If you’re thinking of buying a drone for someone special (yourself included), here are some tips on which ones we recommend for earthwork flights. With so many different drones on the market, it can be confusing to decide which one to buy. They vary in price and have a lot of options and features, so figuring out the one that best fits your needs can be overwhelming.

Important Things to Consider when Buying a Drone

Conducting land surveys via drone has become popular because it is faster and more accurate than conventional surveying methods. One of the important features you’ll want to look at is the camera quality when evaluating drones. Specifically, how the resolution and lens types will affect the point clouds, the precision of your maps and models will differ depending on each drone camera’s specific features. Having more points per unit leads to a clearer and higher resolution image, and therefore, the more accurate your 3D model will be.

You’ll also want to know if it comes with RTK (real-time kinematic) or not because those with it have centimeter-level positioning accuracy. RTK improves positioning data, making it better than simply using satellite data alone. When working with a drone equipped with RTK, you’ll also need a base station (on the ground to communicate location with the drone). You’ll also need an RTK receiver that sends signals to the satellite and the controller (remote used to operate the drone). With RTK GPS, the data from the drone flight is corrected for inaccuracies to ensure that what its capturing is the closest to existing reality as possible.

Another element to consider is whether or not it’s necessary to spend the extra money on a fixed-wing drone. Fixed-wing drones are typically used for larger areas and are best flown by a highly experienced pilot. Fixed-wing drones generally fly for about one hour and cover up to 900 acres. In contrast, the less expensive option is a multi-rotor drone which can fly up to forty minutes and cover up to 200 acres.

Three of the best drones for Earthwork related flights

DJI Phantom 4 RTK

Price: $6,600 and up

The DJI Phantom 4 RTK has a new RTK module directly integrated into it, which provides real-time, centimeter-level positioning data for improved absolute accuracy on image metadata and requires fewer ground control points. It also has optimized flight safety and precise data collection. Working with the data from an RTK drone is much easier, faster, and more accurate than using a non-RTK drone.

Key Features according to www.dji.com/phantom-4-rtk

o RTK Module, 1” CMOS Sensor, GS RTK APP, TimeSync, OcuSync, D-RTK 2 GNSS Mobile Station

o RTK Horizontal Positioning Accuracy: 1cm+1ppm

o RTK Vertical Positioning Accuracy: 1.5cm+1ppm

o Absolute Horizontal Accuracy of Photogrammetric Models: 5cm (*when flying at 100m height, 2.7cm GSD, sunny)

SenseFly eBee X (fixed wing drone)

Price: around $20,000

The eBee X drone provides accuracy down to 1.5cm with RTK/PPK allowing you to collect precise data. It has a flight time of up to 90 minutes which is impressive and a good option for those needing to survey large areas regularly. A fixed-wing drone like the eBee also can survey smaller sights much faster than a multi-rotor drone allowing a drone operator to survey more sites in a day.

Key Features according to www.sensefly.com/drone/ebee-x-fixed-wing-drone/

Efficiency
Safety
Ease of Use

Yuneec H520E-RTK

Price: $5,000 and up

The Yuneec H520E-RTK also has centimeter-level accuracy, an extended range, precision flight, and can stably fly into areas that might otherwise not be easily accessible. It can fly in winds up to 45 mph and has a 28-minute flight time. A drone like the Yuneec can survey areas that can be dangerous to survey on foot; examples include quarries, gravel piles, or concrete piles.

Key Features according to us.yuneec.com/h520-series/info/#specs

Extended range using its OFDM radios
Added façade scan for 3D modeling
RTK/PPK precision
Higher processors for those who need to add software for specialized features

The use of drones has drastically changed surveying. Technology advancements are ongoing. We fully expect them to continue to become even more efficient and valuable for Earthwork. If you’re unsure whether or not an investment in a drone makes sense for your business, call ECI Technologies. Our team can share our experiences with you to further help your decision-making process. Happy Holidays!