DJI Phantom 4 RTK SE

For a drone that’s designed for aerial surveying and 3d mapping, look no further than the new DJI Phantom 4 RTK. Built specifically with surveyors in mind, the Phantom 4 RTK incorporates a new real-time kinematics (RTK) system to maintain positional accuracy and deliver survey-grade data. With this launch, DJI has rethought its drone technology from the ground-up, revolutionizing its systems to achieve a new standard for drone accuracy – offering Phantom 4 RTK customers centimetre-accurate data while requiring fewer ground control points.

It is suitable for the following applications:

• Aerial surveying & 3D mapping
• Inspection
• Photography

Phantom 4 RTK Accuracy

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro RTK can produce extremely accurate data.

This custom built quadcopter is crafted from the ground up with accuracy in mind.

This results in:

• 1cm+1ppm RTK Horizontal Positioning Accuracy
• 1.5cm+1ppm RTK Vertical Positioning Accuracy
• 5cm Absolute Horizontal Accuracy of Photogrammetric Models

This is on par with some of the most advanced equipment available, but in a much easier to use, lower priced, compact and more reliable package.

The new technology in the Phantom 4 RTK means that fewer ground points are required to achieve the same high level of accuracy.

Phantom 4 RTK Image Capture

The camera is the same as the Phantom 4 Pro, a 1" CMOS sensor which captures incredible detail.

This high resolution camera allows the Phantom 4 Pro RTK to achieve a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 2.74 cm at 100 meters flight altitude.

DJI rigorously calibrate each camera before dispatch, to ensure that your Phantom 4 RTK will collect only the most accurate images.

The unique distortion parameters for the individual camera or image are also saved into image metadata - allowing you to take accuracy even further in post processing.

How is the RTK used on the Phantom 4 RTK?

The new RTK module, sitting on top of the existing Phantom 4 quadcopter body, collects centimeter-level positioning data in real-time.

Extremely accurate positional data is then added to image metadata.

An additional redundant GNSS module ensures that the Phantom 4 RTK will remain stable in flight regardless of the conditions.

The combination of these modules make for accurate data collection for a range of mapping, surveying or inspection workflows.

If you need more flexibility, the Phantom 4 RTK can also be used in conjunction with the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station, NTRIP (Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) using a 4G dongle or WiFi hotspot, or store the satellite observation data to be used for Post Processed Kinematics (PPK).

New TimeSync feature on Phantom 4 RTK

DJI have created a new TimeSync system.

The purpose of this system is to make sure that all users can take full advantage of the Phantom 4 RTK's power.

It continually aligns the flight controller, camera and RTK module during flight.

Each photo that is taken uses the most accurate fixed positioning data at the center of the 1" CMOS sensor on the Phantom 4 Pro RTK.

Changes to Phantom 4 Pro RTK Remote Control

The remote controller for the Phantom 4 RTK has also had some additional features.

It's based on the Phantom 4 Pro+ remote with a built in screen.

In addition however, the following improvements have been made:

• Pre-installed GS RTK application.
• Built-in Micro-SD card slot.
• Built-in speaker.
• Hot-swappable batteries.
• Can be used to connect to the internet using a 4G dongle.

New Flight Planning Application for Phantom 4 RTK

In addition to the new hardware, there's a new GS RTK app being released.

This gives pilots intelligent control over their Phantom 4 RTK unit in two different modes, Photogrammetry and Waypoint Flight, in addition to the usual flight modes.

These planning functions let you select a flight path, overlap rate, camera parameters, speed, altitude and more.

This gives you complete control to ensure you're capturing the most accurate data for your workflow at any given time.

The automation makes even the most complex of surveying missions simple.

Other features of the app include support for directly loading KML area files, a new shutter priority mode for consistent exposures and strong wind alarms to prevent the risk of reduced data quality during a mission.