveyed surface, which can then be directly used to measure distances, depths, or verify the location of utilities. Image overlap conditions (forward and side overlap) To obtain a coherent and complete model, it is necessary to ensure: A forward overlap of at least 70% between two consecutive images, A side overlap of at least 30% between two flight lines. In practice, this means that operators must capture photos or videos in a regular and structured way, ensuring that the software can accurately reconstruct every part of the site without missing areas. Steps of the photogrammetry processing workflow Image alignment: recognition of common points and relative orientation. Generation of the 3D point cloud: dense, structured, and accurate. Production of the DTM/DSM: extraction of topographic surfaces. Orthophotography: planar, distortion-free, and georeferenced projection. Data export: standard formats for GIS/CAD integration. Photogrammetry deliverables: what results can you obtain? Orthophoto A georeferenced image in planar projection, free from distortion, that can be used as a base map for layouts or surveys. It is the equivalent of a “photo plan” of the construction site, serving as a reliable background for mapping utilities and producing a compliant as-built record. Digital Surface Model (DSM) and Digital Terrain Model (DTM) DSM (Digital Surface Model): includes visible surface objects (vegetation, buildings). DTM (Digital Terrain Model): represents only the bare ground surface, without obstacles. Photogrammetric 3D point cloud Resulting from triangulation, it enables the detailed reconstruction of terrain, structures, and volumes. For the user, this is equivalent to having a digital copy of the site, which can be revisited at any time to perform measurements or provide evidence of the work carried out. Export to GIS / CAD formats The data can be exported in standard formats (.tif, .las, .dxf, .shp, .gml, etc.) for integration into CAD or GIS software. Photogrammetry in the field: what is it used for? Photogrammetry is particularly useful for: Large-scale surface surveys, even in areas that are difficult to access. Construction site visualization, including topography, access, obstacles, and interfaces. Utility marking and as-built plans, where orthophotos allow the visual integration of surveyed networks. Vectorization within professional platforms, where the orthophoto serves as a reliable base for accurately mapping utilities, as in the Syslor interface. Applying photogrammetry to underground utility mapping and as-built documentation In the context of underground utility as-built surveys, photogrammetry provides an effective response to both regulatory and operational requirements. In practice, from videos or images taken during trench openings, it is possible to generate georeferenced orthophotos and 3D point clouds that accurately document the condition of the terrain and the position of installed utilities. Subsequently, the data are integrated into GIS, CAD, or CAE environments using standard formats (.tif, .las, .dxf, .shp, .gml), thus ensuring their usability by all project stakeholders. When combined with centimetric GNSS positioning (RTK/NRTK) or ground control points (GCPs), this method guarantees absolute accuracy in line with as-built requirements. The benefits of photogrammetry in this context are multiple: Damage evidence: the orthophoto serves as an objective record in the event of damage to utilities or incidents related to construction work. Traceability and history: each intervention is documented and archived, providing a reliable basis for monitoring utilities. Damage prevention: accurate knowledge of the subsurface and existing utilities reduces risks during future operations. Asset management: the generated data enrich cartographic databases and facilitate the long-term management of infrastructures. Ultimately, by combining photogrammetry with centimetric GNSS measurements, it becomes possible to produce an as-built survey that is exhaustive, accurate, and reliable as a reference in the event of inspections or disputes. This approach effectively addresses safety, regulatory compliance, and cost-control challenges related to damages. With EasyScan, operators simply record the trench using a smartphone. The videos are automatically transformed into georeferenced orthophotos and accurate 3D models, which are then integrated into the Syslor portal for vectorization. Combined with the centimetric GNSS receiver Proteus, the solution ensures a reliable as-built survey that is immediately usable by all project stakeholders. In summary Photogrammetry is a

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