Drone data FAQ
Straight answers about drone data
What RTK can and can't promise, what an RGB camera can see, and what affects a flight.
Accuracy: GNSS RTK vs. independently verified accuracy
+What does RTK actually do?
RTK (real-time kinematic) corrects the drone's GNSS position during flight, so each photo is tagged with a much more precise location than standard GPS. It improves the internal consistency and positioning of a map, but it is still the drone's own estimate.
+Is an RTK map 'survey accurate'?
Not by itself. Accuracy is only known when the map is checked against independent ground checkpoints measured by a surveyor. Without those checks, any accuracy number is a claim, not a verified result — which is why we don't quote centimeter accuracy.
+When do I need ground control points (GCPs)?
When results must tie to a project coordinate system, support design, or be defensible for volumes or legal purposes. A licensed surveyor sets and measures the GCPs and checkpoints; we fly and process to their control.
Sensors: Mavic 3 Enterprise RGB vs. thermal and LiDAR
+What camera do you fly?
DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise mapping drones with a visible-light (RGB) mapping camera. It is well suited to orthomosaics, photogrammetry and visual inspection photos.
+Can RGB find leaks, hot spots or moisture?
No. Those usually need a thermal camera and a trained thermographer. We do not offer thermal imaging.
+Can photogrammetry see through trees like LiDAR?
No. Photogrammetry models the visible surface — treetops, roofs, ground where it's visible. LiDAR can capture some ground beneath vegetation. We do not offer LiDAR; for heavily vegetated terrain you may need a LiDAR provider.
Flight conditions and airspace
+What weather cancels a flight?
Strong or gusty wind, rain, low clouds, poor visibility, icing and extreme heat. We reschedule rather than fly in unsafe or poor-quality conditions.
+Can you fly near airports?
Sometimes, with an FAA authorization and altitude limits. We check each location first and tell you if it can't be flown as requested.
+Do you fly beyond line of sight?
No. All flights are flown within visual line of sight; large or linear sites may need several launch points.
Data delivery
+How do I receive files?
By cloud download link. Large point clouds and models can be gigabytes; we can provide lighter exports (JPEG/PDF) for people without GIS software.
+What formats can you provide?
Typically GeoTIFF orthomosaics and DSMs, LAS/LAZ point clouds, OBJ models, JPEG photo sets and MP4 video. Tell us your software and coordinate system.
+How fast is turnaround?
It depends on site size, weather and processing, so we state it in each written quote instead of promising a fixed time.