Ultimate Guide to Buying Drones for Mapping: 9 Expert Tips

Introduction

Drones have quickly become an essential component of the modern mapping toolkit in industries ranging from agriculture to search and rescue. Not only do they make data collection more efficient and affordable, but they also leverage advanced technology that provides incredibly precise and useful information about landscapes or environments.

With such a boom in the drone industry, the diversity of drones on the market has become a hard-to-navigate labyrinth of specifications, capabilities, and limitations. Choosing the right drone for mapping missions can be an arduous undertaking. I’ve put together this buying guide to help simplify the process and help you and your team get your drone mapping projects off the ground!

Drone flying by a mountain — Credit: Hummingbird Drones

Tip #1: Laying the linguistic groundwork

Before we dive into the intricacies, you should familiarize yourself with some common terminology that you’re likely to encounter time and time again. Having even a high-level understanding of important GIS and drone terminology will help guide your purchasing decisions and understand what is best suited to help accomplish your drone mapping goals!

BVLOS: Beyond Visual Line of Sight is a term used to describe operations that involve flying a drone beyond the operator's direct visual range.

Georeferenced: the process of associating aerial images or data captured by a drone with specific geographic coordinates on the Earth’s surface. This means that each pixel in an image or each point in a dataset is linked to a real-world location, typically using a coordinate system like latitude and longitude.
Ground Control Points (GCP): Specific, identifiable points marked on the ground with known coordinates. They are used as reference points for aerial mapping and surveying. They help improve georeferencing in aerial images.
GNSS: GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite System is a general term used for satellite navigation systems that provide global geo-spatial positioning. GNSS allows devices equipped with receivers to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) anywhere on Earth, using signals transmitted by satellites.

Overlap or Frontlap: Overlap or frontlap is the overlap between consecutive images along the flight path of the drone. It is the percentage of the image that is duplicated (or overlapped) in the next image in the flight. We always suggest 80% frontlap when collecting images, no matter what altitude you are flying at. This is also known as Longitudinal Overlap.
Payload: A payload refers to the additional instruments a drone can carry beyond its own weight. This includes any equipment attached to the drone for specific tasks such as cameras, sensors, GNSS receivers, or even spraying and spreading instruments for agricultural drones.
PPK: PPK or Post Processed Kinematics is another technique used to improve the accuracy of position data. Unlike RTK (Real Time Kinematic) which corrects GPS data in real-time, PPK processes the data after the flight, during post-processing. PPK still uses 2 GPS receivers, a base station, and a rover, but corrections are applied to the data after the flight is complete. PPK is often used in applications where real-time accuracy is not critical, but high precision in the final data is still required.
Sidelap: This is another form of overlap, also known as Lateral overlap. Sidelap is the overlap between images taken in parallel flight lines. It is the percentage of the image that is duplicated in the images taken on either side of the flight path. The amount of sidelap you should have depends on what altitude you are flying at. If you are flying at 120m (400ft) we recommend 70% sidelap to get the best results, the higher you get the less sidelap you need.
UAV: This stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is another way to describe a drone.
RPAS: RPAS or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is another term for drone.
RTK: RTK or Real Time Kinematics is a georeferencing method that is used to enhance the precision of position data derived from GPS systems. RTK achieves centimetres-level accuracy by using two GPS receivers instead of just one. One GPS receiver is placed at a fixed location, known as the base station; this station knows its exact location very precisely. The other receiver, the mobile or rover receiver, is one that moves around, like when the receiver is mounted on the drone itself. The base station continuously receives GPS signals and calculates any errors, the correction signals are then sent to the rover receiver (your drone). As the drone flies, it uses the corrections from the base station to adjust its own GPS readings in real-time, allowing the drone to have a highly accurate understanding of its position.

Tip #2: Understand your use case. What is the outcome you want to accomplish?

Arguably the most important step is to determine what type of map you are trying to create. This will guide the rest of the decision-making process and help narrow down the list of possible drone options to a more manageable selection. Drones offer remarkable versatility, capable of carrying various payloads to collect different types of data, thereby enabling the creation of a diverse range of maps. Organizations can benefit from the flexibility of visualizing data in a variety of ways, and it’s important to create a map that supports the operations where it needs it most. Maybe your team will only ever need to create one type of map with RGB images, or maybe you would benefit more from being able to collect thermal data as well. Figuring out what the end result should be, and working backward to find the right drone for mapping missions is a great way to be confident in your purchasing decision.

I’ve outlined some examples of map types that may be relevant to your needs:

LiDAR Mapping: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to measure the distance to the earth's surface and is used to create highly accurate 3d models of various landscapes or structures. It works by emitting laser pulses from the drone or aerial system and measures the distance it takes for the light to bounce back after hitting the ground or objects. This data is then used to generate point clouds, which can be processed into 3d models and maps. LiDAR mapping is especially useful in scenarios where high accuracy is required, such as forestry management, surveying, and infrastructure planning. The laser pulses are so small that they can penetrate through thick foliage, making it ideal for topographic surveys and environmental monitoring. Its ability to capture fine details and generate accurate 3D models makes LiDAR mapping an essential tool for professionals across a wide range of disciplines.

Orthomosaics: Orthomosaics are a popular and valuable type of map in the realm of drone mapping. An orthomosaic is created by stitching together a series of overlapping aerial photographs taken by a drone, which are then geometrically corrected, or “orthorectified,” to create a single, seamless image. This process removes the perspective distortion present in individual images, resulting in a map that is scale-accurate and can be used for precise measurements of distance, area, and volume. Orthomosaics are widely used in various fields, including agriculture, where they help farmers monitor crop health and plan irrigation; in construction, for tracking project progress and planning; in environmental monitoring, to assess changes in land use and vegetation; and in urban planning, for creating detailed base maps for city development and infrastructure projects. The high resolution and accuracy of orthomosaics make them an indispensable tool for anyone needing a detailed and accurate representation of a large area.

Thermal Mapping: Thermal mapping is revolutionizing the way many industries are visualizing heat and using temperature data to manage their resources. In agriculture, thermal mapping helps farmers identify irrigation issues and monitor plant health by detecting temperature differences indicative of stress or disease. In the construction and energy sectors, it is used to identify heat loss in buildings, improve energy efficiency, and pinpoint areas in need of insulation. Thermal mapping is also crucial in environmental monitoring, where it can map forest fires, monitor wildlife habitats, or assess water temperature in aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, it plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, by detecting the heat signatures of humans or animals in challenging terrains or low-visibility conditions. Speaking of which, have you checked out our Fire AI plug-in in Nova Maps?

Tip #3: Find a drone that suits your skill level

Not all drones were created equally, and some might require more training or practice than others. If you have experience with one type of operating system, it might be best to stick to that brand, rather than learn the nuances of a whole new operating software. Consider where you are on the spectrum of entry-level to professional.

Entry Level: Parrot ANAFI USA

Versatile Imaging Capabilities: With 32x zoom, thermal imaging, and a 4K HDR camera, it caters to a broader range of mapping needs, from detailed site inspections to thermal mapping, without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Robust and Portable: It strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it suitable for fieldwork in varied environments, often encountered by intermediate users expanding their project scope.
Advanced Flight Features: While still user-friendly, it offers more advanced flight and imaging settings than entry-level drones, allowing users to refine their mapping techniques and explore new applications.
Greater Precision and Flexibility: The Anafi USA’s capabilities encourage users to experiment with different types of mapping projects, fostering skill development and confidence in handling diverse mapping scenarios.

Professional: DJI Matrice 300

Payload Capacity: Capable of carrying multiple payloads, including LiDAR sensors, high-end cameras, and infrared sensors, it's designed for complex mapping tasks that require a variety of data types.
Extended Flight Time: With up to 55 minutes of flight time, it allows for comprehensive data collection over large areas, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
Advanced Navigation and Safety Systems: Features like six-directional sensing and positioning systems ensure safe operation in challenging environments, crucial for professional projects that demand reliability and precision.
Customizable Flight Planning: Professionals can benefit from the drone's ability to program detailed flight plans, adapt to changing conditions in real time, and integrate with various sensors and software for specialized mapping needs.

DJI M300 — Credit: Hummingbird Drones
Consider your skill level and the resources you have available to help you choose the right drone.

Tip #4: Camera Quality

A high-quality map is built on a foundation of high-quality images, making the camera a critical aspect of map creation. These are some of the specs you should consider when choosing the right camera for your mapping operation.

Resolution: A high-resolution camera is essential for capturing detailed images. A camera with at least 20 megapixels or higher is preferable for more detailed maps.
Lens Quality: A high-quality lens with minimal distortion is important for accurate mapping.
Shutter Type: A mechanical shutter or global shutter system is recommended over an electronic shutter to reduce motion blur and rolling shutter effects, which can impact the accuracy of the map.
Geotagging: The ability to geotag images with precise GPS coordinates is crucial for aligning images accurately during the mapping process.
Overlap Capability: The drone's camera and flight software should support high levels of overlap (both forward and side) to ensure sufficient coverage for accurate stitching of images.

Tip #5: Payload Capacity

Some drones have fixed payloads, which means they cannot be removed or changed out. Other drones, and typically larger drones, can hold multiple different gimbals or payloads for your mapping tasks. Finding a drone that has or can accommodate the right type of sensor or camera for accurate mapping will be a critical purchasing decision.

Tip #6: Consider weather limitations

Weather is a somewhat unpredictable factor during operations that can cause significant disruption to the progress of your mission. Consider what types of weather you are likely to encounter during your operations and find a drone that can operate within those conditions. For example, if you expect to work in windy or rainy conditions, look for drones with weather-resistant features. Remember to consider how these weather conditions can affect other aspects of the drone’s capabilities, specifically its impact on flight time. Choose a drone that can withstand the elements relevant to your mapping projects to ensure consistent performance.

Tip #7: Flight time and range

The flight time and range of your drone will have a direct impact on the efficiency of your operations. The longer the flight time, the larger the area your drone will be able to cover in a single flight. Reducing the number of flights not only creates more continuous data but can be important for saving time and resources.

The range of your drone determines how far it can travel from the operator or control station. A greater range allows for the mapping of remote or inaccessible areas without the need for the operator to move frequently. Using the long range of the drone to map inaccessible or unsafe areas is also a good way to increase the safety of the operator or other team members. Typically the range of a drone away from the operator is regulated by federal aviation organizations like Transport Canada (in Canada) or the Federal Aviation Administration (in the United States). Most countries have their own laws about flying drones far away from the operator, or what is known as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). So although your drone might technically be capable of flying a certain distance, these UAV regulations will likely limit the range you can fly without special permission. Special permission is given to fly longer ranges, or BVLOS for specific operations. In Canada, the process to gain permission is through applying for an SFOC or a Special Flight Operations Certificate. Need help applying for an SFOC? Check out FlySmart Training’s SFOC Support.

Tip #8: Software Compatibility

Choosing the right drone, flying in the right conditions, and paying attention to the quality of the data you are collecting are unavailing efforts if you don’t have a way to process that data into something actionable and insightful. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Nova’s architecture is built around the principle of seamless integration, offering a fleet of tools that cater to data processing, collaboration, and map creation, all while ensuring compatibility across a wide range of drone hardware and data inputs. At Nova, we want making a map to be as quick and simple as navigating home with Google Maps. With just 3 clicks you can upload and process your data, create a map, and share it with your whole team. Want to try it? Sign up for free here.

Drone controller and screen showing drone flight — Credit: Hummingbird Drones

Tip #9: Cost

While drones may seem like a large upfront investment, their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the field should offset any hesitation you may have about dishing out the initial costs, if you choose the right drone that is. There are a few large brands in the drone world that have highly regarded and reliable reputations, and it’s likely that trying to get a knock off version at a lower price point will result in malfunctioning hardware, or poor quality data. Brands like DJI, Autel, or Wingtra are a few examples of brands that have reputable customer service, warranty, and repair and maintenance support. Find a balance between features, cost and reputation that aligns with your mapping requirements and financial constraints.

Conclusion

Purchasing a drone for mapping is more than just acquiring a piece of technology, it’s a step into a world of expanded possibilities. In an era where efficiency is not just valued, but vital, drones are emerging as a beacon of innovation. Taking the time to understand the specifications, limitations, and capabilities of drones will give you a head start when it comes to getting it off the ground and mapping for the first time. These 9 tips are designed to help facilitate a thoughtful examination of your goals, and what you need to best accomplish your desired outcomes. If you have any questions about drones, or the guide you’ve just read, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at help@mapnova.com!

Sincerely,

Kasha