In recent years, the use of drones in surveying and mapping has experienced explosive growth. Compared to traditional surveying methods, drones can collect data more efficiently and accurately, easily construct 3D maps, and enable seamless online sharing. However, rapid technological advancements have also brought a "sweet dilemma": the market is flooded with a plethora of drone models, each with different configurations, leaving newcomers overwhelmed. This article focuses on surveying applications, delving into the characteristics and optimal use cases for different types of drones.

It’s important to emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when selecting a drone. The best choice depends on the type of surveying you conduct, the size of the operational area, and the complexity of the terrain. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the advantages and limitations of different drones, helping you make an informed decision.

When choosing a commercial surveying drone, the first question to address is whether to opt for a fixed-wing or multirotor model. This is a pivotal decision, as the two types differ significantly in performance. While many might default to multirotor drones, there are also excellent hybrid models designed specifically for mapping that deserve consideration.

Multirotor drones are the most common type on the market, dominating both commercial and consumer segments. Though configurations vary, they generally follow the same design principle: a central body connected to multiple fixed-pitch propellers, with flight speed, direction, and altitude controlled by adjusting propeller rotation.

By varying the speed of each propeller, multirotor drones adjust thrust and torque, enabling precise control over movement and altitude. This grants them unique maneuverability, allowing them to operate accurately in both open and confined spaces.

The quadcopter (four-rotor design) is the most popular due to its optimal balance of lift, control, agility, and cost. The DJI Matrice 200 series is a prime example. For instance, the DJI Matrice 210 RTK offers a payload capacity of up to 2 kg and a flight range of 7 km, sufficient for most surveying needs. Another cost-effective yet efficient option is the DJI Phantom 4 RTK .

For those requiring heavier payloads, the DJI Wind 8 octocopter can lift an impressive 10 kg. Combined with a 39-minute flight time, this high-performance drone is capable of handling demanding surveying tasks across diverse terrains and weather conditions.

While multirotor drones offer numerous advantages for surveying, they are not the only option. Before making a final decision, operators should carefully weigh the pros and cons of both types.

Strengths:

• Superior Maneuverability: Multirotor drones excel in agility, far surpassing fixed-wing models. They can hover, perform vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL), and access areas inaccessible to other drones.
• Compact Design: Without wings, multirotor drones are portable enough to fit in small cases, making them ideal for professionals who frequently travel. Even larger quadcopters and hexacopters can easily fit in a car trunk.
• Ease of Use: Multirotor drones are intuitive to control, capable of flying in any direction. Many models feature a "headless mode," where the drone’s movement aligns with the remote controller’s orientation, simplifying operation.
• Cost-Effective: Multirotor drones are significantly cheaper than fixed-wing models, which can cost twice as much. With recent price reductions for enterprise models like the DJI Matrice 210, quadcopters have become even more economical.
• High Payload Capacity: Multirotor drones can carry heavier payloads than fixed-wing drones, accommodating various sensors, including thermal cameras and multiple high-resolution cameras.

Limitations:

• Limited Flight Range: Compared to fixed-wing drones, multirotor models have shorter flight ranges and lower speeds. While a typical 7 km range suffices for most applications, larger areas may necessitate a fixed-wing drone.

Strengths:

• Extended Flight Time: Fixed-wing drones can cover much greater distances on a single battery charge. Most commercial models can fly for over an hour, surveying approximately 400 hectares, making them ideal for pipeline or power line inspections.
• Fail-Safe Recovery: Unlike multirotor drones, fixed-wing models can glide to a safe landing in the event of a power failure, significantly reducing crash risks.
• Stability in Wind: Their airplane-like design enables fixed-wing drones to withstand crosswinds better, making them suitable for exposed environments like open countryside or power line corridors.

Limitations:

• Requires Runway Space: Most fixed-wing drones need a considerable distance for takeoff and landing, which varies by model and configuration.
• Higher Cost: Fixed-wing drones are generally more expensive than multirotor models, often costing twice as much for comparable configurations.
• Steeper Learning Curve: Piloting a fixed-wing drone requires foresight to avoid obstacles, which can be challenging for beginners or those transitioning from multirotor drones.
• Reduced Maneuverability: Fixed-wing drones cannot hover or make sharp turns, limiting their use in tight spaces or complex terrains.
• Bulkier Design: Commercial fixed-wing drones are larger than multirotor counterparts, requiring more storage and transport space even when disassembled.

While multirotor drones are the go-to choice for most surveying applications, fixed-wing drones offer compelling advantages for large-area mapping. Is there a drone that combines the speed and range of fixed-wing models with the versatility of multirotor drones?

The answer is yes. The WingtraOne is a hybrid drone that merges vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities with a fixed-wing design. It takes off and lands like a multirotor but flies like a fixed-wing aircraft, covering ten times the area of a typical multirotor while capturing twice the data with its 42MP camera.

Its compact wingspan allows sharper turns than traditional fixed-wing drones, though it can’t match the agility of multirotor models. It’s well-suited for small fields or construction sites and is easily transportable. Like multirotor drones, the WingtraOne operates autonomously, with flight paths, takeoffs, and landings managed by onboard computers.

While not ideal for all surveying tasks, the WingtraOne excels in mapping large areas, construction sites, railways, and quarries.

By now, you should have a clearer understanding of which drone type best suits your needs. In most cases, a quadcopter like the DJI Matrice 300 series will suffice, offering a balance of range, maneuverability, ease of use, and affordability. For large, open areas where hovering isn’t required, a fixed-wing drone like the WingtraOne is an excellent choice.