Drones are becoming increasingly popular in various industries because they can capture high-resolution images and survey hard-to-reach places. However, one of the major challenges in using drones for precision applications such as mapping, surveying and inspection is their limited positioning accuracy. Ordinary GPS (similar to smartphone GPS) has an accuracy of a few meters, which is fine for daily use. However, for industries such as: construction, Agriculture and mining, the GPS accuracy should be centimeter-level accuracy. This is where GPS correction techniques such as RTK (real-time kinematics) come into play. This article discusses RTK, the benefits of using RTK GPS technology, drones with RTK GPS, industries that benefit from RTK technology, and RTK alternatives.
What is RTK GPS technology?
RTK is used to precisely locate a person or object on Earth. GPS technologyIt works by using two or more GPS receivers. One of them is fixed and called a “base station” and the other is mobile and called a “rovers”. Base stations receive signals from GPS satellites and record information about them. This information is sent to the rover via radio or cellular network and is used to correct any errors in the GPS signals received by the rover. As a result, the rover can pinpoint locations down to the centimeter level, with far greater accuracy than using his standard GPS technology.
Watch the video below to get a better understanding of how RTK technology works.
Advantages of Drones with RTK GPS
Improved accuracy: RTK GPS technology provides sub-centimeter level accuracy. This is much more accurate than standard GPS technology. This increased accuracy allows for more accurate and reliable data collection, especially in applications where high accuracy is critical.
Faster data collection: RTK GPS technology allows drones to fly at high speeds while maintaining accuracy, enabling faster data collection. This is especially useful for large survey or mapping projects where time is of the essence.
Improved efficiency: RTK GPS technology typically requires fewer ground control points (GCPs) to improve the accuracy of aerial surveys. This reduces the time and cost of ground surveys and increases efficiency.
Reduce investigation time: RTK GPS technology allows drones to fly on autopilot and collect data in a fraction of the time required for traditional surveys. This reduces the time and resources required for research and increases overall project productivity.
Drone with RTK GPS technology
DJI Phantom 4 RTK: The DJI Phantom 4 RTK is a very popular drone among surveyors and mappers due to its highly accurate RTK GPS and 20MP camera. Designed to provide centimeter-level accuracy, it works with the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station to provide real-time differential data for precise positioning. The drone also has his TimeSync feature that coordinates the controller, camera, and RTK module to ensure metadata accuracy. The drone has a flight time of 30 minutes on a single battery charge and a maximum transmission range of 7 km. The Phantom 4 RTK also features obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes to make flight planning easier.
DJI Matrice 300 RTK: DJI Matrice 300 RTK is a professional drone with RTK GPS technology, 55 minutes flight time (without payload) and 15km transmission distance. Built to handle complex missions, the Matrice 300 RTK comes with advanced sensors, intelligent features, and a rugged design to handle extreme weather conditions. The drone is equipped with a 6-direction obstacle detection and avoidance system, allowing it to fly safely in harsh environments. Compatible with multiple payloads including Zenmuse P1, Zenmuse L1 and Zenmuse X7 full-frame cameras.
SenseFly eBee X RTK: The senseFly eBee X RTK is a lightweight fixed-wing drone with RTK GPS technology, capable of up to 90 hours of flight time and capable of surveying 500 hectares on a single battery charge. The drone is designed to provide highly accurate and efficient mapping and surveying capabilities and is compatible with a variety of sensors including high resolution RGB and multispectral cameras. The eBee X RTK is also designed to be highly modular, allowing for easy exchange of sensors and payloads. The drone is also equipped with various intelligent flight modes, such as terrain following and point of interest, to facilitate flight planning and execution.
Sensefly eBee AG : The eBee AG drone is a fixed wing drone equipped with RTK GPS technology and dual system cameras including high resolution RGB and multispectral cameras. Drones are designed for high-precision surveying and mapping, covering large areas quickly and efficiently. The drone can fly for up to 55 minutes on a single battery charge and cover 160 hectares on a single charge. The eBee AG is rugged and lightweight, can operate in light rain and windy conditions, and comes with autonomous flight modes to facilitate mapping and surveying.
DJI Mavic 3E : DJI recently released the Mavic 3E, a new drone designed for the enterprise. The drone is equipped with a 4/3 CMOS camera that captures 20MP images of him in high quality and has a flight time of up to 45 minutes. The Mavic 3E does not have an internal RTK module, but an external DJI RTK module can be attached to the body of the drone.
The drone comes with advanced features such as an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, more accurate return-to-home capabilities, and a video transmission range of up to 15km.
With its high-quality camera and long flight time, the Mavic 3E is the perfect tool for various enterprise applications. It can be combined with an external RTK module, making it even more attractive for surveying and mapping tasks that require highly accurate positioning data.
Industries Using RTK GPS Technology
Drones with RTK technology are showing value in many industries, including agriculture, construction, mining, and oil and gas. Drones powered by RTK technology are revolutionizing the way these industries tackle tasks such as exploration, investigation and surveillance by providing highly accurate data and images.
Agriculture
Drones equipped with RTK technology are helping farmers optimize crop yields by providing highly accurate data on soil health and moisture levels. This information allows farmers to make more informed decisions about when to plant, fertilize and irrigate, reducing costs and increasing yields. Additionally, RTK-powered drones can precisely apply pesticides and fertilizers, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
construction
Drones provide more accurate data and images for surveying, helping engineers better understand site conditions and plan infrastructure development. RTK technology enables drones to fly more accurately and safely, enabling efficient data collection while reducing the need for manual labor and surveying equipment. This can shorten project timelines and reduce overall project costs.
mining
Drones are used to identify potential deposits and survey mining sites more efficiently and accurately than traditional surveying methods. Drones can also be used to monitor mining sites for safety hazards such as unstable slopes and sinkholes, reducing the risk of accidents. RTK technology enables drones to fly more accurately, collect data more confidently and efficiently, ultimately reducing costs and improving project outcomes.
oil gas
Drones with RTK technology are used for exploration, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. By providing highly accurate data and imagery, drones help oil and gas companies better understand the geology and topography of their sites and plan exploration activities more efficiently. Drones can also be used to inspect oil and gas pipelines, tanks and other infrastructure, identifying potential problems before they become major problems. Additionally, drones can monitor the environmental impact of oil and gas operations, allowing companies to better track and manage their environmental impact.
Overall, drones equipped with RTK technology provide the industry with powerful tools for exploration, investigation and surveillance, saving time and money while providing highly accurate data and imagery. By incorporating drones with RTK technology into operations, the industry can optimize processes, reduce environmental impact, and improve revenue.
Alternative to RTK GPS technology
RTK GPS technology is a great solution for high-precision positioning, but there are some alternatives available in certain situations.One such alternative is Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) Technology, which is a positioning technique that relies on post-processed data from a GPS receiver to achieve high accuracy. PPK technology works by collecting data from base stations and rovers and post-processing the data to determine precise location information.
Both PPK and RTK give similar results, but the difference between the two methods is where the GPS data is modified. The RTK method modifies the georeferenced data in real time, while the PPK process the data later.
final thoughts
In conclusion, the use of RTK GPS technology in drones has greatly enabled high-precision positioning in various applications. Drones powered by RTK technology have revolutionized the way we collect data, monitor resources and improve efficiency in the agriculture, construction, mining, oil and gas industries. The advantages of drones with RTK GPS technology, such as increased accuracy, faster data collection, and increased efficiency, make drones an essential tool for many commercial applications.
