In the world of modern drone surveying, efficiency and accuracy both matter. You need drones and sensors that are easy enough for your team to use but accurate enough to give you data you can trust.
Whether you’re surveying a small civil construction site, a sprawling roadworks project, or a complex quarry, your tools need to deliver the right balance of precision, efficiency, and reliability for your needs.
At Propeller, we test and support a wide range of survey drones and sensors to make sure they hold up to the rigorous demands of modern surveying. In this article, we’ll outline each drone’s key features, ideal use cases, and technical specifications to help you pick the best hardware for your next project.
Hand-picked by experts
Every Propeller-supported drone is vetted by our hardware experts to ensure that it’s:
- Accurate: Every drone and sensor meets our stringent accuracy standards, ensuring you get reliable survey data with every flight
- Easy: Automated drone flights make it easy for anyone to fly, streamlining data capture
- Integrated: Every drone on the list is compatible with our platform and with AeroPoints for an efficient end-to-end workflow
- Supported: Access expert hardware support tailored to your needs, so you can rest easy knowing we’re just a phone call away
Propeller-compatible drones
DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
Recommended for: Small to medium-sized worksites
Cost-effective, accurate, and easy to use, the DJI Mavic 3 is perfect for precision site mapping in civil construction, mining, and waste management.
Specs:
- Flight time: 30–40 minutes
- Speed: Up to 42.5 mph (68 km/h)
- Camera: 20 MP, 4/3-inch sensor with a mechanical shutter
- Accuracy: 3–5 cm
DJI Matrice 350 RTK
Recommended for: Large-scale, complex sites
Designed for tough conditions, the high-performance DJI Matrice 350 offers long flight times and exceptional camera quality.
Specs:
- Flight time: Up to 55 minutes (depending on payload)
- Speed: Up to 51.5 mph (84 km/h)
- Camera: Zenmuse P1, 45 MP full-frame sensor
- Accuracy: 3–5 cm
WingtraOne
Recommended for: Large land areas, high-accuracy surveys
The WingtraOne is a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone that combines the benefits of fixed-wing flight with the flexibility of vertical take-off.
Specs:
- Flight time: Up to 59 minutes
- Speed: Up to 36 mph (58 km/h)
- Camera: 42 MP full-frame Sony RX1R II
- Accuracy: 3–5 cm
Quantum-Systems Trinity F90+
Recommended for: Large worksites requiring extended flights
The Trinity F90+ is a fixed-wing VTOL drone that offers exceptional weather resilience and extended flight times, making it perfect for large sites with challenging conditions.
Specs:
- Flight time: Up to 90 minutes
- Speed: Up to 38 mph (61 km/h)
- Camera: 42.4 MP
- Accuracy: 3–5 cm
DJI Phantom 4 RTK
Recommended for: Small to medium-sized worksites, budget-conscious users
Equipped with RTK technology, the Phantom 4 RTK ensures precise geotagging at an affordable price.
Specs:
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Speed: Up to 36 mph (58 km/h)
- Camera: 20 MP, 1-inch sensor
- Accuracy: 3–5 cm
Anzu Raptor
Recommended for: Small to medium-sized worksites
With RTK-level accuracy and seamless Propeller integration, this professional drone excels at precision mapping.
Specs:
- Flight time: 30–40 minutes
- Speed: Up to 47 mph (75.6 km/h)
- Camera: 20 MP, 4/3-inch sensor with a mechanical shutter
- Accuracy: 5–10 cm
Frequently asked questions
What’s “expected accuracy”?
Expected accuracy gives you a way to compare how precise your survey data will be when ideal conditions are met. This metric helps you decide if a drone or sensor will meet your project’s needs.
Why does expected accuracy matter?
The right accuracy level depends on the job at hand. For example, you need extremely high accuracy if you’re laying foundations, but you can work with less precision if you’re estimating landfill capacity.
How does Propeller determine expected accuracy?
We test drones under the same flight conditions and using the same ground control setup. Then we compare each drone’s data to a highly accurate benchmark drone.
Here’s what we measure:
- GCP RMSE: How close the drone’s data is to actual ground control points
- GCP-to-surface difference: How well the drone measures elevation compared to real points
- Elevation consistency: How steady the drone’s elevation model is compared to a high-accuracy benchmark drone
What affects expected accuracy?
The way you fly the drone (including its flight path and ambient weather conditions), how you capture images, and your site’s conditions all play a part. We test drones under consistent conditions to give you reliable and comparable results.
How can I use expected accuracy to pick the right drone?
Think about your project requirements. For highly detailed measurements, aim for a drone with accuracy down to a few centimeters. If estimates will work, you can choose a drone with a higher margin of error.
Can I trust Propeller’s accuracy ranges?
Absolutely! We base our accuracy ranges on thorough, consistent testing. Click here to see our testing process for yourself.
Ready to find the right tool for your worksite? Explore the full range of Propeller-compatible drones and sensors.
