Overview

In SHARE3DCAM RTK field scanning, initial collection quality depends not only on RTK status but also on the starting area, route geometry, and how you walk during the first segment. If RTK quality risks are ignored at the start, or if system recommendations are not met within the first 20–30 m, RTK fusion quality and georeferencing results may be compromised downstream.

A more reliable RTK field collection workflow should prioritize starting-area quality first, then establish proper route geometry, then proceed to continuous scanning.

Workflow at a Glance

A basic SHARE3DCAM RTK field collection workflow includes the following steps:

1. Check the RTK quality indicator when creating a new project.
2. If RTK quality is poor, exit and move to an open area first.
3. At the start of collection, establish a route that encloses a sufficient area with adequate geometry.
4. For the first 30 m, prioritize an S-pattern route — avoid starting with a straight line.
5. If a collection reminder appears within the first 20 m, correct the route promptly with an L-shaped adjustment.
6. If a warning still triggers within the first 30 m, it is recommended to end the current project and restart collection.
7. Only after RTK quality and route geometry requirements are met should you proceed to normal continuous scanning.

This workflow helps reduce the risk of RTK fusion failure and establishes a more stable foundation for subsequent formal scanning.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide applies to the following users and scenarios:

• Field operators using SHARE3DCAM scanners for RTK outdoor collection
• Users who need more reliable RTK fusion results
• Project teams looking to standardize the first 30 m startup route and reminder handling
• Field personnel who want to reduce RTK fusion risk before formal scanning begins

4 Key Checkpoints Before Collection

Before beginning formal field collection, confirm the following four key checkpoints:

1. RTK Status

Always confirm RTK status in an open area first. Wait until RTK quality has stabilized before starting formal collection.

2. Area Requirement

The initial route should enclose an area greater than 10 m². Avoid starting with a straight line.

3. Route Pattern

For the first 30 m, prioritize an S-pattern route. If route geometry is insufficient, correct with an L-shaped adjustment.

4. 30 m Check

The first 30 m is the critical inspection phase. If requirements are still not met by this point, it is recommended to end the current project and restart collection.

These four checkpoints are essential decision points before entering continuous scanning, and they directly affect subsequent RTK fusion quality.

I. Handle RTK Quality Risk When Creating a New Project

When creating a new project, if the system detects poor RTK quality, the software will prompt you to move to an open area before restarting the project — this improves post-processing RTK fusion quality.

In this situation, the recommended approach is:

• Exit the current project first
• Move to an open area
• Restart formal collection once RTK quality has stabilized

For production-grade data, do not ignore RTK quality risks and continue scanning directly. The RTK status at the starting position is a critical foundation for subsequent fusion quality.

II. Meet Enclosed Area and Route Geometry Requirements at Collection Start

Before entering continuous scanning, establish a proper starting route. According to system requirements, the initial route should satisfy the following:

• Enclosed area greater than 10 m²
• Avoid starting with a straight line
• Use the real-time distance information displayed below the point cloud to gauge movement distance

The system recommends prioritizing an S-pattern route for the first 30 m of collection. Once requirements are met, tap Confirm and begin normal scanning.

The core idea at this stage is not to immediately walk long straight distances, but to establish route geometry first, then enter continuous collection.

III. If a Reminder Appears Within the First 20 m, Correct the Route Immediately

If requirements are not met within the first 20 m, the system may display an RTK collection reminder. When this appears, adjust the route immediately rather than continuing in a straight line.

The recommended correction method is an L-shaped route adjustment, with the following steps:

1. Immediately rotate 90° to the left or right of your current walking direction
2. Move laterally 2 m or more to add lateral constraint
3. Turn back to the original direction and continue forward

This approach supplements lateral geometric conditions during the initial collection phase, helping to improve RTK collection quality.

IV. If Requirements Are Still Not Met Within 30 m, End and Restart

If system requirements are still not met within the first 30 m, the software will display a Warning dialog. In this case, the recommended approach is:

• Tap "End Current Project"
• Restart data collection following the recommended route

If you choose to continue collection, there is a risk that georeferencing may not complete successfully in post-processing.

A practical way to understand this: if route geometry and RTK quality both meet requirements within the first 30 m, this warning typically will not appear.

V. RTK Field Collection Rules of Thumb

Based on the system guidelines, RTK field collection can follow these rules of thumb:

1. Find open areas first — If RTK quality is poor, adjust the starting position and prioritize entering an open area.
2. Avoid starting in a straight line — An S-pattern route is better suited for the startup phase; if route geometry is insufficient, use an L-shaped correction to improve conditions.
3. Ensure adequate enclosure — Before formal scanning, the initial route should enclose an area greater than 10 m²; avoid walking in a straight line.
4. Complete the check within 30 m — If a warning appears within the first 30 m, prioritize ending the current project and restarting collection.

It is important to note that continuing collection does not mean RTK fusion requirements have been met. Do not treat "Continue Scanning" as meaning the risk has been eliminated.

Summary

The core principle of SHARE3DCAM RTK field collection is not to start long-distance scanning as quickly as possible, but to first ensure RTK quality and initial route geometry, then proceed to formal collection.

A more reliable basic workflow is:

Check RTK status → Move to an open area if needed → Establish starting geometry with an S-pattern route → If a reminder appears within 20 m, perform an L-shaped correction → If a warning still appears within 30 m, end and restart → Proceed to continuous scanning only after requirements are met

For field operators, this workflow helps reduce the risk of RTK fusion failure and better aligns with production-grade data collection standards.