Photogrammetry needs a drone with a high-end video camera, great stability in the wind, good battery life, an appropriate flying variety, and mapping software application compatibility.
Which DJI drones are best for mapping and photogrammetry?
The very best DJI drones for mapping and photogrammetry consist of the Mavic 3, Air 2S, and Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 You can even utilize the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3 in photogrammetry applications
In this guide, we’ll cover each of these drones and their advantages and disadvantages.
We’ll likewise describe your drone’s minimum requirements for mapping and photogrammetry and other more technical applications like topography.
1. DJI Mavic 3– Our Option
Dimensions: 13.70 x 11.14 x 4.24 in
Weight: 895 g
Max Variety: 30,000 m
Max Speed: 47 miles per hour
Max Wind Speed Resistance: 12.0 m/s (Level 6)
Max Flying Time: 46 minutes
Video Camera Sensing Unit: 4/3″ CMOS
Video Camera Still Resolution: 20 MP
Video Camera Shutter: Electronic
Internal Storage: 8 GB
External Max Storage: U3 512GB microSD card
GPS: Yes
â Pros
- It has the longest flying time with one battery on the list
- It has the biggest video camera sensing unit on the list
- It has the greatest wind resistance level on the list
- It has the greatest flying variety on the list
- It has omnidirectional obstacle-sensing and avoidance
â Cons
- It does not have a mechanical shutter
For the cost, there is no much better video camera drone for photogrammetry than the Mavic 3.
Its video camera sensing unit is bigger than the 1-inch size required for this function, attaining images without distortion even at intricate angles. Taking a set of pictures will be simple and easy.
Its just drawback is that it does not have a mechanical shutter to remove distortion of things moving at high speed.
Nevertheless, DJI counters this absence of a mechanical shutter with 46 minutes of flying time.
You have lots of time to set the drone to stop at wanted waypoints and take the shots. That method, your pictures will look crisp.
Thanks to its unbelievable flying and transmission variety and long battery life, you can cover huge zones. You can map big locations utilizing simply one battery.
This drone is best for topographic studies of long surfaces for farming or oil and gas applications.
If it gets a low battery signal while the drone is far, it immediately identifies the very best path to RTH securely.
This function, coupled with its level-6 wind resistance, assurances wind will not disrupt it quickly. Your drone will return in no time.
2. DJI Air 2S– Best-value DJI drone for mapping and photogrammetry
DJI Air 2S Fly More Combination
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Video Camera, 5.4 K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensing Unit, 4 Instructions of Challenge Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Gray
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05/31/2023 10:29 pm GMT
Measurements: 7.20 x 9.96 x 3.03 in
Weight: 595 g
Max Variety: 18,500 m
Max Speed: 42.5 miles per hour
Max Flying Time: 31 minutes
Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
Video Camera Sensing Unit: 1″ CMOS
Video Camera Still Resolution: 20MP
Video Camera Shutter: Electronic
Internal Storage: 8 GB
External Max Storage: U3 512GB microSD card
GPS: Yes
â Pros
- It has terrific wind resistance for being so light-weight
- You can utilize it for topographic objectives
- It features four-directional barrier noticing and avoidance
- It features internal storage and 512 GB of external capability
â Cons
- It does not have a mechanical shutter
If you’re trying to find a less advanced DJI drone efficient in topographic surveying, the Air two is it.
This drone is a flexible option to the Mavic 2 Pro. It’s lighter, smaller sized, and has 5 minutes more flying time with one battery.
The Air two does not have the elegant Hasselblad video camera, however you still get the 20MP 1″ CMOS sensing unit, so you can take pictures with the needed precision to combine into photogrammetric software application.
Yes, you can feel confident, as it has compatibility with the most popular mapping apps like DroneDeploy and Pix4D.
It likewise does not have a mechanical shutter, however its max flying time is 31 minutes. This will suffice for brief mapping objectives.
You can likewise get it in a total package at half the cost of the Mavic 2 Pro. With the package, you get 93 minutes of flying time. Yes, the package features 2 extra batteries!
It’s likewise a safe drone to fly thanks to the upward, forward, downward, and backwards crash sensing units.
When you trigger the barrier avoidance function, the Air two bypasses challenges to protect its stability.
For much more security, this drone integrates an ADS-B IN.
This module gets aircraft and helicopter info as its area and instructions. That method, you can prevent those airplane distributing in the airspace when mapping at a high elevation.
There isn’t a more portable drone with such functions, so if you’re a newbie desiring the very best worth for your cash for photogrammetry objectives, search no even more.
3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0– Finest DJI drone for mapping and photogrammetry with mechanical shutter
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Bottom Line: The DJI Phantom 4 Pro has lots of advanced functions and specifications. The flight modes are for drone pilots at all levels and are simple to utilize. It’s an outstanding option for travel drones and works finest for aerial photography.
- Premium video camera with a gimbal to supply steady and crystal-clear stills and videos.
- An effective battery that supplies adequate time for more checking out.
- Smart Flight Modes for all drone pilots to take pleasure in flying.
- Challenge avoidance guarantees a safe and positive flight.
- The Phantom 4 Pro does not fold. This makes transferring it in some way hard although it suits its bring case.
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06/01/2023 12:44 pm GMT
Measurements: 15.77 x 9.90 x 6.75 in
Weight: 1,375 g
Max Variety: 10,000 m
Max Speed: 45 miles per hour
Max Flying Time: 30 minutes
Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10 m/s (Level 5)
Video Camera Sensing Unit: 1″ CMOS
Video Camera Still Resolution: 20 MP
Video Camera Shutter: Mechanical
Internal Storage: No
External Max Storage: U1 128GB microSD card
GPS: Yes
â Pros
- It has the toughest style on the list
- Although it is heavy, it’s really quick
- It features five-directional barrier noticing and avoidance
â Cons
- It has just thirty minutes of battery life prior to requiring to be charged
- It’s the earliest drone on the list, so extra parts are hard to discover
If you desire a mechanical shutter video camera drone that will not spend a lot, attempt the Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0.
This drone satisfies the minimum requirement with a 20 MP 1″ CMOS sensing unit.
On top of that, you get a resilient video camera with a mechanical shutter and robust three-axis gimbal. Your shots will constantly be precise, thanks to the shutter hardware.
The Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is not likely to be quickly disrupted by the wind. As it is a really robust drone, it’s on the heavy side. That heavy weight plus the GPS make this drone a really steady gadget in the air.
The drone has an easy style without collapsible extremities. That setup makes it strong and ideal to land in unleveled environments.
Although its video camera is listed below the drone frame, the landing equipment is high enough to preserve a security space in between the video camera and the flooring.
Its greatest drawback is that it’s an old drone. For that reason, it’s really difficult to get extra parts for upkeep.
4. DJI Mini 3 Pro– Finest DJI drone for mapping and photogrammetry with the very best battery
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC)
Bottom Line: It’s unbelievable how a little drone can have effective functions, particularly for aerial photography. The compact and light-weight qualities of the DJI Mini 3 Pro make it strong adequate to endure strong winds.
- Premium video camera for incredible images and videos.
- Long battery life includes more time for attaining an ideal shot.
- Safe and positive flights since of the obstacle-sensing system.
- Collapsible and compact to allow simple packaging and mobility.
- Being light-weight suggests it will not deal with strong winds well.
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06/01/2023 12:49 pm GMT
Measurements: 3.50 x 2.40 x 5.70 in
Weight: 249 g and 290 g
Max Variety: 18,000 m and 25,000 m
Max Speed: 36 miles per hour
Max Flying Time: 34 minutes and 47 minutes
Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
Video Camera Sensing Unit: 1/1.3″ CMOS
Video Camera Still Resolution: 48MP
Video Camera Shutter: Electronic
Internal Storage: No
External Max Storage: U3 512GB microSD card
GPS: Yes
â Pros
- You can increase the battery life with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus to 51 minutes
- The Smart Flight Battery Plus can increase the flying variety to 25km
- It has three-directional avoidance sensing units integrated
- It has terrific wind resistance
- You can fit it in any knapsack thanks to its size
â Cons
- It does not have a mechanical shutter
- It does not have a 1-inch video camera sensing unit
The Mini 3 Pro is for those beginning photogrammetry with acknowledgment objectives who desire barrier avoidance for the least quantity of cash.
This little gadget features forward, downward, and backwards avoidance sensing units. These devices make the drone ideal for safe flying above mid-height challenges like trees and little structures.
This drone video camera does not have a mechanical shutter and a 1″ inch video camera sensing unit.
Nevertheless, it has 48 MP image quality. With that level of quality, you can acquire 2D and 3D maps of parks, little bridges, and communities with the needed quality for surveying and acknowledgment applications.
This drone’s capability to carry out danger analyses is a certainty.
If 34 minutes of flying time isn’t adequate to complete your mapping objective, you can constantly utilize the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. That method, your Mini 3 Pro increases its flying time to a remarkable 47 minutes.
5. DJI Mini 3– Finest spending plan DJI drone for mapping and photogrammetry
DJI Mini 3 (Requirement)
Light-weight and Collapsible Mini Video Camera Drone with 4K HDR Video, 38-min Flight Time, Real Vertical Shooting, and Intelligent Characteristics.
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06/01/2023 12:19 pm GMT
Measurements: 3.50 x 2.40 x 5.70 in
Weight: 248 g and 290 g
Max Variety: 18,000 m and 25,000 m
Max Speed: 36 miles per hour
Max Flying Time: 38 minutes and 51 minutes
Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
Video Camera Sensing Unit: 1/1.3″ CMOS
Video Camera Still Resolution: 48MP
Video Camera Shutter: Electronic
Internal Storage: No
External Max Storage: U3 256GB microSD card
GPS: Yes
â Pros
- You can increase the battery life with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus to 51 minutes
- It’s a really affordable drone for its building and construction and functions
â Cons
- It does not have a mechanical shutter
- It does not have a 1-inch video camera sensing unit
If you’re on a really tight spending plan and do not mind foregoing crash avoidance sensing units, choose the Mini 3.
From a photogrammetry viewpoint, the Mini 3 Pro has no benefits over the Mini 3. They have the exact same video camera, so you get the exact same picture quality.
The Mini 3 has the benefit of a 51-minute flight time thanks to the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus– that method, you can do a complete acknowledgment photogrammetry objective without a rush.
You can keep it in any laptop computer bag, and it will not break your back. It’s so light and simple to pocket that you will not mind bring all over.
This drone will carry out the like the Mini 3 however at a lower cost.
Nevertheless, you lose the crash avoidance security help. So we just recommend you to utilize this drone for mapping applications in obstacle-free locations, or you can lose it without guidance.
Finest DJI Drones for mapping and photogrammetry– Minimum requirements
We pick these drones since they fulfill the minimum requirements for these applications.
However what are those minimum requirements?
High-end video camera
The much better your video camera, the more precise info you can receive from the pictures.
The minimum requirement is that your drone has a 1″ video camera sensing unit with 20 MP quality with a three-axis gimbal.
With these video camera specifications, your drone can take pictures that will overlap with accuracy so you can acquire precise information such as volumes, locations, and ranges.
Other drones have smaller sized video camera sensing units with increased video camera resolutions and are still valuable. You can utilize the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro to take pictures to establish danger analyses or acknowledge a location.
These applications do not require optimum precision, so these little tools have their area in photogrammetry.
Although a mechanical shutter lets you take images without rolling shutter distortion while flying at high speed, those drones are pricy.
The Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is well-priced, however it is an old drone that is difficult to discover for purchase, and its extra parts are likewise difficult to discover.
So drones with electronic shutters are practical, as you just require the drone to stop when taking the pictures. Consider this kind of flight objective increases battery use due to wind stabilization requirements.
Mapping software application compatibility
The video camera itself is worthless if your drone can’t utilize a photogrammetric or mapping software application.
You can utilize all these drones with software application like DroneDeploy or Pix4D. With them, your airplane can follow particular waypoints, taking the needed shots to overlap and get a 2D or 3D image.
Can I utilize these photogrammetry apps with the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro? DJI launched the SDK in April 2023, which enables you to do it. That’s another factor to utilize these drones for photogrammetry.
GPS and wind resistance
Another essential function for a drone in this area is a GPS module.
Initially, your drone should fly to waypoints where it will take the pictures to design the 2D or 3D image. Waypoints are geographical collaborates just obtainable by your drone when it has GPS info.
On the other hand, your drone should have self-stabilization help to remain still while taking the shots, much more so if it has an electronic shutter.
The only method your drone will preserve its position is with the assistance of the GPS module, which continuously determines the drone’s area for it to be still at a point.
Likewise, the drone should have at least level 5 wind resistance, which assists the drone preserve its stability.
Battery life
Mapping and photogrammetry objectives take roughly 20 minutes to an hour. However discovering a drone with an hour of flying time is difficult.
All drones on our list are more than efficient in these applications, as the Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 has a flight time of a minimum of thirty minutes.
Flying variety
Last but not least, your drone should fly along a long zone, so your drone should have a series of 10 km. That method, you ensure the drone can cover ranges without losing signal and, as a result, your work.
Finest DJI drones for mapping and photogrammetry– Regularly asked concerns
What is drone photogrammetry?
Drone photogrammetry includes taking numerous pictures from a high elevation of a big zone. Specialized software application combines those pictures, producing a 2D or 3D map where you can acquire precise measurements.
This link has a post with a much deeper, easy-to-understand description.
” MORE: What is Drone Photogrammetry? (Discussed for Novices)
What is cartography vs. topography?
Drone cartography is to overlap the pictures required to recreate a 2D and 3D map. It’s much better called mapping.
Drone topography is the exact same procedure however with the greatest precision.
Here, you require the 1″ video camera sensing unit with 20 MP image quality and a three-axis gimbal, the minimum combination to get precise surface entertainment on the 2D or 3D map.
Do I need to register my DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro for photogrammetry?
Yes, you do if you wish to utilize the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro for photogrammetry as a drone for acknowledgment objectives.
Nevertheless, you can’t utilize them for topographic applications like surveying, as they do not have the 1″ video camera sensing unit.
Although these drones weigh less than 250 g with the basic battery, photogrammetry is a company. These drones participate in the FAR 107 factor to consider, so you need to register them for this application.