Hi, this is my first post.
I'm part of a small environmental consultancy looking to expand our current ground survey (RTK GPS) capability with drone based topographic/environmental mapping.
The main application is for accurate (better than +/- 50mm) topographic survey of tidal sand flats in order to generate a digital surface/terrain model. A typical area of interest would be less than 500 x 500m, no vegetation at all, just sand. I have Civil3d mapping/analysis software. I can easily lay down accurately surveyed ground control points.
My restrictions are that the drone needs to be less than 2kg and cannot fly higher than 120m above ground level (to stay within the lowest category of Australian commercial use rules).
I'm after recommendations on airframe, camera and software. I have a preference for quadcopter over fixed wing (other hobby uses). Something like the Mavic Pro is what I have in mind, which would be near the top of the budget. Software: I would rather spend the time to do the analysis myself using cheap/open source software if possible rather than paying big bucks for ease of use.
I would love to hear from anyone who has been down this path. Any suggestions appreciated.
thanks
- Mick
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