The Best RTK Drone for You

Engineer surveyor working with drone at construction site

There are many aspects to RTK GPS, but that just makes it all the more interesting. As this industry continues to grow and expand, it begins to venture into new territories and new technologies. New technologies like drones, for instance.

Drones with RTK GPS capabilities are becoming more popular because they are convenient, easy to use and offer many significant benefits over traditional methods. But choosing the right one for your needs requires a keen eye for practical considerations. If you’re searching for the best RTK drone for professional or commercial use, see below for more information.

How to Choose the Best RTK GPS Drone for You

Flight Time

The flight time of RTK GPS drones is an important factor. If it is too short, you will have to stop and recharge or swap the batteries often. This can lead to delays and may make it harder to survey areas quickly. When comparing options, look for the best RTK drone models that offer extended flight performance.

Camera Specs

Your GPS drone should have a well-equipped camera packed with functionality. Ideally, you should select for 4K 30 FPS cameras, as the clarity of the image is great for large data sets. Consider cameras that capture infrared information, as they can be helpful for farming planning and other site-specific information.

Engineer surveyor using walkie-talkie at construction site

Top Speed

Once you have a system in place and feel comfortable with your RTK drone, you’ll likely want to test the limits of the technology. Contrast top speeds of different drones with the other benefits described here, and make a selection that balances them. 

Receiver Distance

A final consideration for your RTK drone is how far it can fly from you. Although flight laws will significantly limit your usable distance, it is not unreasonable to assume that you will have special allowances for flight paths, and having the distance to use this can be beneficial. 

5 Best Drones for Mapping and Surveying

DJI Matrice 350 Enterprise RTK

Pros:

  • Excellent RTK precision
  • Long flight time
  • Modular payload options

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires training for full functionality

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK

Pros:

  • Compact and portable
  • High-quality camera with RTK integration
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Less payload flexibility
  • Shorter flight time than larger enterprise drones

Autel Robotics Evo II RTK Drone

Pros:

  • Strong camera performance
  • Reliable RTK accuracy
  • Good balance of cost and capability

Cons:

  • Smaller sensor than some competitors
  • Limited third-party payload support

DJI Matrice 400 Survey Drone

Pros:

  • Advanced RTK positioning
  • Supports multiple payloads
  • Built for heavy-duty surveying

Cons:

  • Expensive investment
  • Bulkier to transport

JOUAV CW-007

Pros:

  • Long endurance for large-area surveys
  • Professional-grade RTK performance
  • Fixed-wing efficiency

Cons:

  • Requires more takeoff/landing space
  • Less suited for confined environments

Where to Find the Best RTK Drones

Bench Mark has the best RTK drone options, including CHCNAV’s BB4. For more information about our selection, contact us today. 

Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at 403-286-0333 or email us at [email protected]

About the Author

Nolan has been working in the surveying field since 2017, starting as a part-time student at Bench-Mark while attending the University of Calgary. He now works in technical support and sales helping customers find the right product for them.

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