Drones: Topography & Contours

Compatible Hardware

Images must be JPEG and contain metadata (GPS, relative altitude, gimbal altitude, and timestamp)

MakeModelCameraFlight Mission1 GCP6-10 GCPs
DJIPhantom 4Built-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIPhantom 4 ProBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIPhantom 4 Pro V2Built-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIPhantom 4 RTKBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalYes with D-RTK 2 Base StationYes
DJIInspire 1Zenmuse X3, Zenmuse X5Ortho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIInspire 2Zenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S with 15mm DJI lens.Ortho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIM200Zenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S with 15mm DJI lens.Ortho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIM210 RTKZenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S with 15mm DJI lens.Ortho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIM200 V2Zenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S with 15mm DJI lens.Ortho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIM210 RTK V2Zenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S with 15mm DJI lens.Ortho, OrbitalYes with D-RTK 2 Base StationYes
DJIM300P1 (coming soon)
DJIM600Please ask for more information
DJIMavicBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIMavic 2 ProBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
DJIMavic 2 EnterpriseBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
SenseflyEbee ClassicS.O.D.AOrthoNoYes
SenseflyEbee PlusS.O.D.AOrthoYes with Base StationYes
SenseflyEbee XS.O.D.A 3D, Aeria X, S.O.D.AOrthoYes with Base StationYes
ParrotANAFIBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
ParrotANAFI USABuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
AutelEvo IIBuilt-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes
SkydioX2Built-InOrtho, OrbitalNoYes

BE SURE TO ALWAYS USE GROUND CONTROL POINTS.
See table if a single GCP can be used, otherwise you will need 6-10 GCPs.

Special considerations:

GCPs
Propellor Aeropoints is the easiest way to collect GCPs.
Make sure site is in the Propellor Corrections Network

Follow these instructions to download a copy of the user manual

626

From propelleraero.com Aeropoint Manual

Manual GCPs:

These need to be identifiable and surveyed GCPs meaning that the position and elevation are known precisely typically using a correction network and the GCP can be easily identified from nadir drone imagery.

GCPs may exist on the site already from construction or other surveys, which can be used if they can be easily identified from nadir drone imagery. If using pre-existing GCPs we need to know the coordinate reference system (aka datum) used.

Preferred Datum:

We like to use the customer’s preferred coordinate reference system if they have one they are using for the site.

If they do not have one we prefer the following:

Horizontal datum: WGS 84 latitude/longitude.
Vertical datum (USA): NAVD 88 elevation
Vertical datum (non-USA): EGM84, EGM96, or EGM2008

GCPs should be on the ground and distributed evenly around the perimeter with remaining GCPs distributed evenly in the center.

Do not make GCPs on top of an inverter or other onsite equipment.