Using the DroneDeploy Flight app to capture RTK corrections with the Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 300 RTK (with the RC Plus controller), and Anzu Raptor.
Requirements
- Advanced, Teams, or Enterprise subscription
- RTK module
- The latest version of the DroneDeploy Flight app is installed on the RC Pro/Plus Enterprise controller.
- Internet connection
Checking RTK Coverage
Before you fly, it's essential to verify two things:
1. Regional Support: Confirm that DroneDeploy supports RTK in the country or region of your project. You can find a list of supported areas in a separate document (link to be added).
2. Signal Strength: Signal strength can vary even within supported regions. DroneDeploy allows you to check this during flight planning before you head to the job site. If the signal is weak, consider processing your images using the PPK upload process instead of relying on RTK during flight.
You can use the search icon below to determine if your site is in coverage.
Instant RTK access is available in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and parts of Australia within the RTK coverage area (see coverage map).
Flying with RTK
If RTK is available and appropriate for your project, follow these steps:
- Attach the RTK Module: Refer to the provided video for instructions on attaching the RTK module to your Mavic 3 Enterprise (video link)
- Power Up: Turn on your drone and remote controller (RC).
- Connect to the Internet: Ensure your RC has an Internet connection. A mobile hotspot can be used if necessary.
- Close DJI Pilot 2: Ensure the DJI Pilot 2 app is closed before opening DroneDeploy.
- Open DroneDeploy App: Launch the DroneDeploy app on your RC.
- Wait for RTK Fix: The app will attempt to establish an RTK connection. This usually takes less than 2 minutes. Look for the animating "RTK" icon in the header. If it doesn't appear after 2 minutes, try rebooting your drone.
- Select and Fly Your Map Plan: Choose the pre-planned map you want to fly in DroneDeploy and begin your mission.
- Upload Images: After your flight, upload the captured images to DroneDeploy using the SD card or the mobile upload option.
FAQs
Who has access to DroneDeploy's RTK workflow?
DroneDeploy customers with an Advanced, Teams, or Enterprise subscription and a Mavic 3E/3T with an RTK module, Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 300 RTK (with the RC Plus controller), and Anzu Raptor can access DroneDeploy's RTK workflow.
How do I find out if the area I want to fly to is in the coverage area?
You will see an 'RTK Coverage' indicator on the flight planning page to determine if your map is within our coverage area (see example below). You can also check the above coverage map. If you're away from the coverage area, you will see a message in the Preflight Checklist in the DroneDeploy Flight app.
Can I connect to my own RTK network and fly with DroneDeploy?
No, if you want to use your RTK network, you must connect and fly with the Pilot 2 app.
How long should I wait to get an RTK connection before flying?
The RTK connection starts immediately upon drone connection to the DroneDeploy Flight app. The link should take at most 2 minutes. If you're waiting for more than 2 minutes and don't see the 'RTK' icon animating in the header, we recommend you reboot your drone to start the connection process again.
What if I need to fly outside of the RTK network coverage area?
If you're outside the RTK network coverage area, you can still fly with DroneDeploy, but you will not get RTK corrections. If you need RTK corrections, you can connect to your RTK network and fly with the Pilot 2 app.
If you can't get RTK corrections in real-time, DroneDeploy will automatically process your data using PPK.
Will I need to lay down GCPs when using DroneDeploy's RTK workflow?
GCPs are the most reliable way to generate consistent absolute accuracy, and using at least 4 GCPs for accuracy assurance is recommended. However, with an RTK fix, your maps will have sufficient absolute accuracy for your use case. Still, it depends on the drone's distance from automatic RTK network locations, among other factors. Always be sure to verify map accuracy with checkpoints.'
How do I know if I'm getting RTK corrections during the flight?
In the in-flight UI, you will see a green 'RTK' icon next to the number of satellites. If the 'RTK' icon is orange, red, greyed out, or not present, then you are not getting an RTK fix, and you will need to RTH and reboot your drone.
Can I process images with RTK corrections taken with the Pilot 2 app to DroneDeploy?
Yes, DroneDeploy will process images captured with RTK corrections.
Does DroneDeploy support PPK?
DroneDeploy supports PPK processing for DJI, Autel, Skydio, and Wingtra drones. Please read more here.
What is the difference between RTK, PPK, and GCP?
Our head of Solutions Engineering wrote a fantastic blog article on this subject. Please read it here.
Do I have to be connected to the internet to utilize DroneDeploy's RTK workflow?
Yes, capturing RTK corrections requires an internet connection throughout the entire flight.
If you can't get RTK corrections in real-time, DroneDeploy will automatically process your data using PPK.
How can I check how positionally accurate my map is?
Please look at this helpful article on how to use checkpoints to validate absolute accuracy on DroneDeploy.
If you do not have your question answered here, please contact support@dronedeploy.com.