Best Drones For Photogrammetry

With my extensive experience as a photogrammetrist running the country’s largest photogrammetry survey company, I’m excited to share insider tips on what makes the best drones for photogrammetry in 2023.

Having landed major contracts with the nation’s leading corporations to provide detailed photogrammetry maps,

In this guide on the best drones for photogrammetry, I’ll draw from my many years of hands-on expertise to highlight the key capabilities to look for in a best drone for photogrammetry.

I’ll also provide recommendations on the best drone models available today for photogrammetry.

My goal is to equip you with the information you need whether you’re an experienced drone pilot, just getting started, work in construction, perform environmental monitoring, or are a hobbyist looking to make some money with your best drone for photogrammetry.

The world of photogrammetry is fascinating and drones have transformed the way we collect and analyze aerial survey data.

Just want my go-to drone? Heres my best drone for photogrammetry in 2023.

Top Pick

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

Best Drone For Photogrammetry 2023

I can confidently say the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise is my go-to drone for photogrammetry work in 2023. Its high-resolution 20MP camera, stable flight performance, and integrated mapping features enable me to easily capture incredibly accurate 3D models on site. The mechanical shutter, advanced safety features, and option to mount an RTK module make the Mavic 3 Enterprise well worth the premium price for professional-grade surveys.

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What is Drone Photogrammetry?

Drone photogrammetry mapping has become my specialty over the years, and it offers immense value to businesses and individuals alike.

It involves using a drone to capture multiple overlapping photos of an area from different viewpoints.

Photogrammetry software then analyzes these photos to generate incredibly precise 3D maps and models.

Unlike ground-based surveying, drone photogrammetry provides a bird’s eye perspective that can efficiently and cost-effectively create 3D maps of landscapes, structures, construction sites, mines, quarries, and more in rich detail.

The photorealistic 3D models it produces have a vast array of applications from agriculture to architecture and everything in between.

I’ve seen firsthand how businesses can profit enormously by incorporating drone mapping into their workflows.

The data it provides compared to traditional surveying pays for itself many times over in sectors like construction, real estate, solar farms, mining, and environmental monitoring.

It leads to significant time and cost savings over the project lifecycle.

Factors for Choosing the Right Photogrammetry Drone

I’ve learned there are several key factors that determine which drones perform best for photogrammetry surveys.

Maximize Flight Time & Range

First and foremost is flight time – you need ample battery life to cover the required area efficiently. I always opt for drones that can fly for at least 30 minutes per battery.

Transmission range is also critical, allowing you to survey larger sites without loss of signal.

Prioritize Camera Quality

Of course, you need a high resolution camera with a wide dynamic range and a quality lens to capture crisp, accurately-exposed aerial imagery.

I insist on at least a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a lens with a wide field of view.

Select Global Shutter Cameras

Global shutter cameras are preferred for photogrammetry because they capture the entire image simultaneously. This avoids distortion caused by rolling shutter cameras that capture images line-by-line.

Rolling shutter can skew fast moving objects.

Drones Equipped with RTK Modules

RTK modules provide centimeter-level GPS positioning vital for precision photogrammetry. RTK corrects location data in real-time during flight for accurately geotagged images.

Majority of customers are going to want to photogrammetry model to at-least centimetre accuracy

Confirm Software Compatibility

It’s also essential that your drone seamlessly integrates with photogrammetry software for streamlined processing. Compatibility issues waste valuable time.

Best Drones for Photogrammetry 2023

I’m regularly asked which drones I recommend for professional photogrammetry and 3D modeling. There are many factors that determine photogrammetry performance and accuracy.

After testing over 30 drone models, in my time.

I’ve identified the top all-around drones for aerial surveying and photogrammetry in 2023 based on critical capabilities.

These picks offer the ideal combination of flight time, safety, camera quality, shutter type, and integration with mapping software to deliver highly detailed, precise geospatial data.

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

Best Drone For Photogrammetry 2023

• 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor camera captures ultra-high resolution aerial imagery critical for photogrammetry processing and 3D modeling accuracy
• 46 minutes of flight time allows efficient coverage of large mapping areas per battery
• Obstacle avoidance sensors enable stable, autonomous flight for consistent image capture
• Compatible with leading photogrammetry software like Pix4D and DroneDeploy for streamlined data processing and analysis

Amazon

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise is my best drone for photogrammetry mapping projects. With its high-end capabilities tailored specifically for photogrammetry, it helps me efficiently capture highly accurate data.

The 20MP camera with a large 4/3 CMOS sensor has become invaluable for recording crisp, vivid aerial imagery ideal for processing into precise 3D reconstructions.

The built-in RTK module provides centimeter-level geotagging that minimizes distortion in my photogrammetry models.

My favorite aspect is how the Mavic 3 Enterprise integrates seamlessly with my photogrammetry software. Programs like Pix4D and DroneDeploy unlock the drone’s full potential, generating incredibly detailed orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and digital elevation models from the aerial imagery.

Whether I’m working on agricultural mapping, construction surveys, or environmental analysis, the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise consistently delivers professional-grade results.

Its robust aerial data capture optimized for photogrammetry, plus advanced software integration, make this drone my number one recommendation for photogrammetrists.

For my business, the accuracy and efficiency gains easily justify the investment.

DJI Mavic 3E (Enterprise) Worry-Free Basic Combo - Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Wide Camera, Mechanical Shutter, 56× Hybrid Zoom, 45-Min Flight, Centimeter-level Positioning with RTK

• Compact and Portable - Streamlined and compact, the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series can be carried in one hand and deployed at a moment's notice. Perfect for beginner and veteran pilots alike.
• Exceptional Operational Efficiency - 45-min flight durations let you cover more ground each mission, for mapping up to 2 square kilometers in a single flight. [1]
• Flagship Imaging Performance - Mavic 3E has a 43 CMOS[2], 20MP wide camera with a mechanical shutter for highly efficient surveying. It also has a 1/2 CMOS, 12MP zoom camera with 56× hybrid zoom.
• Upgraded Transmission - Quad-antenna O3 Enterprise Transmission enables more stable connections in a wide variety of complex environments.
• Rich Accessories, Unlimited Potential - An RTK Module supports network RTK to achieve centimeter-level positioning. [3] Additional accessories include a loudspeaker and the DJI RC Pro Enterprise Remote Controller.
• Open Ecosystem - PSDK facilitates access to third-party hardware devices for extended applications, Mobile SDK 5 unlocks open-source potential, and Cloud API enables direct access for third-party cloud platforms.
• Full Software Suite - DJI Pilot 2 for safe and efficient flight, DJI FlightHub 2 cloud-based drone operations management, DJI Terra for mapping and modeling, and DTAT 3.0 for analyzing thermal data.
• Omnidirectional Sensing - Equipped with wide-angle lenses on all sides for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Adjust proximity alarms and braking distance depending on mission requirements.
• Mavic 3E adapts to different mapping, security, and patrol inspection scenarios. The 4/3 CMOS wide camera has a mechanical shutter that significantly reduces rolling shutter and improves mapping precision.
• Provides 2 affordable replacements and 1 maintenance service in the first year of activation. For an additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if accident occurs.

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Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro

Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro

Lower Cost Alternative To DJI Mavic 3 E

• 20MP 1-inch CMOS camera provides high-resolution aerial images for detailed photogrammetry models
• 40 minute flight time enables efficient photogrammetry of large areas per battery
• Obstacle avoidance sensors maintain safe, stable flight during data capture
• Approximately half the cost of premium drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
• Compatible with leading photogrammetry software like Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Skycatch for processing

Amazon

If your seeking a lower cost drone that still delivers excellent performance, I can confidently recommend the Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro.

While it doesn’t quite match premium drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, the EVO 2 Pro provides tremendous value as a mid-range alternative ideal for many photogrammetry applications.

Equipped with a high-quality 20MP 1-inch CMOS camera, the EVO 2 Pro captures crisp, vivid aerial images that translate well into detailed 3D reconstructions. Its 40 minute flight time gives ample coverage capability per battery.

For many jobs where pinpoint precision isn’t essential, the EVO 2 Pro provides all the data I need at nearly half the cost.

For individuals or smaller firms wanting quality photogrammetry capabilities on a budget, the EVO 2 Pro is a fantastic option. It delivers professional-grade performance and features like obstacle avoidance without breaking the bank.

The high-resolution camera, stable flight dynamics, and compatibility with leading photogrammetry software make the EVO 2 Pro one of my top recommendations as an affordable mapping drone that punches far above its weight.

While it can’t match the most advanced drones, the Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro provides tremendous value.

For anyone looking to get started with professional aerial mapping and 3D modeling, it’s one of the best drones for photogrammetry available today without costing a fortune.

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DJI Phantom 4 RTK

DJI Phantom 4 RTK

Discounted Drone For Photogrammetry Surveys

• Built-in RTK positioning module provides centimeter-level accuracy essential for precision photogrammetry
• 20 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution aerial images to capture topographic details
• Mechanical shutter eliminates rolling shutter distortion common with CMOS sensors
• Achieves high vertical accuracy of 2 cm and horizontal accuracy of 1.2 cm meeting ASPRS standards
• More affordable professional mapping drone compared to newer models, excellent value

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The DJI Phantom 4 RTK has been a workhorse for photogrammetry projects before we upgraded to the Mavic series.

Having been on the market since 2018, it’s now considered a more budget-friendly option compared to the latest drones.

But the Phantom 4 RTK still delivers superb accuracy and high-resolution aerial imagery ideal for 3D surveying and photogrammetry modeling.

Equipped with an integrated RTK module and 20MP 1-inch CMOS camera, the Phantom 4 RTK provides centimeter-level positioning precision and crisp, distortion-free images – both essential for photogrammetry.

While its RTK system can be finicky relying on a strong signal, limiting its use in certain environments, it meets the ASPRS accuracy standards when flown correctly.

We now relegate the reliable Phantom 4 RTK to our B-team for secondary surveys, where it continues collecting accurate geospatial data.

For professionals seeking an affordable workhorse drone that still performs photogrammetry capably, the Phantom 4 RTK is a great option. The precise camera system, built-in RTK, and efficient workflow balance quality results with reasonable cost.

While newer drones now surpass it, the Phantom 4 RTK remains a surprisingly one of the best drones for photogrammetry given its age. We keep a fleet in rotation to handle large projects cost-effectively.

For those on a budget, it’s easily one of the best values for professional photogrammetry.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ Drone (UK)

£2,599.98

• Camera with 1-Inch 20MP Sensor
• Five Directions of Obstacle Sensing
• Visionary Intelligence. Elevated Imagination
• Aircraft body x 1, Remote controller with screen x 1, Propeller pairs x 4, Intelligent Flight Battery x 1, Battery Charger x 1, Power Cable x 1, Manuals
• 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor
• Able to shoot 4K at 60fps
• Mechanical shutter
• Obstacle sensing in 5 directions

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12/11/2023 11:15 am GMT

DJI Matrice 300 + RTK

DJI Matrice 300 RTK + P1

Specialty cameras or sensors for niche applications

• Modular payload bay allows specialized cameras or sensors to be mounted for niche photogrammetry needs
• Built-in RTK positioning module provides centimeter-level location accuracy for precision 3D models
• 15 km transmission range enables efficient mapping of very large areas in a single flight
• Intelligent flight modes like oblique capture increase mapping productivity by up to 50%
• Industrial-grade durability allows operation in challenging weather conditions unsuitable for consumer drones

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The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is the premier mapping drone thanks to its unparalleled modular payload capabilities.

While the Mavic 3 Enterprise is excellent for most projects, the Matrice 300’s interchangeable sensor mounts make it the best drone photogrammetry solution when I need to capture highly specialized datasets.

By allowing different compatible cameras and sensors to be mounted, the Matrice 300 can be equipped for the specific data collection needs of each job.

For example – I can use the 45MP Zenmuse P1 full frame camera to generate incredibly detailed photogrammetry reconstructions.

The built-in RTK positioning provides centimeter-level accuracy, while the long 15km transmission range enables efficient coverage of huge areas.

The Matrice 300’s robust durability, intelligent flight modes, and 55 minute flight time also make data capture smooth and efficient.

While the size and battery costs are higher than the Mavic series, for me the Matrice 300’s payload flexibility is worth the premium for certain projects. It truly excels when I need a customizable, professional mapping drone rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

For photogrammetrists that require specialty cameras or sensors for niche applications, the Matrice 300 is the clear choice. Its unmatched modularity and pro-grade performance justify the investment for those needing the best drone for photogrammetry.

When standard drones won’t cut it, the Matrice 300’s customizability makes it the number one photogrammetry drone in my fleet.

Yuneec H520 + E90

Yuneec H520 + E90

Low cost M300 Alternative For Photogrammetry

• Affordable high-quality photogrammetry drone
• Proven hexacopter design for stable flight
• Swappable cameras for versatile use
• 20MP 1-inch sensor captures detailed aerial photos
• Suitable for real estate, construction, and survey mapping

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I’m always on the lookout for the best drone for photogrammetry projects. After testing numerous models, I’ve found the Yuneec H520 paired with the E90 camera to be a top contender for lower cost photogrammetry.

The stable hexacopter design and high resolution 1-inch sensor of the E90 allow me to capture crisp, detailed aerial photos perfect for 3D mapping and modeling.

I’ve used the H520 + E90 combo for various real estate and construction site mapping projects.

The images I’ve captured with it have been great for generating high accuracy 3D models and orthomosaic maps.

While it doesn’t have quite the range or flight time of more expensive drones, the H520 provides ample time aloft to complete most mapping missions.

In my opinion, the H520 + E90 is one of the best drones for photogrammetry available today in its price range. The resulting 3D models I’ve produced rival those from drones costing twice as much.

Its ease of use and swappable camera options also make it a versatile mapping tool.

While the large controller does take some adjusting to, overall it’s a top contender for professional mapping and modeling.

Lowering the shutter speed a bit helps prevent overexposed images. I also recommend using manual focus and setting a smaller aperture for maximum depth of field.

As with any drone, practice flights are needed to refine your process before tackling big mapping projects.

In summary, the Yuneec H520 paired with the E90 camera provides professionals an affordable high quality photogrammetry solution. I can confidently recommend this drone as one of the best options available today for aerial photogrammetry applications.

Yuneec H520E RTF, ST16E, 2 Akkus, EU Hexacopter RtF Profi, Kameraflug with Wärmebild Orange, black

£2,510.55

• FUTURE HEXACOPTER for inspection, law enforcement, security, construction, surveying and mapping applications.
• Powerful flight control processor, battery connection with fail-safe design, 3.5 - 7 km range thanks to innovative OFDM module
• For commercial and regulatory applications, high precision, low-noise compass, hot-swappable payload systems,
• No data transfer to external server, stable and secure 6-rotor design, energy efficient and quiet,
• ST16E with integrated 7 inch touch display, voice output and extensive DataPilot(TM) software, HDMI output for transmitting the live image of the drone to an external monitor, mission planning on the computer or on the ST16E, retractable landing rack,

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12/11/2023 11:19 am GMT

Indepth Factors for Choosing the Right Photogrammetry Drone

There are several important factors to consider when selecting the best drone for photogrammetry.

Making the right choice can mean the difference between a successful project and a costly mistake, from the flight time of the drone to the quality of the image data to the type of sensor required for accurate photogrammetry.

Flight Time

Flight time is an important factor to consider when selecting the best drone for photogrammetry. It refers to how long a drone can fly on a single charge of its battery. Flight time is critical for photogrammetry because it directly affects a drone’s ability to capture high-quality aerial data.

Longer flight times enable larger survey areas to be covered in a single flight, increasing the drone’s overall productivity. Shorter flight times, on the other hand, can limit the amount of data that can be collected and make the process more time-consuming.

When choosing a drone for photogrammetry, make sure that the flight time is adequate for your needs and that multiple battery options are available for longer surveys.

Transmission Range

Transmission range refers to the maximum distance that the drone’s remote controller can transmit signals to the drone. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a drone for photogrammetry, as it affects the area that the drone can cover and the amount of data that can be captured in a single flight.

If the transmission range is limited, the drone may not be able to reach the desired location or capture sufficient data, which can impact the accuracy and usefulness of the photogrammetry results.

A larger transmission range allows the drone to fly further, which can be especially useful in large or remote areas where it may be challenging to capture data using other methods. It also provides more flexibility in terms of flight planning and reduces the risk of losing contact with the drone during the flight.

Quality of The Drone’s Camera

When considering the quality of a drone’s camera for photogrammetry, there are several key factors to take into account.

Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of a camera refers to the range of brightness levels that it can capture in a single image. The greater the dynamic range, the better the camera captures details in both bright and dark areas of the scene.

This is especially important in photogrammetry because it helps to ensure that the final images used for mapping and analysis accurately represent the real-world environment, with no areas of underexposure or overexposure that can distort the data.

A camera with a wide dynamic range can also handle varying light conditions, such as shadows and reflections, which can be difficult to capture with photogrammetry.

The ability to control exposure and focus settings is also important, as it allows for more precise and accurate imaging.

You can ensure that your photogrammetry results are accurate and useful by selecting a drone with a high-quality camera with a wide dynamic range.

Lens Quality

An ideal lens for photogrammetry should have high resolution and a wide field of view. This ensures that the images captured are clear and detailed, and that a larger area is captured in each shot.

In photogrammetry, it is important to have a lens with a high MTF to ensure accurate measurement and representation of the captured images.

MTF measures the lens’s ability to resolve fine details in an image and is expressed as a series of lines per millimeter (lp/mm).

A high MTF number indicates a lens that can produce sharp, detailed images.

Global Shutter vs. Rolling Shutter

Global Shutter and Rolling Shutter are two different types of image capture methods used in photography and videography. In photogrammetry using drones, the choice between the two will impact the quality and accuracy of the images captured for the creation of maps and 3D models.

Global Shutter captures the entire image at once, ensuring that every part of the image is captured in the same moment in time. This makes it ideal for photogrammetry, as it minimizes distortion caused by motion or fast-moving objects.

Rolling Shutter, on the other hand, captures images line by line, meaning that different parts of the image are captured at slightly different moments in time.

This can cause distortion when capturing fast-moving objects or in situations where the drone is moving quickly, as the image can appear “skewed.”

It is recommended to use a camera with a Global Shutter instead of an electronic shutter for the best accuracy and results. Most consumer drones come with an Electronic Shutter.

Aperture

A lens with a large aperture, usually represented by a low f-number, allows more light to enter the camera. This means that a large aperture lens will produce brighter images in low-light conditions, which is important for photogrammetry purposes. Additionally, a large aperture lens will provide a shallower depth of field, making it easier to create detailed images with a sharp subject and blurred background. This is particularly useful in photogrammetry, where it is important to capture a clear and detailed image of the subject for accurate measurements and analysis.

Some of the best camera lenses for drone mapping are those that are specifically designed for aerial mapping, as they provide the sharpness, resolution, and detail required for photogrammetric processing.

Photogrammetry Accuracy

Photogrammetry accuracy is important in drone photogrammetry because it determines the level of detail and precision of the aerial data captured by the drone. The accuracy of photogrammetry is measured in terms of ground sample distance (GSD), which is the distance between two pixels in the aerial image that represents a specific point on the ground. A lower GSD value indicates higher accuracy and a more detailed image.

There are several factors that affect photogrammetry accuracy, including the quality of the drone’s camera, the type of sensor used, and the flight conditions. The camera quality impacts the image quality and resolution, while the type of sensor determines the accuracy of the data captured by the drone. Flight conditions, such as weather, wind, and lighting, can also affect photogrammetry accuracy by altering the way that the drone captures images and data.

Photogrammetry Software Compatibility

One important factor to consider when making your purchase is software compatibility. Your photogrammetry drone and the software you use to process, analyse and utilise the data captured by the camera, need to work together seamlessly. Otherwise, you may end up with wasted time, resources, and effort.

There is a number of drone mapping software available:

• Pix4D (£260/ month)
• Dronedeploy (£499/ month)
• Opendronemap (£FREE/ month)
• Maps Made Easy (£0-£50/ month)
• AgiSoft (£179/ month)
• Simactive (£250/ month)
• 3DF Zephyr (£149-£3,000/ month)

Not only do you need to consider your own software, but it’s also important for the drone pilot to factor in your requirements for seamless integration into clients’ existing tools and workflow. With the right drone and software compatibility, you can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of your photogrammetry results.

RTK vs PPK

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) are both GPS technologies that can be used for photogrammetry purposes. RTK provides real-time exact position information that allows for high-precision data collection in real-time, while PPK processes the data after the flight to achieve a highly accurate level of accuracy. The choice between RTK and PPK will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the photogrammetry project.

For example, if real-time data accuracy is a priority, RTK may be the better choice, while PPK may be more suitable for larger projects that require the highest level of accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between RTK and PPK will depend on factors such as project size, accuracy requirements, and budget.

Fixed-wing drone VS Multicopter

A key decision to make is between a fixed-wing drone and a multicopter. Fixed-wing drones have a longer flight time and are better suited for covering large areas quickly, while multi copters offer more stability and are better suited for capturing detailed images of smaller areas.

Each type of drone has its own set of benefits and limitations, so it’s important to weigh up the specific requirements of the project and choose the type of drone that will best meet those needs.

Best Photogrammetry Drone For Beginners

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a great option for beginners in photogrammetry. It was first released in 2016 and since then has remained a popular choice for commercial aerial mapping.

The Phantom 4 Pro is equipped with a 1-inch 20-megapixel CMOS sensor and a mechanical shutter that eliminates rolling shutter distortion.

The drone also has obstacle avoidance, 4K video capabilities at 60 frames per second, and a range of 4.3 miles.

The Phantom 4 Pro can be paired with DJI’s Ground Station Pro software (GSPro), which is free acquisition software that offers a wide range of opportunities for mapping.

The GSPro software is considered a preferred option among professionals in the industry due to its well-tested and vetted functionality.

The Phantom 4 Pro is still considered the gold standard for cost effective consumer-level UAVs in the drone industry and is a great option for beginners looking to get into photogrammetry.

Best Commercial Grade Photogrammetry Drone

The DJI Matrice 300 RTK with Zenmuse P1 payload is the best commercial grade photogrammetry drone currently available. It features a 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with a mechanical global shutter, making it an ideal choice for photogrammetry mapping missions.

It can map up to 3km² per flight which is 5-10x more efficient than the Phantom 4 RTK, and is capable of achieving 3 cm horizontal and 5 cm vertical accurate data without using ground control points.

The system is also equipped with TimeSync 2.0 to ensure millisecond synchronization of system data, and is compatible with the DJI DL Lens set (24mm, 35mm, 50mm). The DJI matrice comes with an RTK module for centimetre level accuracy.

It can carry multiple payloads, such as lidar (light detection and ranging) systems, multispectral cameras and high resolution camera. As a drone service provider, it’s crucial to choose a drone that is compatible with different types of cameras to expand your services and not limit yourself to just one industry.

Cheapest Drone for Photogrammetry

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable entry-level drone for photogrammetry.

This drone has been around for a few years and is now available second-hand for just £500, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. Despite its age, the Mavic 2 Pro remains a powerful drone that can deliver high-quality images for mapping and 3D modeling purposes.

The Mavic 2 Pro is equipped with a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor from Hasselblad, one of the most trusted names in the photography industry, which ensures that every image captured is of the highest quality.

This drone also boasts a compact design that makes it easy to transport, and its long flight time provides ample opportunities to capture images from the air.

Whether you’re just starting out with photogrammetry or are looking for an affordable option to add to your collection, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is an excellent choice.

Its combination of affordability, image quality, and performance make it a standout option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drone for photogrammetry.

Most Expensive drones for photogrammetry

The WingtraOne is a high-end drone specifically designed for photogrammetry and mapping purposes. With a cost of around £20,000, it is one of the most expensive options on the market, but for those looking for the best in terms of accuracy and precision, the WingtraOne is a must-consider.

Featuring fixed-wing flight and robust payloads, the WingtraOne excels in topographic surveys, offering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. This drone is not the most versatile, as it cannot map structures while hovering, but for those focused on topographic surveys, the WingtraOne is the best solution.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best in terms of accuracy and precision for survey grade photogrammetry, the WingtraOne is an excellent choice, despite its high cost. The initial investment may be substantial, but the speed of output and decrease in man-hours and subsequent costs make it a smart investment in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a drone for photogrammetry, there are several factors to consider, including cost, accuracy, range, and payload capabilities. Based on the above information, each drone has its own strengths and weaknesses compared to traditional methods. It important to choose one that best fits the specific needs of the project.

The Yuneec H520 is a great option for large-scale photogrammetry projects, while the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a great choice for beginners. For a commercial-grade drone, the DJI Matrice 300 RTK is the best option. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a budget-friendly option, and the WingtraOne is the best choice for topographic surveys due to its accuracy and precision.