The 12 Best Drones for Mapping in 2023

1. DJI Phantom 4 RTK

Pros

• High accuracy in Mapping  with RTK Technology
• Horizontal and vertical stability flight
• User Friendly with DJI Software
• The range of Transmission is efficient
• Sensors for avoiding any obstacles

Cons

• Bulky in Weight that’s why limited Flight time of around 30 mins.
• Third-party apps are required for post-processing data.

Specs

• Speed: 45 Mph
• Camera: 20 megapixels
• Flight Time: 30 Mins
• GPS: GPS+GLONASS+Galileo
• RTK: Built-in high-precision RTK module
• Weight: 3.06 lbs

Overview

DJI Phantom 4 is an efficient drone that is made for surveying, mapping, and inspection. Its RTK positioning system provides accurate centimeters during mapping and surveying. The drone captures 20 mp stills and 4k video at 60 frames per second with the help of its 1-inch CMOS sensor. It has a range of 7 km with a flight time of 30 minutes. Plus, Intelligent features like active track and tap fly make it user-friendly for new drone pilots. Has also an obstacle avoidance feature so that the drone pilot does not need to worry about an accident.it is a reliable and powerful device.

Features

Speed

It has a speed of 72 KM/h in sports mode. While conducting mapping or surveying it is recommended to fly it at a lower speed for positional accuracy.

Camera

It has a 20 MP camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor which captures high-resolution images and aerial videos. It also has an adjustable aperture and mechanical shutter which allows for precise control of the drone driver.

Flight time

It has a flight time of around 30 minutes for mapping and surveying. However, its flight time may be affected by some the factors such as weather conditions or payload weight. Before surveying it is recommended to charge its battery and also should carry a spare battery for longer flights.

RTK

It has a built-in Real-time kinematics module that helps in accurate level positioning. It is a dual-band GPS /GLONASS system that receives positioning information from both Bands. With this technology, it can do precise positioning for mapping and surveying.

My Take

DJI Phantom 4 RTK is a reliable drone. With its RTK technology, it is really helpful for precise positioning during mapping and surveying. Its downside is just its bulky weight and due to its weight, it affects its flight duration which is 30 minutes around.

2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Pros

• Excellent camera with high-quality HDR videos and images
• High-speed sports mode
• Noiseless than previous

Cons

• Connection issues may occur b/w remote and drone
• Sometimes obstacle avoidance does not work

Specs

• Sensor: 1” CMOS Effective Pixels: 20 million
• Speed: 72 Km/h
• Flight Time: 31 Mins
• Weight: 1.9 lbs
• Battery: 3850 mAH

Overview

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a consumer-made drone with impressive features. It is an improved version of Mavic Pro with better enhancements. Its camera is its notable feature .it captures 4k videos with 60 frames per second. also has an adjustable aperture.it is easy to drive for the operator. As it is light in weight, it is easy to carry and has obstacle avoidance sensors on all sides to prevent collisions with obstacles.

Features

Sensor

It has a 20MP one-inch CMOS Sensor with a focal length of 28mm and an aperture of f/2.8-f/11. Moreover, it has a dynamic range of 14 stops. Its sensing includes left, right, up, down, backward, and forward obstacle sensing.

Speed

It is ultra-fast with a maximum speed of 45mph/75kph which is too much for missions.

Flight Time

Its flight time is around 31 minutes but can be improved if you avoid sports mode because it will consume extra battery.

Weight

It’s light in weight with a total take-off weight of 907 Grams including 297 g of battery weight.

Battery

It has an intelligent Lipo 4s Battery with a total of 3850 mAh and uses 17.6 charging voltage.

My Take

So DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a better version of the Mavic, as apart of its speed flight time and weight is impressive and recommended for surveying and mapping. It’s good for professionals and easy to carry with you without any hurdles due to its compact size.

3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro

Pros

• Advanced Camera System
• Smooth and steady footage
• Good Flight performance

Cons

• High Price
• Bulky for carrying
• High Noise

Specs

• Speed: 45 mph
• Camera: 20-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor
• Video resolution: 4K at 60 frames per second
• Flight time: 28 minutes
• Range: up to 7 km
• Obstacle avoidance: 5-directional sensors
• GPS: GPS+GLONASS
• Weight: 3.06 lbs

Overview

It is a high-performance drone with excellent image quality and advanced flying abilities. Its camera, flight performance, and modes make it a perfect professional choice. It also has 5 directional obstacle sensors. It is ideal for surveying and mapping with precise positioning.

Features

Speed

It can fly with a maximum speed of 45 mph which makes it more efficient and reliable for professionals.

Camera

Its camera is 20 MP with 1 inch CMOS Sensor which can capture HDR aerial images and videos.

Video resolution

It can record 4k videos with 60 frames per second with cinematic feels.

Flight time

It has a flight time of around 28 minutes so take care of its charge before any mission.

Range

Its range is 7 km from the operator so that which gives you the freedom to explore many things. distance.

Obstacle avoidance

 It has 5 directional obstacle avoidance sensors that relieve you while operating from any collisions.

My Take

The obstacle avoidance system of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a remarkable attribute. It uses sensors to identify hurdles in its way and modifies its flight trajectory to evade them. This feature is beneficial for flying the drone effortlessly in confined areas and also reduces the possibility of accidents. Moreover, the drone can fly continuously for up to 28 minutes, which is ample time to capture incredible visuals.

4. Matrice 600 Pro

Pros

• Excellent payload Capacity
• Good Flight time
• Compatible with a wide range of camera accessories

Cons

• Price is high
• Large size

Specs

• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Flight Time: 35 Mins
• Range: 5 km
• Speed: 40 mph

Overview

It has a professional hexacopter design for commercial use. It’s powerful and capable of carrying heavy cameras and other types of equipment for aerial photography. It is also equipped with advanced safety features like the IMU system which is helpful in reliable operations. It is also compatible with a wide range of camera accessories including Zenmuse Xseries cameras and Ronin MX gimbal.

Features

Design

Its design is Hexacopter with 6 rotors which helps for stable operation.

Flight time

It has a long flight time of around 35 minutes which is ideal and helpful for dedicated surveys.

Range

Its range is 5 Km which gives you the freedom to fly it and enjoy the operation.

Safety

It is equipped with a redundant IMU system which covers it with an extra layer.

My Take

It is recommended from my side because of its amazing features and its performance it is the ideal drone for professionals. The only downside is its price but it is worth it. overall this drone has advanced safety measures ideal flight time and an elegant design.

5. Mavic 3 Enterprise

Pros

• Impressive flight time
• High-Quality Camera
• Foldable design
• Wide Range

Cons

• High Price tag
• Not Significant

Specs

• Flight time:  46 minutes
• Range:  15 km
• Camera: 4K/60fps
• Obstacle avoidance: Yes
• ADS-B receiver: Yes
• Size (unfolded): 635 x 461 x 349 mm
• Weight: 2.20 lbs

Overview

It is a high-end drone made for professionals for high duty. It has an impressive flight time of 46 Minutes and a wide range for operation up to 15 km, which makes it distinctive and could be used for extended missions. It is equipped with a high-quality camera, obstacle avoidance sensor, and many more.

Features

HD Camera

It has HD Camera with 4k and 60fps which provides high-resolution Images and videos.

Flight time

It has an extended flight time of around 46 minutes which helps you in longer missions.

Foldable

It has a foldable design which is easy to carry and transport.

Range

Its range is wide up to 15 km which gives you the freedom to do your missions extensively.

Built-in GPS

Another feature is its built-in GPS which helps with precise and reliable navigation.

My Take

So DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise is top of a line drone for professionals. Its impressive flight time range and safety features impressed me and are a worthwhile investment for commercial use. Its foldable feature is amazing which allows you to carry it anywhere. Just one downside is its price tag.

6. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

Pros

• Advance obstacle sensing
• longer flight time
• Best for Beginners

Cons

• Expensive in price
• Complex to operate

Specs

• Flight time:  28 minutes
• Range:  7 km
• Camera: 1-inch 20-megapixel
• Obstacle sensing: 5 Directions 
• Size: 350 mm
• Weight: 3.06 lbs

Overview

It is featured a high-quality camera and advanced obstacle sensing and avoiding technology with intelligent flight modes which make it a safe and reliable drone for capturing moments in different environments. It has a flight time of 28 minutes and a reasonable range for commercial usage.

Features

HQ camera

It is equipped with an HQ camera which provides 4k with 60fps videos.

Obstacle sensing

It has obstacle sensing and avoiding features with 5 directions which means operating it without fear of collisions.

Flight time

It has a flight time of 28 minutes which is reasonable for commercial usage.

Range

Its range is up to 7 Km which is wonderful and can assist with long missions.

My Take

It is best for beginners and loaded with reasonable features including its speed, range, and obstacle avoidance which is more than enough for using it in commercial videos and surveying. The downside is its technical operation it is not so user-friendly otherwise it is a good choice for beginners.

7. DJI Phantom 4 Advanced

Pros

• Obstacle avoidance
• Reasonable transmission range
• Nice camera

Cons

• Price is high
• Battery life is low

Specs

• Flight time:  30 minutes
• Range:  7 km
• Camera: 20-megapixel 
• Flight modes: ActiveTrack, TapFly, Draw Mode, Gesture Mode, and Tripod Mode
• Size: 350  mm
• Weight: 2.99 lbs

Overview

It is an advanced form of the Phantom 4 series and is best for photography and videography with a flight time of 30 minutes and a speed of 44 mph. Its flight featured obstacle avoidance which ensures safe and reliable flight. its standout feature is the active track system which helps to recognize objects and keeping in the frame.

Features

Flight time

Its flight time is up to 30 minutes which is quite good.

Flight speed

 It has a flight speed of 44 mph which makes him an agile and fast drone. It quickly covers large distances.

Remote System

Its remote is equipped and controlled with GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning which allows for precise and accurate controls.

Intelligent Battery

It has an intelligent battery with a 5870 mAh capacity which helps in extended flights.

Active Track System

This is a very useful feature of that drone it helps to recognize objects and track them while keeping them in the frame. It gives you the distance from people to vehicles or any object for dynamically controlling the flight.

My Take

DJI Phantom 4 Advance is a good choice for professionals who wants to capture the moments with a high-quality camera and obstacle avoidance. Its Active track system is very much useful for precisely operating the drone. It is recommended for newbies.

8. Mavic Air 2S

Pros

• HD Video recording
• Focus track features
• ultra-smooth result

Cons

• Limited temprature range
• Above sea level is limited to 5000 m

Specs

• Camera: 1-inch image sensor, 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video
• Temperature range: 0° to 40°C 
• Sea level: 5000 m
• Image technology: OcuSync 3.0
• Sensing: Four directions

Overview

The DJI Air 2S is a drone that is specially designed to capture high-quality aerial photography and videography. Equipped with a 1-inch image sensor and 2.4μm pixels, it can record videos at 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps. It also has intelligent features such as Mastershots and FocusTrack which allows users to capture stunning images in any setting. It has another great feature of environment sensing capabilities and OcuSync 3.0 image transmission technology making it a safe and dependable choice for aerial photography and videography.

Features

Camera

It has a 1-inch image sensor and a large 2.4 megapixels camera which you would love to experience.

Video Recording

It is capable of recording 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video in HDR.

Focus Track

Its FocusTrack is with Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0

Image Technology

It has a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile for recording up to one billion colors and uses OcuSync 3.0 image transmission technology for ultra-smooth, clear, and reliable image feed.

My Take

Its Design is impressively lightweight and easy to carry it will be fun using this drone it is pretty good at Mapping with its unique feature and speed, Range it is a good choice for professional photographers and videographers it will be a helpful tool for them.

9. Mavic Air 2

Pros

• Long flight time
• Easier aerial photography
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not compatible in extreme weather

Specs

• Camera: 48MP 
• Flight Time:  34 minutes.
• Obstacle Sensing: Three directions 
• Intelligent Tracking: Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 3.0, and POI 3.0.
• App Compatibility: iOS v10.0, Android v6.0, or above.
• Video Transmission: OcuSync 2.0 with up to 6.2mi/10km 
• Video Resolution: 4K HD.

Overview

Mavic Air 2 is a powerful and portable drone with high-quality 48 MP Photos and 4K Resolution videography with its 1.2-inch CMOS sensor and 3-axis gimbal. Its 34 min flight time is impressive and obstacle-avoiding sensors are more advanced to prevent collisions. It gives the pilot sought of relief. It has intelligent tracking features including spotlight 2.0, Active track 3.0, and POI 3.0 which makes aerial photography easier.

Features

Camera

It is equipped with find 48 MP high-quality camera which provided neat images and 46/60fps videos.

Flight Time

Flight time is the most important factor for drone lovers it has a reasonable flight time of 34 minutes.

Intelligent tracking

It has intelligent tracking technology with Spotlight 2.0, Active Track 3.0, and POI 3.0.

Compatibility

It is compatible with a wide range of Devices using the DJI Fly app in a user-friendly way.

My Take

It is my favorite due to its excellent camera result and ease of operation. Its intelligent feature of tracking is very useful .its flight is very impressive and gives you full control over it and you feel like flying. It is a great choice for both beginners and professionals who are looking for reliable high-performing drones.

10. DJI Mini 2

Pros

• Small Size and Lightweight
• maximum range
• Long Battery life

Cons 

• due to Lightweight, it may be affected by wind.
• Small remote controller

Specs

• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Range: 10 km
• Speed: 16 m/s
• Camera: 4K/12MP
• Dimensions: 138 × 81 × 58 mm (folded), 159 × 203 × 56 mm (unfolded)
• Weight: 0.5 lbs

Overview

The DJI Mini 2 drone is a compact and light-weighted device that is mainly used for capturing aerial photographs and videos. Although its size is small, it comes with a variety of advanced features, including a 4K camera, extended battery life, and long-range connectivity. Nevertheless, it has a few restrictions such as being vulnerable to wind and not having obstacle avoidance sensors.

Features

Camera

Its camera is 4K with 3 axes motorized gimbal.

Battery

It has long battery life or around 31 Minutes which is suitable for mapping and surveying.

Range

Its range is quite good for professionals they can use it up to 10 km from their position.

Design

Its design is very compact and its foldable feature is very amazing which allows it to carry it anywhere and start your mission.

My Take

It is impressive due to its lightweight and foldable features its unique performance is quite good for professionals with its 4k Camera and long battery life you can capture your lovely moments. if you are looking for a small and portable drone then it is for you and it is definitely worth considering.

11. Parrot Anafi USA

Pros

• Lightweight and foldable
• Good camera result

Cons

• Higher price

Specs

• Flight time: 26 minutes
• Horizontal speed: 35 mph
• Camera: 21-megapixel Sony sensor for 4K HDR, 640×512 FLIR Boson 
• Range: 2.5 miles
• Weight: 1.1 lbs
• Temperature range: -10°C to 40°C

Overview

The parrot Anafi USA drone is designed especially for the USA army however can be used for commercial and industrial purposes with a feature of 4k HDR as well as a thermal imaging camera. It has a range of flight modes and obstacle avoidance technology which make it easy to operate. This is lightweight and foldable easy to carry and transport.

Features

Camera

It has a 4K HDR Camera with 32X Zoom and 3-axis hybrid image stabilization.

Flight Modes

It has several flight modes i.e Follow me, GPS waypoints, and Geofence

Sensors

It has an excellent obstacle avoidance system and automatic return to home.

Battery

It has extended battery timing and has automated battery management system which increases its battery life.

My Take

For versatility and high performance, this drone is recommended. It is easy to transport and has an amazing feature of return to home making it a safe choice for operation. However, its price is higher which could be a drawback for some consumers otherwise it is perfect for mapping and surveying.

12. Autel Robotics EVO II

Pros

• Powerful drone
• HD Images
• Interchangeable payloads
• Live controller video feed

Cons

• Expensive

Specs

• Camera: 1″ sensor aperture f/2.8 to f/11 video capture and up to 5472 x 3648 stills
• Flight time: 40 minutes of stable flight time
• Weight: 2.5lbs
• Interchangeable payloads: 8K, 6K, and DUAL Thermal/8K 
• Live controller: video feed with a 3.3-inch OLED screen and 4-hour battery life

Overview

The highly capable EVO II Pro drone can tackle a variety of tasks such as inspecting cell towers and surveying property lines. Equipped with a 1″ sensor and variable aperture, it captures top-quality images and videos. Plus, its battery lasts up to 40 minutes, providing ample time to complete missions. Lightweight and foldable for easy transport, pilots can effortlessly switch between different payloads. The live controller video feed, equipped with a 3.3 inch OLED screen, allows users to control the mission without a mobile device or account.

Features

Variable aperture

With its variable aperture range of f/2.8 to f/11, the EVO II Pro drone grants you unparalleled exposure control. Moreover, this versatile drone effortlessly records videos with up to 5472 x 3076 resolution and takes still photos with stunning 5472 x 3648 resolution, guaranteeing stunningly vivid content capture every time.

Flight time

The EVO II Pro drone comes equipped with a long-lasting battery, which provides an impressive 40 minutes of stable flight time – giving you the freedom to capture all the necessary data without any stress about the drone’s battery dying in the middle of your flight.

Design

With its streamlined and foldable frame, the EVO II Pro drone swoops into action in less than half a minute, perfect for fast-paced sorties requiring haste and efficiency.

My Take

In my opinion, Autel Robotics EVO II is the best drone. It is a unique drone because of its reliability, camera, and so many other features that make it stand out. With its powerful engine and its super versatility, it can do anything you want.