Accurate tree planting mapping – Using the STA explorer HA

The STA Explorer introduced a practical way to spatially map operational tree planting activities at scale. Rather than relying solely on contractor reporting, stand summaries, or sample-based assessments, organisations could begin visualising planting coverage, stand densities, operational patterns, and missed areas directly from field-collected spatial data.

The STA Explorer HA builds on that capability by introducing high accuracy GNSS workflows and post processed positioning into the planting process. This opens the door to much more detailed spatial analysis, including highly accurate stem-level locations, planting line assessments, survival monitoring, and integration with other precision forestry datasets.

Importantly, the STA Explorer HA retains the same simple field workflow as the standard STA Explorer. From an operational perspective, the device is used in much the same way, with the additional precision being achieved through post processing workflows after field collection.

The physical operation of the STA Explorer HA is not covered in detail here, as field use is already documented in the user manual and is effectively identical to the standard STA Explorer.

At present, the STA Explorer HA is designed specifically for low g-force applications such as planting tubes and similar workflows where the device is not exposed to repeated impacts or heavy vibration. Applications involving higher forces, such as shovel mounting or aggressive tool movement, should continue using the standard STA Explorer. This is an important distinction at the current stage of the hardware.

Infrastructure

The STA Explorer HA uses a PPK workflow, or Post Processed Kinematic positioning. Unlike real-time correction systems, PPK processing is performed after field data collection and relies on access to suitable base station data recorded during the same time period as the field work.

This means the workflow requires access to an appropriate nearby GNSS base station. In Australia, the AusCORS network is a strong example of publicly funded GNSS infrastructure, with many stations providing freely accessible RINEX data suitable for post processing. Users may also operate their own local base station where required (but that’s beyond the scope of this overview).

The distance between the field device and the base station, known as the baseline, is an important factor in final positional accuracy. In general, shorter baselines produce better results. Where possible, users should select the closest suitable station with reliable data availability across the full period of field operations.

After field collection, the user will need to obtain the relevant base station files covering the operational period. These are typically supplied as RINEX observation files. Alongside the standard operational data recorded by the STA platform, the STA Explorer HA also records raw GNSS observation data in UBX format. These files are made available to the user separately via file share for post processing workflows.

Post processing

By default, STA Explorer HA data flows through the standard STA processing pipeline and into the STA Portal using standard GNSS accuracy. In this mode, the operational result is effectively the same as using a standard STA Explorer.

The high accuracy component is unlocked during post processing, where the raw GNSS observations from the device are combined with base station observations to produce a corrected trajectory and improved point positions.

We are currently assessing demand for an integrated automated HA processing workflow as part of the STA subscription platform. As adoption grows and workflows mature, automated post processing and direct integration into live datasets may become available as a managed subscription feature.

At present, users perform post processing independently using third-party software. Two commonly used options are:

• RTKLIB A powerful and widely used open-source GNSS processing suite offering very high flexibility and control.
• Emlid Studio A much more user-friendly desktop application that simplifies many PPK workflows and is often a good starting point for users new to GNSS post processing.

The general workflow involves importing both the base station RINEX files and the STA Explorer HA UBX files into the processing software, configuring the processing settings, and generating corrected outputs that can be used in GIS.

One important consideration is that base station observation frequencies may differ from the logging frequency of the STA Explorer HA. Depending on the processing software and workflow, interpolation or resampling may be required during processing. This is a normal part of GNSS post processing workflows and is generally handled automatically by most software packages.

At present, post processed coordinates are not automatically written back into the live STA Portal layers. The live operational layer will continue displaying standard accuracy data unless a future integrated HA subscription workflow is implemented.

Accurate tree planting locations

The practical outcome of this workflow is that planting data can move beyond operational summaries and into genuinely spatial forestry datasets.

Instead of simply understanding how many trees were planted in an area, organisations can begin analysing where individual stems were planted, how planting lines behave spatially across terrain, spacing consistency, long-term survival trends, or interactions with other environmental datasets.

For many organisations, this level of detail is not necessary for day-to-day operational tracking. For others, particularly those working in research, carbon projects, precision silviculture, or long-term monitoring, it opens up an entirely different category of spatial analysis.