Drone with RTK system - why is it worth it?

What exactly is RTK technology?

RTK or Real-Time Kinematic is now the latest technology using measurements that allow up to 1 cm of horizontal error under ideal conditions. These measurements are obtained in real time, without performing post-measurement calculations (in what is known as post-processing) using corrections to data sent from satellite navigation.
Data from satellites are first received by a reference station (or a network of such stations), which this eliminates measurement errors caused by m.in. influence of the earth's atmosphere.

Errors that we eliminate during RTK measurements:

• satellite and receiver clock error
• satellite orbit errors
• ionospheric delay
• tropospheric delay

RTK operation, source: Navigate


A reference station, or base receiver, makes observations to calculate corrections and sends this information, such as by radio or GSM. Corrections to measured distances and coordinate changes are calculated by comparing the measured distance with the theoretical distance, which is determined by positioning the receiver on a point with known coordinates.

RTK drones from DJI

Spring 2017. dJI Matrice 210 RTK has appeared on the market. It was a breakthrough in terms of measurements from a drone. The manufacturer advertised it as a tool for 3D mapping and studies, progress tracking, precise energy inspections, and as an ultra-precise localization system for search and rescue operations.
In the next stage, the manufacturer DJI came out to meet users for whom the mobility of the device is important and in the autumn of 2018. has released Phantom 4 RTK. It was a hit with the surveying market, which demands high accuracy and efficiency in measurement (aerophotogrammetry).

An additional advantage of this equipment is the ability to connect the drone to the D-RTK 2 mobile station, as well as its size and weight - compared to the more than 6 kg platform of the Matrice 210 RTK, the less than 1.4 kg Phantom 4 RTK makes it a great working tool.

New on the horizon - Typhoon H520 RTK

For the second quarter of 2019, Yuneec has announced a response in the form of a system-enhanced RTK of Typhoon model H520. Yuneec also made it possible to upgrade a previously purchased H520 with an RTK module. Importantly, the manufacturer immediately included its own base station in the kit.
The price for the Typhoon H520 RTK kit is £17,639, so compared to the price for the DJI Phantom 4 RTK + D-RTK 2 Mobile Station Combo (£33,549) or even the Phantom 4 RTK alone (£24,999), Yuneec fares far better.
The Matrice 210 RTK and Phantom 4 RTK are being used successfully by the industry, and how will it be for the Typhoon? We will find out in the next few months.