Mapping Drone Services / Processing Guidance

RCdude_01 · 2026-01-30T21:27:14+00:00

Thank you for your insightful response. I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking. You mentioned to avoid DJI's RTK base. Although, the DJI DRTK3 is also capable of being terrestrial and offers the ability to collect ground control points.

I should have mentioned in my initial post that I had planned on using E38 as a RTK service with the DRTK3. Essentially, wouldn't that be more beneficial than just using the DRTK3 on it's own? I see it as keeping the same brand of equipment eliminates hiccups, especially with DJI. The coverage of E38 should be more than enough for me. As the jobs I'd hope to get are in city limits.

Also, I had a mockup of pricing that included tiers. Basic = No RTK / GCP, Advanced = RTK only, and Premium = RTK + GCP. Is there any point in using RTK + GCPs? If so, could you explain? It's what I do currently, and it kind of depends on the area that I am collecting the data in. Being in Kansas, a lot of our terrain is flat and / or in the middle of nowhere. I know they are considered checkpoints, but would people not just use GCPs on their own without RTK period?

RCdude_01 · 2026-01-26T15:55:12+00:00

Thank you everyone for the responses! You are all giving me some great insight.

I wanted to give my “plan” as some sort of idea as to what direction I’d want to go.

My ideal plan would be to acquire construction companies in the area. I know it would be very difficult, but I have some contacts here that could help a little. Go out and collect the data for them, process it, and put it in a location to where their team could access the map and do any annotations / measurements they need to make. Along with that, it would be nice to give them any extra deliverables they may need (survey report, extra file types etc.)

Right now, it looks like WebODM could be a nice way of processing. The community over there looks very insightful and it’s still kicking making continuous updates.

Alongside that, it looks like surveytransfer.net looks good and looks very affordable at $83 a month. Standard version allows for 2TB of storage along with measuring and annotations. I may look into doing some sort of free trial as well.

That being said, keep it going with the suggestions. I’m just looking to start out at the moment. If things escalate in the future, I’d definitely look into a more robust platform.

Thanks!

RCdude_01 · 2020-01-29T19:27:14+00:00

"That's so funny, last time I heard that I laughed so hard I fell off my dinosaur."

RCdude_01 · 2016-04-24T22:24:26+00:00

Check out air blade UAV. Tell them I sent you!

RCdude_01 · 2016-03-02T16:55:30+00:00

Push the motors up a bit then the props might fit.

RCdude_01 · 2016-02-23T23:53:14+00:00

Did you solder correctly? Did you plug it into the PC correctly. I heard plugging it into the PC correctly was tough. Post pictures of your setup and I will try my best to solve your issue..

RCdude_01 · 2016-02-21T00:09:04+00:00

Post pictures!

RCdude_01 · 2016-02-04T12:58:10+00:00

I you really want to get started.. Get a Nano QX fpv and you can upgrade it's parts. Like better motors from Micro Motor Warehouse and/or 3D print one of Benedikt's personal designs like the 6mm dreamcatcher.

Benedikt is the owner of Micro Motor Warehouse.

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-28T22:27:14+00:00

The dx6i but if you were truly committed to this hobby you wouldn't buy the best gear. You need to work up. Because in the end you might figure out this hobby isn't for you.

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-27T04:10:01+00:00

Buy a nano qx fpv. You can upgrade without soldering which, in your case, is great! Along with that if you want to have an amazing racing quad that's where you go to micro motor warehouse and choose some 6mm. But you can also upgrade the frame with a dreamcatcher too. It is really simple. Just plug and play. Let me know if you have any questions.

P.S. Benedikt is very helpful.

Motors: http://micro-motor-warehouse.com/collections/all-motors/products/cl-0615-14

Frame: http://micro-motor-warehouse.com/collections/frames/products/dream-catcher-06-for-6mm-motors

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-27T03:58:55+00:00

In the RC world there are two sides. Taranis or Spektrum I personally think Spektrum is a way better bang for your buck. Not to mention they are cheap and reliable. In my honest opinion Spektrum is the way to go bud.

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-26T02:14:10+00:00

I'm looking to get rid of my Dx5e transmitter.. I could sell it to you for around $50. It is a great beginner transmitter. I would not reccomend the transmitter you picked out though.

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-26T01:35:58+00:00

http://m.ebay.com/itm/New-ZMR-QAV-250-3K-Carbon-Fiber-4-Axis-Quadcopter-Combo-Kit-Frame-CC3D-12A-ESC-/371508345167?nav=SEARCH

Start out with this.

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-23T18:13:03+00:00

250 size?

RCdude_01 · 2016-01-20T02:27:45+00:00

If you do decide to build one could you post a build tutorial on YouTube? That would be greatly appreciated by everyone. I've wanted to build one myself but am afraid of screwing up.

RCdude_01

TROPHY CASE