Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, with a wide range of applications in both professional and civil environments. From military drones to lightweight mini-drones, there are many different types of drones available on the market. Each type of drone has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each can be used for different types of data collection. In this article, we'll explore the different types of drone data and how they can be used. The two most common types of drone mapping methods are photogrammetry and LiDAR.
Photogrammetry is a process of collecting aerial data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This method involves taking multiple photographs from different angles and then using software to stitch them together into a single image. This image can then be used to create orthomosaic maps, digital elevation models (DEM), digital surface models (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM), contour line maps, 3D point clouds and textured 3D maps. GCPs, short for Ground Control Points, are points that are arranged on the ground and that have known coordinates. In addition to photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning is another type of drone data collection.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it uses laser pulses to measure distances between objects. This data can then be used to create 3D models of the environment. LiDAR is often used for surveying, mapping and other types of data collection. There are different types of drone camera models that can record photos or videos in HD, Full HD or 4K, with the camera mounted on a 2- or 3-axis nacelle for perfect image stability. Hydrogen-powered drones are more efficient at high altitudes than many drones that use internal combustion engines, which suffer more exceptions due to lower air density.
In addition, fixed-wing drones can only fly forward, so they don't offer the same maneuverability as multi-rotor drones. Toy drones shine in the toy department of supermarkets, they come in various sizes and shapes, with or without cameras, they can be used indoors and sometimes outdoors, they can be controlled with a remote control or smartphone depending on the model, it is generally moderately priced and is the ideal drone for beginners. RTK is a real-time method for defining the accuracy of a drone's positioning, and it achieves this by using the drone, the controller and the base station in harmony to correct and determine the exact position of the drone in real time. Depending on the drone you use, you may have to fly closer to the target to increase the GSD, this is usually the case with smaller business drones, such as the M2EA and the M3E. The downside of fixed-wing drones is that they tend to be more expensive compared to multi-rotor drones. As the technological barrier disappeared, digitization and mapping for topographic purposes became one of the main uses of drone cameras. Military drones are a completely different category from civil drones. Over the past decade, drone technology has advanced significantly, making drones economical and increasingly common in professional and civil environments. Lightweight drones refer to mini-drones with an average weight of 200 to 1000 g (0.2-1 kg) and their average payload capacity is between 150 and 270 g (0.15-0.27 kg).
The enormous takeoff of drones means that there are a large number of different types of drones available for purchase. Like the latest drone technology that has been introduced, hybrid fixed-wing VTOL drones refer to fixed-wing aircraft that have been modified to take off and land vertically. Drones come in different sizes, capacities and a wide variety of models. However, this VTOL drone tends to be unsuitable for beginners, and the most advanced technology places it at the high-end of the fixed-wing drone market in terms of cost.
