What Equipment Is Needed for RTK Drone Mapping — Receivers and Base Stations Explained

What Equipment Is Needed for RTK Drone Mapping — Receivers and Base Stations Explained

High-accuracy drone mapping depends not only on the UAV but also on the Gnss Equipment supporting it. A common question professionals ask is:What kind of Gnss Receiver and base station setup is needed for RTK-enabled drones?

Receiver Requirements (Rover on the Drone):

• Must support multi-constellation, multi-frequency RTK for reliable performance in urban or obstructed environments.

• Should be compact and lightweight to fit drone payload constraints.

• Needs external trigger ports to connect with camera shutters for precise synchronization.

Base Station Options:

• Local Rtk Base Station: A GNSS receiver deployed on-site as a fixed reference station. Provides full independence and reliable corrections in remote areas.

• CORS Network Service: Internet-based correction data from continuously operating reference stations. Ideal in urban areas with strong network coverage.

Apeks GNSS Solutions
Apeks GNSS provides flexible products that can serve both as drone-mounted receivers and base stations:

• AP10: Perfect for UAV integration thanks to its compact design and RTK capability.

• AP30 Laser: Can function as both a high-accuracy rover and a portable local base station, offering versatility in field projects.

• AP50 Vision: Ideal for advanced mapping projects, it supports both CORS network corrections and base station setups, ensuring centimeter-level precision anywhere.

With Apeks GNSS receivers, UAV operators don't have to compromise — they get lightweight, high-accuracy solutions that adapt to both network correction services and on-site base station setups.