# Data Processing: TOPOSETTER and TOPOMAPPER

> Source: https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/data-processing-toposetter-and-topomapper/
> Section: TOPODRONE Sony ILX-LR1 (LR1 CM)
> Updated: 2026-10-11

Data is processed in TOPODRONE's own software:

- **TOPOSETTER** - PPK post-processing: precise coordinates of the camera centers, writing coordinates to the images and a coordinate catalog;
- **TOPOMAPPER** - photogrammetric processing: image alignment, dense point cloud, digital surface and terrain models (DSM, DTM), orthomosaic, multispectral orthomosaic and vegetation indices.

The processing procedure depends on the survey mode:

- **PPK:** images, LR1 Control Module file and base station file → TOPOSETTER → TOPOMAPPER;
- **RTK:** images → TOPOMAPPER.

> **Danger:** The software works with images in JPEG format.

> **Note:** TOPODRONE Post Processing is not used for ILX-LR1. TOPOSETTER and TOPOMAPPER are available in beta; for access, contact TOPODRONE technical support (support@topodrone.com).

## 14.1 PPK Post-processing in TOPOSETTER

**1. Data structuring.** Download the images from the camera memory card to a computer and sort them into folders - one folder per flight. Copy the GNSS measurement files (\*.bin) from the LR1 Control Module microSD card and put each file in the folder of the corresponding flight. Download the base station file; there is no need to convert it if the format is supported ([chapter 10.3](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/aerial-survey/)).

**2. Data loading.** Drag the flight folder into the TOPOSETTER window or add the files with the button. The software automatically determines the rover file (LR1 Control Module) and the base station file. Images are loaded only as a folder.

> **Danger:** All images taken after the drone was turned on must be included in the processing, even accidental images taken on the ground.

**3. Base station coordinates.** Enter the precise base station coordinates and the antenna height: the tripod or pole height plus the height of the receiver antenna phase center. If the fields are left empty, the software substitutes the navigation solution with an error of 1-2 m: the fields turn yellow, and a warning appears before processing. The coordinates are remembered for each base file. If precise coordinates are not available, click "Calculate by PPP" ([chapter 10.3](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/aerial-survey/)).

**4. Coordinate system.** Select the coordinate system by name or EPSG code and the height model (geoid). You can load your own files: a coordinate system description \*.prj (including local systems) and height models \*.gtx, \*.tif, \*.isg.

**5. Installation preset.** Select the **LR1** preset. For a non-standard installation, contact TOPODRONE technical support.

**6. Processing.** Click "Process". The calculation is performed together with the base station file. When finished, a notification appears with the processing time, the number of events and the share of fixed solutions, for example: "Processing completed in 1 min 35 s: 2176 events, Q1 at 100 %".

**7. Image georeferencing.** The software matches the images with the events and writes the coordinates to the images. You can restore the original image data with the "Restore EXIF" button. On the map, an event with a matched image is marked with a green camera, an event without an image with a red one.

**8. Result.** The catalog of camera center coordinates in the selected coordinate system is saved to the images folder. The Accuracy column shows the accuracy by solution type: 0.05 m - fixed, 0.5 m - float, 5 m - navigation.

> **Note:** If all steps are performed correctly, after alignment in TOPOMAPPER the error at the control points will not exceed 2-3 ground sampling distances of the image. Otherwise, check all data step by step, including the coordinates of the base station and the control points. If the error cannot be found, contact TOPODRONE technical support (support@topodrone.com).

## 14.2 Photogrammetric Processing in TOPOMAPPER

1. **Loading.** Drag the flight folder into the TOPOMAPPER window or select it with the "Add images" button. The software finds images in all subfolders and the TOPOSETTER coordinate catalog next to them. Individual images without a folder are not loaded.
2. **Alignment.** Click "Align" and wait for the sparse point cloud to be built.
3. **Dense cloud.** Select the level of detail - low, medium, high or ultra - and click "Build cloud".
4. **DSM, DTM and orthomosaic.** Build the digital surface model, the digital terrain model and the orthomosaic.
5. **Accuracy check.** Load the control points from a TXT or CSV file, mark them in the images and generate the accuracy report.

**Results:** point cloud in LAZ format with color and classes, DSM, DTM and orthomosaic in GeoTIFF format, accuracy report (PDF) and camera center coordinates (CSV). By default, the results are saved in WGS 84 / UTM with ellipsoidal height; the local coordinate system and height model are taken from the TOPOSETTER catalog.