---
title: How to Check LiDAR Dataset Collection Time and Compare it to Base Station Data
description: Ensuring your LiDAR dataset aligns with your base station data is crucial for accurate processing. Follow these steps to check the exact time your LiDAR dataset was collected and compare it to your base station’s time coverage.
---

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March 20, 2025

# How to Check LiDAR Dataset Collection Time and Compare it to Base Station Data

## Ensuring your LiDAR dataset aligns with your base station data is crucial for accurate processing. Follow these steps to check the exact time your LiDAR dataset was collected and compare it to your base station’s time coverage.

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When processing your data in ROCK Desktop you may receive an error that the time of the LiDAR dataset and your base dataset do not overlap.  Follow these instructions to get the time coverage of your data. 

### **Checking LiDAR Dataset Time**

To find the collection time for your dataset:

1. **Locate the JSON file**
   
     - Navigate to your **processed folder**.
     - Open the file **acquisition-config.json** using a text editor like **Notepad++**.
2. **Find the Start and End Time**
   
     - At the **beginning** of the file, look for `"end_time_utc"` (this is when collection stopped).
     - At the **end** of the file, find `"start_time_utc"` (this is when collection began).
3. **Convert GPS Time to Readable Format**
   
     - Copy the start or end UTC time.
     - Go to [unixtimestamp.com](https://www.unixtimestamp.com/).
     - Paste the value and click **Convert** to see the exact time in **GMT** or your local time zone.

> **Example:**
> 
> - **Start Time:** September 20, 2024, 15:48:45 GMT (9:48 AM Mountain Time)
> - **End Time:** September 20, 2024, 10:15 AM Mountain Time

---

### **Checking Base Station Time in RINEX Data**

To verify base station time coverage:

1. **Locate the Base Data File**
   
     - Navigate to your **POS folder** or wherever the **.24O RINEX file** is stored.
     - Open the **.24O file** in a text editor.
2. **Find the Time Coverage**
   
     - Scroll to **lines 21 and 22** (or search for the first and last observation times).
     - The first timestamp represents when base data collection **started**.
     - The last timestamp represents when base data collection **ended**.

> **Example:**
> 
> - **Base Data Start:** September 20, 2024, 15:25:17 GMT
> - **Base Data End:** September 20, 2024, 17:42:43 GMT

---

### **Ensuring Overlap Between LiDAR and Base Station Data**

- Your **LiDAR dataset timeframe** should fall **within** the base station’s **start and end times**.
- If the base station **stopped collecting** before the LiDAR dataset **ended**, there may be **gaps** in your correction data.

By following these steps, you can confirm that your **LiDAR data aligns properly with base station coverage**, preventing processing errors and ensuring accurate results.

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