How to use the DroneDeploy Flight app to capture RTK corrections with the Mavic 3E.
Requirements
- Advanced, Teams, or Enterprise subscription
- Mavic 3E with RTK module
- Version 4.136.0 (or later) of the DroneDeploy Flight app installed on the RC Pro Enterprise controller
- Internet connection
- Within the RTK coverage area (see coverage map)
Steps
- Attach the RTK module to the drone. Check out this video to learn how.
- Power on the drone and RC.
- Ensure the Pilot 2 app is closed.
- Open the DroneDeploy app on the RC.
- Select the map plan you’d like to fly.
- Upload the images to DroneDeploy (via SD card).
FAQs
Who has access to DroneDeploy’s RTK workflow?
DroneDeploy customers who have an Advanced, Teams, or Enterprise subscription and who have a Mavic 3E with an RTK module have access to DroneDeploy’s RTK workflow.
How do I find out if the area I want to fly to is located in the coverage area?
Check the above coverage map. Also, if you’re not in the coverage area you will see a message in the Preflight Checklist in the DroneDeploy app.
Can I connect to my own RTK network and fly with DroneDeploy?
No, if you want to use your own RTK network you will need to connect and fly with the Pilot 2 app.
What if I need to fly outside of the RTK network coverage area?
If you’re located outside of the RTK network coverage area, you can still fly with DroneDeploy, but you will not get RTK corrections. If you need RTK corrections, you will need to connect to your own RTK network and fly with the Pilot 2 app.
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, you might find that with an RTK fix, your maps will have sufficient absolute accuracy for your use case, but it depends on the distance of the drone 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?
You will see a green ‘RTK’ icon next to the number of satellites in the in-flight UI. If the ‘RTK’ icon is orange, then you are not getting an RTK fix and you may need to restart the flight or change locations.
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 can process PPK-corrected images. The correction needs to occur in 3rd party software prior to upload. We are looking into adding PPK correction in the future.
What is the difference between RTK, PPK, and GCP?
Our head of Solutions Engineering wrote a great blog article on this subject. Read it here.
Is the Mavic 3T or Mavic 3M supported?
No, to fly and capture RTK corrections with DroneDeploy, you will need to use the Mavic 3E. You can process Mavic 3T and Mavic 3M images with RTK corrections captured outside of the DroneDeploy app with DroneDeploy. Learn more 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.
How can I check how positionally accurate my map is?
See this helpful article on how to use checkpoints to validate absolute accuracy on DroneDeploy.
If you do not have your question answered here, please reach out to support@dronedeploy.com.