When it comes to Drones for survey and mapping, many options are available for a variety of industries such as agriculture, mining, construction and more, to efficiently create detailed maps and 3D models. Choosing the right solution might be challenging as there are a variety of options on the market that all have an array of different features.

In this blog, we compare the best three drones and payloads developed by DJI for surveying and mapping professionals. The solutions are listed in descending order. 

1) DJI Matrice 300 RTK + Zenmuse P1

The DJI Zenmuse P1 combined with M300 RTK is one of the most powerful combinations on the market for effective reality capture and survey projects that require the most accurate results. The P1 includes a 45 MP full-frame, low-noise high-sensitivity sensor that can take a photo every 0.7 s during the flight, and covers 3 km2 in a single flight.

While it is hard to beat the Mavic 3 Enterprise in terms of portability, the Zenmuse P1 has gained its position due to its camera resolution and pixel size. Generally, a high-resolution image leads to a better quality map or highly detailed model and larger pixels can ensure a better image's dynamic range and quality under low light conditions. This allows drone pilots more extended operational time in difficult environments and conditions.

2) DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK module

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK module is ideal for surveying professionals who desire a portable, easy-to deploy, survey-grade solution. The M3E features a 20 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, along with a 56x hybrid zoom camera. Moreover, the Mavic 3 Enterprise's 0.7s mechanical shutter can significantly improve your drone models eliminating image blur commonly associated with rolling shutters. It offers up to 45-minute flight time with 32 km of range and 15 m/s top speed. The RTK module is directly integrated with the Mavic 3 Enterprise and the drone can receive corrections from several sources including the DJI D-RTK2 Base Station, third-party GNSS receivers such as the Stonex GNSS or Emlid Reach RS2+, Ntrip, and more. For more information on this, read through our blog post titled "DJI MAVIC 3 ENTERPRISE: FIRST-TIME SURVEY SETUP GUIDE".

3) Matrice M300 RTK + Zenmuse L1

Lastly, the Matrice M300 RTK with Zenmuse L1 has been the leading choice for surveyors who prefer an affordable, airborne LiDAR technology. This payload also allows the colorization of the LiDAR data and basic mapping capabilities for an orthophoto.. The Zenmuse L1 integrates a Livox LiDAR module, a high-accuracy IMU, and a camera with a 1-inch CMOS on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal. It offers real-time 3D data throughout the day, efficiently capturing the details of complex structures and delivering highly accurate reconstructed models.

In this section, you can easily refer to and quickly obtain important information that can further help you choose the right technology. These specifications are based on the published specifications by DJI.