The Surveyor's Skyline: Guide To The Best 9 GIS Mapping Drones for 2024
Surveyors are all too familiar with the challenges of collecting precise, high-quality data across expansive terrains. How can they mitigate the constraints of time and access while ensuring accuracy in every pixel? Enter the era of top-tier GIS mapping drones – an asset in spatial data collection. Conventional methods have their limitations. Like those theodolite and transit surveys that requires a clear line of sight between points, which can be obstructed in dense or complex terrains. Or the cumbersome leveling staff where you keep hunching down to take measurements at different points to establish a topographic profile of the area. Total stations, with their laser signals, are highly accurate but require transportation to different survey points and can be time-consuming.
Mapping with drones is becoming increasingly popular. They come with cutting-edge camera quality and sensor types, enabling surveyors to capture ultra-high-resolution imagery from above, which is then seamlessly integrated with data processing software, creating accurate 2D and 3D models, cutting down the time for operations. Drones are employed for various types of surveys, including topographic, construction site, agricultural, and environmental and conservation surveys. These surveys leverage different types of sensors like RGB, photogrammetry, LiDAR, multispectral imaging, hyperspectral cameras, and thermal sensors to cater to specific needs of the survey. We’ve compiled a list of the 9 top drones for UAV-based mapping in 2024, with proven track records in the industry.
Criteria Used
To put together the ranking, we looked at:
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First, a summary of the drones:
Quick Overview
Detailed Review And Analysis Of 2024's Top 9 Mapping and Survey Drones
1. DJI Matrice 350 RTK
Top on this year’s list is the M350, which integrates high-precision mapping with efficient air-to-ground coordination that makes it an asset for demanding mapping and surveying missions. Since hitting the stage in 2023, it has quickly become a favorite among professionals for its powerful operation performance and enhanced safety features. It works with various global satellite systems including GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou, ensuring high-precision positioning and robust performance across different geographical locations. It also has a rugged design with an IP55 ingress protection rating, and its advanced video transmission capabilities. You can also use it with a range of payloads and DJI's Enterprise ecosystem, making it a versatile tool for a wide array of mapping and surveying applications.
Key Features
• Camera Quality and Sensor Types: The M350 RTK is compatible with the Zenmuse H20 series, which includes a four-sensor system comprising zoom, wide, thermal cameras, and a laser rangefinder. The Zenmuse P1 and L2 offer additional capabilities with full-frame photogrammetry sensors and LiDAR technology respectively, enhancing geospatial data acquisition.
• Flight Time and Battery Life: It boasts a maximum flight time of 55 minutes, supported by TB65 Intelligent Flight Batteries. These batteries are notable for their extended lifecycle, offering up to 400 charge cycles.
• Range and Communication: The drone features an upgraded O3 enterprise transmission system, capable of providing 1080p video transmission over distances of up to 20 km.
• Data Processing Capabilities: When combined with DJI Terra, the M350 RTK supports efficient data collection for high-precision 2D and 3D mapping. Make your work even easier with the brand's new intelligent 3D model editing software, DJI Modify, released in January 2024.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: With an IP55 rating, the M350 RTK is designed to withstand challenging weather conditions, making it suitable for diverse environments.
• Precision and Stability: The drone includes features like Terrain Follow and Smart Oblique, enhancing its precision in data collection and stability in various flying conditions.
• Payload Capacity: It supports a maximum payload of 2.7 kg, allowing for the attachment of various sensors and tools necessary for specific mapping tasks.
• Ease of Use and Automation: Features like AI Spot-Check and Live Mission Recording simplify operations and enhance the efficiency of repetitive tasks.
The M350 RTK is tailored for survey projects, offering compatibility with a range of mapping cameras and software. The drone supports cameras like the Zenmuse H20N, P1, and L2, each providing unique capabilities for different surveying needs. It works seamlessly with DJI Terra and other third-party mapping software, facilitating efficient data collection and processing for photogrammetry and LiDAR solutions.
Watch the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) use the Matrice 350 and Zenmuse P1 payload for survey tasks in their mining fields here:
Using the M350 with the DJI Terra, you can create 3D models of landscapes and generate high-resolution topographic maps. This significantly reduces the time and labor traditionally required for surveying and mapping, thereby cutting down human error. DJI Terra's functionality includes advanced features like the Auto Identify Mark function in GCP (Ground Control Point) Management, Ground Point Classification, and support for reducing model size to improve loading speed. These features enhance the overall utility of the software in GIS mapping, where accuracy and detail are paramount.
The software's efficiency is also highlighted by its ability to process large volumes of data quickly. For instance, DJI Terra can process up to 30,000 photos in just three days on a single computer, offering centimeter-level accuracy for large-scale projects. The platform's 2D maps are equally impressive, providing detailed and precise measurements for target objects and areas.
Additionally, DJI Terra's advanced features, such as LiDAR capabilities and multispectral features, enhance its functionality. The LiDAR capabilities, when paired with the Zenmuse LiDAR, process highly accurate point cloud data efficiently, while the multispectral features are useful in agriculture for generating vegetation index maps like NDVI and NDRE.
Combine this with the M350's features like Waypoint, Mapping, Oblique, and Linear Flight missions, and the drone's ability to quickly obtain detailed 2D and 3D digital results, it is a powerful tool for collecting and processing geospatial data
The Zenmuse P1 is also compatible with this drone’s predecessor, the Matrice 300 RTK. The M300 RTK and P1 can even get a ground sample distance (GSD) of 1.18cm at an altitude of 80 meters. The P1's 45MP camera is capable of capturing clear imagery for building detailed and high-resolution 2D orthomosaics and CAD-standard 3D models.
2. WingtraOne Gen II
The WingtraOne Gen II, a sophisticated entry in the GIS mapping drone market has been around since 2021, establishing itself as with its compelling blend of advanced technology and user-centric features. Notably, it is included in the US Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS cleared list and complies with 848 FY20 NDAA, ensuring a high level of security and reliability – which also makes it a prime choice for sensitive operations.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:WingtraOne Gen II is compatible with a variety of high-quality cameras, including the Sony RX1R II, Sony a6100, and Oblique Sony a6100, ensuring detailed imagery and accurate mapping data.
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Flight Time and Battery Life:The drone boasts up to 59 minutes of flight time under ideal conditions, courtesy of its two 99 Wh batteries.
Range and Communication: It The drone boasts a reliable radio link with a range of up to 10 km (6 mi) in direct line of sight.
- Range and Communication:It The drone boasts a reliable radio link with a range of up to 10 km (6 mi) in direct line of sight.
- Data Processing Capabilities:Through partnerships with Bentley Systems and Esri, the WingtraOne Gen II offers robust data processing capabilities, particularly for creating accurate 3D models.
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Durability and Weather Resistance:Engineered to operate in challenging conditions, it can handle sustained winds up to 12 m/s (27 mph) and gusts up to 18 m/s (40 mph).
Precision and Stability: The built-in multi-frequency L1/L2 PPK GNSS receiver with an absolute accuracy down to 1 cm (0.4 in). - Ease of Use and Automation:Its VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design allows for operation in confined or rough terrains, enhancing its ease of use.
- Regulatory Compliance:In addition to being 848 FY20 NDAA compliant, the WingtraOne Gen II is equipped with a WiFi module for future Remote ID compliance.
This drone became available as part of Wingtra's ongoing commitment to developing high-precision VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones designed for survey-grade aerial data collection. Its features include a built-in multi-frequency L1/L2 PPK (Post Processed Kinematic) GNSS receiver for centimeter-level accuracy in 3D modeling, making it highly beneficial for mapping and surveying applications.
It is supported by leading geospatial software platforms like Bentley's ContextCapture and Esri’s Site Scan for ArcGIS. These partnerships ensure that the data captured by the WingtraOne Gen II can be effectively processed and utilized for creating highly accurate 3D models and other geospatial outputs.
3. Parrot ANAFI Ai
The 4G connected ANAFI Ai comes in next, French drone maker Parrot. It is compatible with the PIX4D Suite, excels in photogrammetry and mapping, offering high-resolution 48 MP images and a survey-grade accuracy of 0.46cm/px at 30m. Its integration with FreeFlight 7 and OpenFlight simplifies mission planning with photogrammetry flight modes, enabling efficient and precise data capture for detailed mapping and inspection tasks. The drone's 4G connectivity ensures stable data transfer and seamless flight operations even in complex environments, enhancing the workflow for professionals in various fields.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The ANAFI Ai boasts a 48MP CMOS sensor with a dynamic range of 14 EV in HDR mode. Its camera supports 4K UHD video resolution at 24/25/30 fps and 1080p at various frame rates, ensuring high-quality data capture for precise mapping.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:With a maximum flight time of 32 minutes and a high-density lithium-polymer smart battery, the ANAFI Ai ensures prolonged operations, crucial for extensive mapping tasks.
- Range and Communication:The drone's 4G connectivity, provided by Parrot's secured infrastructure, allows for precise control at any distance, a groundbreaking feature that expands your range when mapping and surveying.
- Data Processing Capabilities:The ANAFI Ai supports various video and photo formats, including JPEG, DNG (Digital NeGative RAW), and MP4, catering to different data processing needs in GIS mapping.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:Its IP53 certification makes the ANAFI Ai dust and rain-resistant, enabling operations in various environmental conditions.
- Precision and Stability:Equipped with a 6-axis stabilization system and a controllable gimbal tilt range of -90° to +90°, the ANAFI Ai ensures stable and precise footage, crucial for accurate mapping.
- Ease of Use and Automation:The ANAFI Ai features autonomous flight modes like Photogrammetry, Flight Plan, and Cameraman, enhancing usability and making complex mapping tasks simpler and more efficient.
- Regulatory Compliance:Compliant with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), features 1-Click deletion of all data, comes with Wisekey Secure Element which is FIPS140-2 Level 3 compliant and Common Criteria EAL5+ certified for high standards of cybersecurity and data protection.
The Parrot ANAFI Ai stands out with its photogrammetry flight modes available in FreeFlight 7 and OpenFlight, offering a seamless user experience. Its 1-Click flight plan creation simplifies the process of generating comprehensive aerial surveys. This drone captures 48 MP stills at 1fps, a rate twice as fast as its competitors, translating to more efficient data collection. With a survey-grade accuracy of 0.46cm/px Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) at 30m, it surpasses many in its class, providing exceptionally detailed imagery.
It leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency of visual inspections. For instance, when used with the PIX4Dinspect platform, the drone's machine learning algorithms can identify and measure elements such as antennas on cell towers. This level of precision and detail is facilitated by its 48 MP 1/2'' CMOS sensor equipped with a Quad Bayer color filter.
One of the main benefits of drone mapping is time efficiency. Watch the Anafi Ai map 100 acres of the Italian city Positano in just 3 days – a task that would have taken months with traditional methods here:
The high-resolution 48 MP still photos allow for capturing minute details, essential for inspection missions where identifying small features like serial numbers and rust spots is crucial. The sensor's wide dynamic range, offering up to 14 stops in HDR mode, ensures optimal image gradation, vital for consistent point clouds and high-quality 2D or 3D reconstructions.
The ANAFI Ai's sensor outperforms the 1'' 20 MP sensors used in many professional drones, delivering 55% more detail. Its gimbal features a 6-axis hybrid stabilization system, ensuring sharp images even in challenging flight conditions. The camera's ±90° controllable tilt range makes it ideal for inspecting hard-to-reach areas. The ability to switch seamlessly between Wi-Fi and 4G enhances the reliability of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. Additionally, the drone can transmit images directly to cloud servers via its 4G module during flight, speeding up the workflow significantly.
Flight planning is made effortless with the FreeFlight 7 app's integration of various photogrammetry flight modes. The AI-driven one-click flight plan creation utilizes 3D interactive maps for quick and accurate scanning. The drone's perception systems and omnidirectional sensing, based on stereoscopic vision, ensure the safety of the flight plan by autonomously avoiding obstacles.
4. eBee Geo
The eBee Geo is positioned as a more cost-effective alternative to the eBee X, which we will also cover later on in this list. This is a user-friendly option for those new to fixed-wing drone mapping and data collection. It is ideal for smaller surveying firms and project-based drone service providers due to its affordability and capabilities. The drone has a maximum flight time of 45 minutes and can cover up to 160 hectares at a height of 122 meters in a single flight. Its supplied senseFly S.O.D.A. camera allows for RGB imaging and, with the available Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) function, it can achieve absolute accuracy down to 2.5 cm. The drone is also complaint to European C2 and C6 class identification labels and features a rugged and intuitive design, making it suitable for operations in harsh conditions.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The eBee Geo is equipped with the senseFly S.O.D.A. camera, optimized for photogrammetry. This camera captures sharp aerial images essential for producing georeferenced orthomosaics, digital surface models (DSM), and point clouds.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:It offers a maximum flight time of 45 minutes, allowing it to cover an area up to 160 hectares (395 acres) while flying at an altitude of 120 meters (400 feet).
- Data Processing Capabilities:eBee Geo is compatible with several photogrammetry software options like PIX4Dmapper, which aids in versatile data processing.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:Designed to operate under harsh conditions, the drone's shock-absorbent underbelly and reinforced polypropylene woven mesh make it robust and weather-resistant.
- Precision and Stability:The optional Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology ensures high precision, allowing for accuracies down to 2.5 cm (1 inch) without the need for ground control points (GCPs).
- Ease of Use and Automation:The eBee Geo is easy to operate, with features like hand-launch capability, automated flight, and a rugged design, making it user-friendly and reducing the likelihood of operator error.
- Regulatory Compliance:The drone complies with Remote ID and European regulations. Its lightweight design also allows it to operate within more regulatory frameworks, even enabling advanced operations like flying over people (OOP).
With the 45 minutes of flight time, surveyors can cover large areas efficiently, and the drone includes professional GNSS boards for precise navigation. Its combination of advanced features like the senseFly S.O.D.A. camera, optional RTK technology, and compatibility with various software including DroneDeploy and Esri ArcGIS Drone2Map make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications in surveying, civil engineering, and GIS fields. The drone's design aligns with regulatory compliance and safety, ensuring it can be used in diverse operational environments
5. Evo II Dual 640T RTK V3
The Evo II Dual 640T V3 comes with advanced features tailored for enterprise applications, including dual gimbal-mounted cameras capable of capturing detailed visual and thermal images. The drone's enhanced high-resolution camera lenses make it particularly effective for both daytime aerial photography and nighttime thermal imaging. It's designed to withstand level 8 wind resistance, ensuring stability in diverse conditions, and is compatible with compatible with sophisticated software like Pix4D for your mapping operations.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The drone features a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.9 fixed aperture, capable of capturing 50MP photos and 8K/30fps HD video. It supports 4K HDR shooting and up to 12-bit A-log DNG, offering vivid colors and enhanced performance in various lighting conditions.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:Comes with a 7100mAh rechargeable battery, offering up to 38 minutes of flight time. Its ability to operate up to 9km away ensures extensive coverage of the survey area, making it ideal for large-scale projects.
- Range and Communication: The drone is equipped with Skylink 2.0 transmission technology and can reach an image transmission distance of up to 15km. It supports tri-band communication for maximum anti-interference capabilities.
- Data Processing Capabilities:With its advanced camera and sensor technology, the Evo II Dual 640T RTK V3 facilitates detailed data capture, which can be effectively utilized in various post-processing software applications.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:It offers level 8 wind resistance and an IP43 rating, ensuring performance in diverse weather conditions.
- Precision and Stability:The drone provides precise temperature measurements within a range of 2-20 meters and can regulate temperature deviations within 3 degrees Celsius.
- Payload Capacity:It has a maximum lift capability of 2 lbs (920g), accommodating various payloads for different operational needs.
- Ease of Use and Automation:The Evo II Dual 640T RTK V3 can be deployed rapidly in under a minute, from its case to the air. Its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, such as Dynamic Track 2.0 technology, enhance operational efficiency by identifying up to 64 objects in the environment and facilitating automatic return and landing.
- Regulatory Compliance:The drone is not under the US's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), allowing for more export freedoms. It's also free of geo-fencing restrictions, but it's essential to comply with local laws and regulations.
The drone’s 50MP ultra-sensitive camera which, coupled with the RYYB sensor and Moonlight Algorithm 2.0, provides exceptional noise reduction, even in limited lighting conditions. The sensor technology moves away from conventional RGB cameras, offering up to 40% more light sensitivity in low-light scenarios – which also makes it one of the top night vision drones. Its PDAF+CDAF autofocus system ensures subjects are never out of focus, allowing for fast and accurate tracking. The camera also supports 4K HDR for greater dynamic range, ensuring clarity in images even when shooting scenes with high contrast. The drone has a maximum take-off altitude of 7,000 meters, a maximum speed of 20m/s, and a maximum flight distance of 25km.
The combination of high-resolution thermal imaging camera and a Sony .8" 50 megapixel RYYB sensor is ideal for detailed and discernible thermal imaging. The drone's capability to detect heat sources within a distance of 2-20 meters, with a temperature deviation regulation within 3 degrees Celsius, is particularly beneficial for accurate mapping and surveying. Its 30hz refresh rate for videogrammetry ensures that 3D thermal maps are accurate and detailed.
The drone's Real Time Kinematic (RTK) feature is another crucial aspect. It provides real-time corrections to location data as the drone surveys and captures images, ensuring centimeter-level accuracy. The EVO II RTK series supports third-party base stations with NTRIP capability and high-precision GNSS base stations, making it possible to obtain real-time differential data and precise coordinates of target points.
The EVO II Dual 640T RTK V3's utility in challenging environments was demonstrated in a test conducted in collaboration with the University of Alaska Fairbanks at a River Ice monitoring test site in Nenana, Alaska. Despite the remote access, difficult terrain, and cold environment, the drone delivered accurate, clear results, with its high-resolution camera providing steady outcomes without any need for ground control points as a reference.
When used with Pix4D, delivered comprehensive and visually impressive maps, unaffected by slight color variations due to changing sunlight.
Furthermore, the drone's SkyLink 2.0 video transmission feature is noteworthy. It allows for operations over long distances (up to 9+ miles), supporting tri-band communication with automatic frequency hopping for maximum anti-interference capabilities. The Autel Smart Controller V3, with its 7.9-inch high-brightness screen, ensures clear visibility even under direct sunlight and guarantees long-distance operations.
6. Yuneec H850
The Yuneec H850 stands out as a highly competent GIS mapping drone, notable for its advanced features and robust design. Released in August 2022, it has rapidly become a choice tool for professionals in surveying, infrastructure inspections, public safety applications, and even wildlife conservation. A defining attribute of the H850 is its compliance with data privacy standards, a vital consideration in today's technological landscape. This aspect, along with its impressive flight time and payload flexibility, makes it a beneficial tool for mapping and survey projects.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The H850 is compatible with a range of Yuneec cameras like the Lidar GS100C, ATL Oblique Camera, and the E45S Full Frame surveying camera, with the versatility ensuring high-quality imagery across various mapping applications.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:It boasts up to 65 minutes of flight time, subject to payload and weather conditions. The drone is equipped with dual smart batteries, enhancing its operational efficiency.
- Range and Communication:The H850 offers a maximum video transmission range of 15 km, facilitated by the T-One controller with a built-in display, ensuring robust and reliable communication over long distances.
- Data Processing Capabilities:With support for GNSS constellations like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, and the ability to log all data including GNSS and real-time solutions onboard, the H850 is well-equipped for precise data processing.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:The drone's design includes an Ingress Protection rating of IPX4, enabling it to operate effectively in challenging environmental conditions.
- Precision and Stability:It offers a high degree of precision and stability even in high-wind environments, crucial for accurate mapping and surveying tasks.
- Payload Capacity:The H850 supports a payload weight of up to 3 kg, making it suitable for carrying various sensors and equipment necessary for professional-grade mapping and surveying.
- Ease of Use and Automation:It is designed with user-friendly features, including hot-swappable payloads and batteries, and an open-source flight control mission planning capability, enhancing operational ease and automation.
The Yuneec H850 is a hexacopter that incorporates a high-precision RTK module, specifically engineered for professional applications. It has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 8800 grams and can support a payload of up to 3000 grams. With a diagonal size of 850mm and dimensions of 440×365×470 mm when unfolded, it is a substantial yet manageable drone. The H850 reaches a top flight speed of 72 km/h and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20℃ to 50℃. It's also equipped with multiple positioning systems including GPS, Glonass, Beidou, and Galileo, ensuring accurate location tracking. The hovering accuracy and RTK(RMS) accuracy are finely tuned for precision mapping and surveying tasks. In terms of connectivity, the H850 offers various ports and power supply options, making it a highly adaptable and future-proof platform. Its autopilot is based on PX4, and it supports a range of payloads including LiDAR, various cameras, and even loudspeakers, making it a versatile tool for a wide array of applications.
For mapping, the H850 is compatible with various Yuneec camera payloads, including high-resolution and oblique cameras, and supports LiDAR for detailed terrain and structure mapping. For instance, you can use with the ATL 102S V3 Oblique Camera. This particular payload employs a unique five-lens configuration, capturing intricate details from multiple angles simultaneously, a feature instrumental in creating comprehensive 3D models and high-resolution maps. The camera's 125-megapixel resolution, combined with a 3-axis gimbal, ensures image stability and clarity, while its adaptable parameters allow operation in diverse light and weather conditions, optimizing fieldwork productivity. ‘
Also Read: Top 10 Drones For The Construction Industry
7. Evo Max 4T
The Evo Max 4T is the second entrant on this year’s ranking from Autel Robotics. It distinguishes itself with its comprehensive feature set tailored for professional applications. This drone offers a blend of high-quality imaging, extended flight capabilities, robust communication systems, and advanced data processing. It's designed for a range of environments, including challenging urban areas, thanks to its effective anti-interference technologies. Its wide-angle camera with a DFVO of 85 degrees is ideal for capturing extensive, detailed images of landscapes and structures. The zoom camera features a 48MP 1/2" CMOS sensor to capture images even from a distance, beneficial for surveying large areas or focusing on specific points of interest without compromising image quality.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types: The drone is equipped with a top-tier camera system, including a 50MP wide-angle camera featuring a 1/1.28" CMOS Sensor. It's complemented by a zoom camera and a thermal camera, ensuring versatility and depth in imaging for comprehensive survey data.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:The Evo Max 4T boasts an impressive flight time of up to 42 minutes. Its hot-swappable battery system allows for quick battery changes without power-downs, ideal for time-sensitive missions.
- Range and Communication:With Autel's advanced SkyLink 3.0 system, the drone ensures stable connectivity and boasts an impressive image transmission distance of up to 12.4 miles. This feature is pivotal for operations in extensive and remote areas.
- Data Processing Capabilities:The integrated camera system and sensors are specifically designed to capture detailed data, which can be processed for accurate and comprehensive mapping results.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:Its IP43 rating confirms that the drone is protected against objects larger than 1mm and from water sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical, making it resilient in various operational environments.
- Precision and Stability:The Evo Max 4T's advanced positioning systems, including GPS and GLONASS, coupled with its stabilization features, ensure that data collection is precise and consistent, crucial for high-quality mapping.
- Ease of Use and Automation:While the drone is packed with advanced features, it has been noted that new users may face a learning curve. However, the autonomy and intelligent flight modes of the drone simplify operations once familiarized.
- Regulatory Compliance:The Evo Max 4T adheres to stringent standards, ensuring safe and compliant operation in various regions. However, users must be mindful of local regulations, especially concerning the drone's advanced features like A-Mesh 1.0
The Evo Max 4T's design emphasizes durability and performance, with a max horizontal speed of 23m/s and wind resistance of up to 27 mph. Its operational temperature range is -4 ℉ to 122 ℉, showcasing its adaptability to different climates. The drone's versatile camera system, including a wide-angle, zoom, and thermal camera make it a flexible tool for different mapping needs.
The Millimeter-Wave Radar Sensing System enhances the drone's obstacle avoidance capabilities, ensuring the safety and integrity of the mapping or surveying mission. It's particularly useful in maintaining the drone's stability and flight path in complex environments or adverse weather conditions, ensuring consistent data quality. Its combination of advanced imaging, extended flight time, robust build, and innovative features like the A-Mesh 1.0 system, make it a leading choice for 2024’s best mapping drones. However, its price point and complexity might be considerations for potential users.
8. eBee X
The eBee X on the other hand has been in operation for over 5 years, and still gives newer models stiff competition, especially for surveying massive swathes of land. The model also meets different regulatory standards, including coming with a built-in U.S. FAA-approved Remote ID and European Union C2 and C6 labeling, which enhances its operational scope in different regions. You can use it for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in countries like Brazil and the European Union, as well as Operations Over People (OOP) in Canada and the United States .
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The eBee X is compatible with more than seven types of sensors, including the senseFly Aeria X and S.O.D.A. 3D, enabling high-quality imaging for a variety of mapping needs.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:It boasts an impressive flight time of up to 90 minutes, significantly enhancing its ability to cover large areas up to 500 hectares at a stretch.
- Range and Communication:With a radio link range of around 3 km and a cruise speed of 40-110 km/h, it ensures extensive coverage and efficient data collection.
- Data Processing Capabilities:The eBee X is compatible with several photogrammetry software options like PIX4Dmapper and DroneDeploy, facilitating versatile data processing.
- Durability and Weather Resistance:Its rugged design, capable of withstanding winds up to 46 km/h, and reinforced polypropylene woven mesh make it robust and reliable for challenging environments.
- Precision and Stability:The drone offers high-precision mapping with down to 1.5 cm accuracy using RTK/PPK, ensuring top-notch data quality.
- Ease of Use and Automation:eBee X is known for its ease of use, facilitated by the eMotion flight planning software. It's designed for quick deployment and automated flight, making it accessible even to beginners.
The eBee X is designed with a focus on survey projects, featuring a wingspan of 110 cm and a lightweight build of less than 1.1 kg. It comes with a low-noise, brushless electric motor, and a radio link range of 3 km, ensuring extensive coverage. The drone is equipped with the senseFly 20MP S.O.D.A. sensor and supports oblique imagery, particularly beneficial for detailed mapping and surveying tasks.
In terms of mapping cameras, the eBee X is compatible with a variety of options such as the senseFly S.O.D.A. 3D for 3D reconstructions of vertical environments and the senseFly Aeria X for RGB photogrammetry. These cameras offer versatility in data collection for different types of survey projects.
For instance, the senseFly S.O.D.A. 3D features a one-inch sensor and can change orientation mid-flight to capture three types of images - two oblique and one nadir - thereby significantly broadening its field of view compared to standard single-image capture. This feature is especially beneficial for creating detailed 3D digital models in vertically-oriented environments such as urban settings, mining areas, and coastal regions. The camera's design enables it to cover larger areas more effectively than typical quadcopter drones.
For software compatibility, the eBee X works seamlessly with a range of photogrammetry solutions, including PIX4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape, and Esri ArcGIS Drone2Map. This compatibility allows for extensive data processing and analysis capabilities, crucial for comprehensive surveying and mapping.
9. Jouav CW-007
The Jouav CW-007 is a distinguished model in the realm of GIS mapping drones, known for its versatility and advanced technology. A significant aspect of this model is its compliance with various industry standards, although specific details on these compliances are not readily available. The drone was designed for diverse applications, including surveying and mapping, with features that make it stand out in the market. It became available for purchase recently and has since gained popularity for its efficiency in mapping and surveying tasks.
Key Features
- Camera Quality and Sensor Types:The CW-007 can be equipped with different cameras like the CA-103 aerial camera, which offers a 61 MP full-frame sensor, ideal for detailed land surveying and urban planning.
- Flight Time and Battery Life:It boasts an impressive flight time of up to 55 minutes, allowing for extensive survey operations.
- Range and Communication:The drone has a cruising speed of 61.2 km/h and can operate efficiently in wind speeds of 10.8-13.8 m/s.
- Data Processing Capabilities:With its high-resolution camera and precise data capturing ability, the CW-007 excels in generating detailed and accurate maps
- Durability and Weather Resistance:It's designed to be light and flexible, with a robust build that can withstand various environmental conditions.
- Precision and Stability:The drone offers a vertical positioning accuracy of 3 cm and a horizontal accuracy of 1 cm + 1 ppm, ensuring high precision in data collection.
- Payload Capacity:It can carry a maximum payload of 1 kg, allowing for the attachment of various surveying instruments.
- Ease of Use and Automation:Known for its user-friendly interface, the CW-007 features a modular design for easy assembly and fully automated flight capabilities.
The CW-007 is designed with a 1.3m fuselage and a 2.2m wingspan, and it has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 6.8 kg. Its brushless electro-motor ensures low noise during operation. The drone's high endurance and cruising speed make it exceptionally efficient for large-scale surveying projects.
Compatible with various mapping cameras and software solutions, it includes the CA-103 Aerial Camera, a 61 MP full-frame camera ideal for detailed surveying, and the FlightSurv Drone Mapping software, a cloud-based solution for efficient flight planning and data analysis.
Mapping the Future: Closing Note
The world of GIS mapping drones is rapidly evolving, offering remarkable capabilities and transforming how we collect and interpret spatial data. The year ahead promises even more exciting developments, and we'll be here to bring these advancements to you as they unfold.
If you have any questions or need support in choosing the right mapping drone for your organization, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is ready to assist you. Give us a call at 1(805) 480-4033 or drop an email at support@dronefly.com.
Here's to mapping new milestones and making 2024 a year of boundless exploration!
