Drone mapping has quickly become an essential tool for businesses and organizations that need accurate, real-time data from the air. Whether you’re mapping your site in-house or running a drone mapping business, multirotor drones are the most practical choice. They’re easy to use, precise, and flexible—ideal for a wide range of mapping applications. And... Birdi is drone-agnostic, which means you can capture data with whichever drone you like and upload it into our platform for visualization.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the best multirotor drones for mapping in 2024 and why they’re the top choice for most projects. We’ll also briefly touch on fixed-wing drones for larger, specialized needs.
Multirotor drones, especially quadcopters, are the favorites for drone mapping because of their stability and ease of maneuverability. Unlike fixed-wing drones that need more space to take off and land, multirotors can hover and fly in tighter spaces, making them ideal for detailed surveys of smaller areas.
Here’s a look at the latest and greatest multirotor drones for mapping, each offering a range of features to suit different project types.
The DJI Phantom 4 RTK has been a trusted name in the mapping industry for years. Its RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning system delivers centimeter-level accuracy, which is crucial for topographic mapping, construction site surveys, and asset inspections.
The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise offers a lot of value for businesses working with tighter budgets. It’s portable, easy to fly, and packed with professional-grade sensors and cameras. The Mavic 3 Enterprise also now offers optional RTK modules for those needing extra accuracy.
The Autel EVO II Pro RTK V3 is a powerful upgrade, offering real-time centimeter-level positioning and advanced features like 6K video resolution. It’s an excellent option for high-precision mapping projects, providing exceptional image clarity and accuracy. If you're looking for a reliable, non-DJI alternative, the EVO II Pro RTK V3 brings impressive capabilities to the table with its easy-to-use interface and robust design.
For larger, more complex mapping projects, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a go-to in 2024. This drone is built for enterprise use and can carry multiple payloads, including LiDAR, thermal, and multispectral cameras. If you're dealing with infrastructure, power utilities, or large-scale construction, this is the one.
If you’re after a rugged, portable drone with high-quality zoom and thermal imaging, the Parrot Anafi USA is worth considering. It’s perfect for industries like public safety and environmental monitoring.
One of the biggest advantages of multirotor drones is their ability to carry a range of cameras and sensors. This flexibility allows you to tailor the drone’s capabilities to match your specific project requirements.
While multirotors are the best option for most businesses, fixed-wing drones still have their place—especially for covering larger areas. These drones fly for longer periods and are incredibly efficient, making them ideal for vast agricultural fields or large mining sites. However, they do require more open space for takeoff and landing, which limits their practicality in tight environments.
The Quantum Systems Trinity Pro is the latest iteration of the fixed-wing eVTOL drone designed for large-scale mapping and surveying. Offering more than 90 minutes of flight time, this drone combines the benefits of vertical takeoff and landing with the efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft. With improved sensor integration and flexibility, the Trinity Pro is ideal for projects that require high-precision data over vast areas, such as agriculture, mining, and land surveying. It also supports advanced PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) capabilities, ensuring centimeter-level accuracy for professionals who need top-tier results.
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For most businesses looking to handle mapping in-house or start a drone mapping business, multirotor drones remain the best choice in 2024. They’re affordable, easy to use, and versatile enough to capture high-precision data. While fixed-wing drones have their uses, multirotors like the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, and DJI Matrice 350 RTK will provide the accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use most projects require.
Whether you're surveying construction sites, inspecting infrastructure, or mapping large areas of land, there’s a drone out there to meet your needs. For more information on drone mapping, check out our article: Drone mapping 101: A beginner's guide to capturing accurate geospatial data.
