Comparison of Survey Drones
| Drone Model | Aircraft Type | Flight Time | Maximum Coverage | Payload Capacity | Camera Resolution | RTK/PPK Support | LiDAR Capability | Multispectral Camera | Operating Temperature | Special Features |
| Flare Wings ETS | Fixed-wing (Launcher-deployed) | Up to ~90 minutes | Several hundred hectares | ~2 kg (estimated) | 61 MP RGB | Yes – PPK support | Yes (optional) | Yes (hyperspectral/multispectral) | ~0–40°C | Launched by custom launcher, parachute landing |
| WingtraOne Gen II | VTOL Fixed-wing | ~50–60 minutes | Several hundred hectares | ~1–2 kg | ~42 MP (Sony RX1R II sensor) | Yes – PPK (RTK optional) | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) | ~(-10)–40°C | Vertical takeoff and landing, smooth landings |
| senseFly eBee X | Fixed-wing (Hand-launched) | 55–60 min (standard), up to 90 min (extended battery) | 220–500 hectares | ~1.5 kg (including camera) | Up to ~20 MP (S.O.D.A sensor) | Yes – built-in RTK/PPK | Yes (optional) | Yes (e.g., Parrot Sequoia+, Duet M) | ~(-20)–40°C | Hand launch and automated planned landing |
| DJI Phantom 4 RTK | Multi-rotor (Quadcopter) | ~30 minutes | Several tens of hectares | ~1.4 kg (maximum) | 20 MP (1-inch sensor) | Yes – RTK only | No | No | 0–40°C | Vertical takeoff and landing, high stability |
Drone Model Reviews
Flare Wings ETS is an advanced fixed-wing drone offering very long flight times (around 90 minutes) and equipped with a 61 MP RGB camera. It features a high-precision GNSS receiver for post-processed kinematic (PPK) workflows, providing centimeter-level accuracy without the need for ground control points. The drone can carry advanced sensor payloads like LiDAR and hyperspectral cameras, making it ideal for collecting diverse types of data (elevation models, vegetation indices, etc.). A standout feature is its launcher-based takeoff and parachute-assisted landing, allowing operations in remote areas without runways. While it is heavier and requires additional equipment (launcher and parachute), its exceptional battery life and imaging quality make it perfect for large-scale mapping missions.
WingtraOne Gen II is a hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It performs reliably even in strong winds and tough environmental conditions, with smooth landings to protect the aircraft. The typical flight endurance is around 50–60 minutes, covering several hundred hectares per flight. Equipped with a high-quality 42 MP Sony RX1R II camera and supporting precise GNSS data collection via PPK (and optional RTK), it can generate highly accurate maps without ground control points. Advantages include vertical takeoff/landing without the need for launching systems and high data quality. Limitations include a moderate payload diversity and average flight range compared to some fixed-wing alternatives. It is a strong choice for mapping in windy or difficult terrains where takeoff space is limited.
senseFly eBee X is a lightweight fixed-wing drone designed for hand-launch. It can achieve 55–60 minutes of flight time with the standard battery, and up to 90 minutes with the endurance battery option. Depending on camera configuration and battery type, it covers between 220–500 hectares per flight. It supports a wide range of cameras: standard RGB (20 MP S.O.D.A sensor), multispectral (Parrot Sequoia+, Duet M), thermal (Duet T), and 3D imaging (S.O.D.A 3D). Built-in RTK/PPK support enables centimeter-level mapping accuracy without needing ground control points. The drone is praised for its lightweight design, safe hand-launching, and flexible payload options. However, manual launch requires a trained operator, and automated landings need sufficient open space. It is also somewhat sensitive to strong winds (maximum resistance around 12.8 m/s). Overall, eBee X is highly suitable for wide-area mapping tasks, from agriculture to construction projects.
DJI Phantom 4 RTK is a quadcopter designed specifically for precise aerial surveying. It features a 20 MP 1-inch sensor camera, similar to the Phantom 4 Pro camera. With a flight time of about 30 minutes, it covers smaller areas compared to fixed-wing drones. It includes an integrated GNSS module supporting real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, delivering 10 cm horizontal and vertical accuracy without needing extensive ground control points. However, it lacks built-in PPK support and cannot carry alternative sensors like LiDAR or multispectral cameras. It operates reliably in temperatures from 0 to 40°C. Benefits include easy vertical takeoff/landing, strong flight stability, and simple operation, making it suitable for small to medium-sized projects. Its primary limitations are the shorter flight time and limited area coverage compared to fixed-wing models.
In summary, Flare Wings FW ETS stands out with its very long flight endurance (up to 90 minutes), extremely wide area coverage, and flexibility to carry advanced sensors like LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging systems. The custom launcher and parachute landing system allow it to operate in remote, runway-less locations. Other drones have their own unique advantages:
- WingtraOne Gen II excels in vertical takeoff/landing and stability in strong winds, making it ideal for high-accuracy mapping in challenging environments.
- senseFly eBee X offers lightweight, fast deployment with multiple sensor options, ideal for rapid, extensive surveys.
- DJI Phantom 4 RTK is perfect for smaller, quick survey missions with a focus on simplicity and RTK-based high accuracy.
Overall, the FW ETS offers unmatched operational range and payload flexibility, making it the best choice for large-scale and complex field studies.
