Spatial Control

First, we need to talk about accuracy and precision. Accuracy can be described as hitting the target, while precision is maintaining a close grouping of your measurements.

Spatial control is needed if you want to confidently measure points, lengths, areas, volumes, and angles.

Do your measurements depend only on the single dataset you are working with? An example of this is measuring the angle of a radio tower antenna or quantifying the volume of a rock pile. If so, the accuracy you are looking for is relative (or local).

Do your measurements depend on comparing the data set to others and/or viewing the data set relative to the rest of the world? An example of this is defining a building’s location and footprint. If so, the accuracy you are looking for is absolute.

Before we cover more on accuracy, there is something you need to be aware of. The low cost of sUAS remote sensing has allowed some users to produce products that only professional engineers and surveyors could produce. These users could get into trouble if they claim a certain level of accuracy in their data product because they do not have the proper license/certification to certify that accuracy. The takeaway is to always be up-front about and knowledgeable about the accuracy you claim.