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      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.

      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.
        • 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.