10 Best Drones for Mapping in 2024 (A Complete Buying Guide)
Drones have revolutionized modern mapping, making data collection more efficient and precise. With advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, they empower mapping experts to capture detailed geospatial data effortlessly. This technology not only speeds up the mapping process but also helps in tackling difficult terrains and emergency situations. From urban planning to agriculture, the applications are vast.
Choosing the right drone is crucial for successful data collection. Factors such as flight time, payload capacity, camera specifications, and software compatibility must be considered, as they directly impact data quality.
In this article, we explore how drones are used in mapping, what features to look for when selecting one, why advanced sensors matter, and compare different types of mapping drones.
Here's a list of the 10 best drones for mapping and surveying. These were tested thoroughly, and we've compiled essential details, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice based on your specific mapping needs.
| Drone Model | Platform Type | Max Flight Time | Coverage (3cm/px) | Control Range | Max Resolution | PPK & RTK | Payload Capacity | Obstacle Avoidance |
|-------------|----------------|------------------|-------------------|----------------|----------------|-------------|------------------|--------------------|
| JOUAV CW-15 | Redundant VTOL | 180 min | 1200 HA | 30/50 km | 61 MP | PPK & RTK | 3 kg | Yes |
| JOUAV CW-007 | Redundant VTOL | 90 min | 600 HA | 35 km | 61 MP | PPK & RTK | 1 kg | Yes |
| WingtraOne Gen II | Tailsitter VTOL | 59 min | 400 HA | 10 km | 61 MP | PPK | 0.8 kg | No |
| Sensefly eBee X | Fixed Wing | 60/90 min | 220/500 HA | 3 km | 24 MP | PPK & RTK | 1.6 kg | No |
| DJI Matrice 350 RTK | Quadcopter | 55 min | 200 HA | 8 km | 45 MP | RTK | 2.7 kg | Yes |
| Freefly Alta X with RTK | Quadcopter | 50 min | 150 HA | 1.5 km | 50/100 MP | RTK | 16 kg | No |
| DJI Phantom 4 RTK | Quadcopter | 30 min | 100 HA | 7 km | 20 MP | RTK | 1.5 kg | Yes |
| Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise | Quadcopter | 42 min | 90 HA | 15 km | 50 MP | RTK | 1 kg | Yes |
| Yuneec H520 RTK | Hexacopter | 30 min | 50 HA | 1.6 km | 20 MP | RTK | 1.6 kg | Yes |
| DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise | Quadcopter | 45 min | 50 HA | 15 km | 12 MP | RTK | 0.9 kg | Yes |
**JOUAV CW-15: Best LiDAR Drone for Large Area Mapping**
The JOUAV CW-15 stands out as a top-tier LiDAR drone designed for large-area mapping tasks. The JoLiDAR-120 offers impressive specs such as a 1430-meter measuring range, 1.8 million points/second maximum point frequency, and 15 maximum echo counts. This ensures unmatched vertical and horizontal accuracy, with precision better than 3cm and 5cm, respectively.
One of the standout features of the CW-15 is its advanced point cloud processing software, which enhances data accuracy through automatic matching, segmentation, leveling, and more. This drone can vertically take off and land even in confined spaces like cliffs and forests, providing excellent adaptability. With a maximum flight time of 180 minutes, it ensures extended missions and its RTK and PPK capabilities offer centimeter-level autonomous vertical landing and high-precision POS data. Furthermore, it can autonomously avoid obstacles, adapt to various terrains, and detect other drones equipped with ADS-B modules. With a payload capacity of 3 kg and an open architecture for customization, the CW-15 is suitable for professionals in fields like surveying, infrastructure inspection, security surveillance, and agriculture.
**Pros:**
- Cutting-edge LiDAR technology
- Advanced point cloud processing software
- Versatile applications
- VTOL capability
- Long flight time
- Modular payload
- Autonomous obstacle avoidance
**Cons:**
- High cost
- Requires training
**JOUAV CW-007: Best VTOL Drone for GIS Mapping**
The JOUAV CW-007 is a versatile VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone tailored for GIS mapping tasks. With its CA103 61MP full-frame RGB camera featuring an illuminated CMOS sensor and 35mm lens, this drone offers exceptional image quality and accuracy, making it an ideal choice for professionals in surveying, infrastructure inspection, security surveillance, and agriculture. Achieving an absolute accuracy of down to 1cm, it excels in delivering precise mapping data.
With high efficiency, the CW-007 can cover large areas in a single flight, making it a highly productive tool for mapping. Its modular design allows for easy setup and takedown in under 2 minutes without the need for tools. The drone also features autonomous flight capabilities, enabling it to automatically avoid obstacles during flight and return autonomously in case of issues. Built with a robust carbon fiber airframe, it ensures stability and durability even in challenging conditions, including light rain and snow.
**Pros:**
- High-resolution imaging
- Exceptional accuracy
- Versatile applications
- VTOL capability
- Efficient mapping
- Quick setup
- Autonomous functions
**Cons:**
- Higher price
- No LiDAR sensor
**WingtraOne Gen II: Best Drone for Photogrammetry**
The WingtraOne Gen II stands out as an exceptional drone for photogrammetry and mapping tasks. Equipped with a Sony 61MP RGB camera, it excels in capturing high-resolution images for precise mapping. It's ideal for surveying, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
With a Tailsitter VTOL platform, it offers a remarkable flight time of up to 59 minutes, covering extensive areas in a single flight. The drone boasts a control range of 10 kilometers and supports PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) for accurate georeferencing without ground control points. Additionally, it can carry specialized cameras like the Sony a6100 Oblique camera for 3D modeling and multispectral sensors for agriculture.
**Pros:**
- High-quality camera
- Versatile applications
- Long flight time
- PPK technology
- Compatible with various cameras
- Small learning curve
**Cons:**
- Limited payload capacity
- No obstacle avoidance
- Not suitable for adverse weather
- Cannot carry LiDAR or thermal sensors
- Primarily designed for mapping
- Increased susceptibility to tipping
- Heavier airframe
**Sensefly eBee X: Best Fixed-Wing Drone for Mapping**
For those seeking a fixed-wing drone for mapping, the eBee X is a top choice. Its unique Endurance Extension offers an impressive flight time of up to 90 minutes, allowing for extensive coverage of large areas without the need for frequent landings. With High-Precision on Demand, it achieves remarkable accuracy, down to 3 cm, without the requirement of ground control points.
This drone is lightweight, weighing just 700g, making it easy to transport. It's suitable for surveying, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. The eBee X can also carry specialized cameras for 3D reconstructions and thermal mapping, making it a versatile option for mapping professionals.
**Pros:**
- Exceptional flight time
- High accuracy
- Lightweight and portable
- Available with RTK and PPK
- Compatible with various cameras
- Advanced flight mission planning software
- Simulator mode for training
**Cons:**
- Limited control range
- Not recommended for adverse weather
- No LiDAR sensor
- Foam body build may limit durability
- Low-resolution camera
- Requires planning for safe landing area
- Hand launch can be risky
**DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Best RTK Drone for Mapping**
The DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a formidable multirotor drone that excels not only in inspection and search and rescue missions but also in various mapping applications. Equipped with the latest RTK technology, this drone offers unparalleled precision and navigation capabilities, even in challenging environments. With an impressive 55 minutes of flight time, it can cover substantial areas in a single flight.
The Matrice 350 RTK's rugged construction ensures it can withstand tough conditions, making it suitable for a range of mapping tasks. Its triple-redundant system and advanced navigation technology guarantee accuracy and reliability. Additionally, this RTK drone features a high-performance gimbal system for stable imaging during flight and offers real-time, in-flight camera control. LiDAR compatibility further enhances its mapping capabilities.
**Pros:**
- Precise RTK technology
- Extended flight time
- Rugged construction
- High-performance gimbal system
- Advanced obstacle detection
- Real-time camera control
**Cons:**
- Limited flight time with heavy payloads
- Complex propeller replacement
- Large batteries require frequent changes
- Limited elevation data options
- Massive batteries for longer missions
**Freefly Alta X: Best Drone for 3D Mapping and Modelling**
The Freefly Alta X with RTK is an excellent choice for 3D mapping and modeling applications. This drone stands out for its modular design, allowing for easy integration of various payload systems, and making it adaptable for a wide range of mission requirements.
With four powerful motors capable of 100A Max continuous power output, the Alta X can carry payloads weighing up to 16kg. It boasts an impressive 50-minute flight time and a top speed of 137km/h, making it suitable for dynamic mapping tasks. The drone is compatible with a range of payloads, including gimbaled IR, mapping cameras, LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, and delivery systems. Its advanced blade design reduces vibrations, ensuring cleaner data collection and high-quality footage.
**Pros:**
- Modular design for versatile payload integration
- High payload capacity
- Impressive flight time
- Compatibility with various sensors and cameras
- Advanced blade design for reduced vibration
- RTK and PPK mapping camera support
**Cons:**
- Heavy build
- Limited flight range
- Reduced flight time with payloads onboard
- Lack of obstacle avoidance features
**DJI Phantom 4 RTK: Best Entry-level Drone for 3D Mapping**
The DJI Phantom 4 RTK stands out as an excellent entry-level option for those looking to dive into the world of mapping. It boasts several remarkable features that enhance its mapping capabilities. With its integrated RTK module, the Phantom 4 RTK provides real-time centimeter-level positioning data, improving the absolute accuracy of image metadata. This ensures precise mapping results, making it ideal for surveyors and GIS professionals.
Additionally, its compatibility with 4K and FLIR Vue 336 thermal imaging cameras extends its utility to industrial inspections, search and rescue operations, and more. The drone's user-friendly setup and reliable autopilot system make it accessible for both beginners and experts. Furthermore, its advanced obstacle detection and avoidance system ensures safety during complex mapping missions.
**Pros:**
- Real-time centimeter-level positioning (RTK)
- Compatibility with 4K and thermal imaging cameras
- User-friendly setup for all skill levels
- Reliable autopilot system
- Advanced obstacle detection and avoidance
- Affordable price for the features offered
**Cons:**
- Limited flight time (30 minutes)
- Payload capacity limited to 1.5kg
- Lower camera resolution (1-inch CMOS 20MP)
- No LiDAR capability
**Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise: Best Drone for Thermal Mapping**
When it comes to thermal mapping, the Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise is a standout choice. This drone offers a remarkable 15km video transmission range and impressive 8-level wind resistance, ensuring it can tackle challenging mapping tasks. With dual cameras that support infrared thermal imaging at a resolution of up to 640x512@30 fps, the EVO II Dual 640T excels in capturing detailed thermal data.
Additionally, it features an 8K video camera, 4K HDR video, a 48MP camera, and 4x lossless zoom for high-definition aerial views. Intelligent route planning, obstacle avoidance, and AI algorithms further enhance its mapping capabilities. The Autel VIO positioning feature ensures safe returns even in adverse conditions, and the RTK module offers centimeter-level accuracy. With 19 sets of sensors, including vision sensors and dual IMU, this drone can easily create 3D maps and real-time terrain data.
**Pros:**
- Impressive video transmission range and wind resistance
- Dual cameras for infrared thermal imaging
- High-resolution cameras for detailed data
- Intelligent route planning and obstacle avoidance
- Precise positioning with Autel RTK module
- Versatile sensors for 3D mapping
**Cons:**
- Limited flight time (42 minutes)
- Lower coverage efficiency
- Payload capacity limited to 1kg
- Lack of live spot metering and temperature alerts
- No LiDAR capability
**Yuneec H520 RTK: Cheapest Drone for Mapping**
Yuneec's H520 RTK is a budget-friendly mapping powerhouse that combines affordability with essential features for precise aerial mapping. It comes equipped with GPS and GLONASS for highly accurate positioning, making it a reliable choice for various applications.
This six-rotor Hexacopter boasts retractable landing gear, enhancing its stability during flight. What sets the H520 RTK apart is its interchangeable gimbal system, allowing you to use one of three hot-swappable options. The gimbal features 360-degree continuous rotation and a 7-inch display on the controller, ensuring you have a clear view of your mapping data.
**Pros:**
- GPS and GLONASS for accurate positioning
- Interchangeable gimbal system with 360-degree rotation
- Precision compass for flying in challenging environments
- A budget-friendly option for entry-level mapping
- Retractable landing gear for added stability
**Cons:**
- Low-resolution 20MP camera
- A short transmission range (1.5km) may limit coverage
- Brief flight time (30 minutes) with each battery
- Lack of autonomous flight modes
**DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: Best DJI Drone for Mapping**
For those seeking top-tier mapping capabilities, the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise stands out as the best DJI drone for mapping purposes. It's equipped with a state-of-the-art hybrid zoom camera offering up to 56x zoom and a mechanical shutter to prevent motion blur during high-speed surveys.
This drone can be further enhanced with an optional RTK module, providing centimeter-level accuracy. With a remarkable 15 km maximum control range, the Mavic 3 Enterprise excels at long-distance flights and maintains a stable signal even at maximum distances. Its DJI AirSense system ensures safety by warning pilots of nearby aircraft, enhancing overall security during missions.
**Pros:**
- High-resolution zoom camera with mechanical shutter
- Optional RTK module for centimeter-level accuracy
- Long control range (15 km) for extended coverage
- DJI AirSense system for enhanced safety
- Thermal camera support with advanced zoom features
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
**Cons:**
- Lower-resolution 20MP sensor compared to some competitors
- Limited ability to carry survey-quality lidar sensors
- The higher price point for professional-grade mapping
**What are the Benefits of Drone Mapping?**
Drone mapping offers a multitude of advantages, from cost-effective real estate assessments to enhancing agricultural practices. Discover the extensive benefits that come with integrating drones into your mapping endeavors.
**High Precision and Accuracy**
One of the most compelling benefits of using drones for mapping is their ability to provide high precision and accuracy in data collection. Aerial mapping drones, such as CW-007 and CW-15, are equipped with advanced GPS and GNSS systems, allowing them to capture data with centimeter-level accuracy. This level of precision is invaluable in fields like surveying, GIS mapping, and construction, where even the smallest errors can lead to significant issues.
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