Top 5 Best Drones for Surveying and Mapping 2023 (Ultimate Guide)

To select the ideal drone for surveying and mapping purposes, it is essential to consider certain features prioritizing data quality and operational efficiency. Here are the main aspects to look for in a suitable mapping and surveying drone:

• Mechanical shutter: Choosing a drone equipped with a mechanical shutter is vital for professional drone mapping. While it is possible to create models using any drone, the absence of a mechanical shutter will compromise quality and increase mapping time.
  
  In addition, automatic shutters capture the entire image simultaneously, unlike rolling shutters, which expose the camera lens to light one line at a time, resulting in motion blur.
  
• Fixed-Wing or Multirotor: The choice between multi rotor drones and fixed wing drones will depend on factors such as budget, survey area size, and piloting expertise. Multirotor drones are more common, easier to fly, and more affordable than their fixed-wing counterparts.
  
  However, their battery efficiency is lower due to their reliance on rotors for lift and propulsion. Therefore, for smaller survey areas, a multirotor drone is the practical choice. 

Fixed-wing drones excel when surveying vast areas of hundreds of hectares. Their design allows them to generate lift by simply gliding through the air, with rotors providing propulsion. This efficiency results in longer flight times but requires more skilled pilots.

• Autonomous Flight Capability: Aerial mapping surveys often necessitate multiple flights over an area for consistent and accurate data.

Maintaining the exact flight path manually is nearly impossible, so drones with programmable autonomous flight capabilities are crucial. 

Using specialized software, flight paths can be created and transmitted to the drone's remote controller, reducing human error.

• Extended Battery Life: Surveying large areas requires a drone capable of flying for at least 30 minutes without interruption. This minimizes time spent landing and swapping batteries, optimizing fieldwork efficiency.
  
• High-Resolution Camera Photogrammetry, a widely used aerial surveying technique, relies on overlapping geotagged photos.
  
  A high-resolution camera is essential for capturing fine ground details, enabling the software to recreate these features in 3D models. Opt for cameras capable of 4K video and 12 MP photos or higher resolutions, if available.
  
• RTK Compatibility Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology enhances GPS data accuracy in mapping drones through differential measurements. Centimeter-level locational accuracy can be achieved by constantly correcting GPS data relative to a fixed ground station.
  
  Although RTK drones are more expensive, their increased accuracy makes them invaluable for urban planning and construction fields.
  
• Interchangeable Payload: Some mapping projects may require Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, thermal imaging, and multispectral imaging technologies.
  
  Drones with built-in LiDAR sensors or thermal cameras are rare, so choosing a drone that can accommodate various payloads is essential. These high-end drones are more expensive but offer advanced capabilities for multiple industries.
  

In summary, prioritize features such as a good camera, autonomous flight capabilities, and a GPS receiver when selecting a drone for mapping purposes. Upgrading to more advanced equipment may require a significant investment but allows for premium service offerings.