This guide explains how to use the DroneDeploy flight app to capture Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) corrections with the Matrice 4E/4T, Mavic 3E/3T, Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 300 RTK (with the RC Plus controller), and Anzu Raptor.
What is DroneDeploy's Instant RTK Workflow?
The DroneDeploy Instant RTK workflow allows you to achieve real-time kinematic corrections during flight. This provides highly accurate location data for your maps and models. This feature is integrated directly into the DroneDeploy flight app to streamline the data capture process and forgo extra costs for NTRIP credentials and subscriptions.
Availability
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This feature is available for customers with an
Advanced, Small Business, or Enterprise subscription.
- Supported drones include:
- Mavic 3 Enterprise/Thermal with an RTK module
- Matrice 4 Enterprise/Thermal with an RTK module
- Matrice 350 RTK
- Matrice 300 RTK (with the RC Plus controller)
- Anzu Raptor
How to use the Instant RTK Workflow
Follow these steps to fly with RTK in the DroneDeploy app:
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Check RTK Coverage
- Before you fly, confirm that your project area has RTK coverage. You will see an 'RTK Coverage' indicator on the flight planning page to determine if your map is within our coverage area.
- If the signal is weak, consider using the PPK upload process instead.
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Prepare for Flight
- Attach the RTK module to your drone if one is required. View video.
- Power on your drone and remote controller.
- Connect your remote controller to the internet. A mobile hotspot can be used if necessary.
- Ensure the DJI Pilot 2 app is closed before opening DroneDeploy.
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Fly with RTK
- Open the DroneDeploy app on your remote controller. The app will automatically attempt to establish an RTK connection. This usually takes less than 2 minutes. Ensure the drone has a clear view of the sky.
- If you do not get an RTK connection by the time you reach the preflight checklist, you can still take off. The app will continue trying to establish a connection as the drone flies.
- Select your pre-planned map and begin your mission.
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Upload Images
- After your flight, upload the images to DroneDeploy using the SD card or the mobile upload option.
Instant RTK access is available in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and parts of Australia within the RTK coverage area (see coverage map)
Limitations
- You must be connected to the internet throughout the entire flight to use the DroneDeploy RTK workflow.
- You cannot connect to your own RTK network and fly with DroneDeploy. To use a custom RTK network, you must fly with the DJI Pilot 2 app.
- You cannot use the DroneDeploy RTK NTRIP credentials in DJI Pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I find out if the area I want to fly is in the coverage area?
A: You will see an RTK Coverage indicator on the flight planning page to determine if your map is within our coverage area. If you are away from the coverage area, you will see a message in the Preflight Checklist in the DroneDeploy Flight app.
Q: How do I know if I'm getting RTK corrections during the flight?
A: In the in-flight UI, you will see a green RTK icon next to the number of satellites. If the icon is orange, red, greyed out, or not present, you are not getting an RTK fix.
Q: What if I need to fly outside of the RTK network coverage area?
A: You can still fly with DroneDeploy, but you will not get RTK corrections. If you can't get corrections in real time, DroneDeploy will automatically process your data using PPK.
Q: Can I connect to the RTK network after takeoff?
A: Yes. If you cannot gain a connection on the ground, you can take off and the app will continue to establish the RTK connection as the drone flies.
Q: Will I need to lay down GCPs when using the RTK workflow?
A: Using at least four Ground Control Points (GCPs) is the most reliable way to ensure absolute accuracy. However, with a strong RTK fix, your maps should have sufficient absolute accuracy for most use cases. Always verify map accuracy with checkpoints.
Q: Can I process images with RTK corrections taken with the Pilot 2 app in DroneDeploy?
A: Yes, DroneDeploy will process images captured with RTK corrections.
Q: Does DroneDeploy support PPK?
A: Yes, DroneDeploy supports PPK processing for DJI, Autel, Skydio and Wingtra drones. You can read more here: DroneDeploy PPK Processing.
Q: What is the difference between RTK, PPK and GCP?
A: Our Head of Solutions Engineering wrote a blog article on this subject. Please read it here: What is the Difference Between RTK, PPK, and GCPs?.
Q: How can I check how positionally accurate my map is?
A: Please see this helpful article on how to use checkpoints to validate absolute accuracy: Validating Accuracy on DroneDeploy.
If your question is not answered here, please contact support@dronedeploy.com.
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