When acquiring a mapping or surveying drone, the choice is quickly narrowed to a fixed-wing airplane combined with Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) for its vastly greater range, versatility and ease of use. Within this segment, there are several commercial-grade solutions of European origin. But comparing their capabilities and limitations can be difficult.

The following comparison was made to provide a detailed insight into the characteristics of the leading suppliers in this field. The data has been verified across multiple sources. Several aspects have been calculated to provide a consistent representation of the data. The calculation methods and sources are provided at the bottom of this article.

The platforms chosen for this comparison are:

• The DeltaQuad Pro #MAP by Vertical Technologies
• The WingtraOne by Wingtra
• The Trinity F90+ by Quantum Systems
• The Marlyn by AtmosUAV
• The eBee X by SenseFly

In the first section, you will find a quick overview of the most critical aspects relevant to any mapping or surveying solution. After that, you will find a full list comparing every known and relevant specification. Finally, the analysis includes a list of sources and references so that you may verify the objectivity of this comparison.

Key Features

A quick rundown of the most critical aspects that are relevant to mapping.

• Max flight time is calculated at sea level with camera payload.
• The coverage is calculated by multiplying the maximum flight distance by the maximum camera resolution. It is based on 3CM per pixel with an overlap of 50%.
• To compare pricing a package was selected for each model that most closely resembles: 42MP camera, <1CM PPK, 2 Batteries, Standard radio, GCS (if available).

Maximum surveying area in Hectares

The maximum area that can be mapped in a single flight is determined by several factors such as camera resolution, cruise speed, endurance, and lens options.This comparison is based on the highest resolution offered for each platform, combined with the maximum flight distance. The values have been calculated based on 3cm per pixel resolution and a 50% image overlap. The values have then been compensated to account for the camera’s minimum trigger interval.

Maximum telemetry range
The maximum range at which the UAV can be controlled. Long-range communications is important for corridor-type surveys such as power lines, pipelines, railways, and roads.The indicated ranges are the maximum radio range as specified by the supplier. Nominal ranges can be lower.

Maximum image resolution
The maximum image resolution in Megapixels is the total number of pixels that make up a single image. This can be an important factor for a fixed-wing/VTOL UAV.A higher resolution allows:– Covering larger areas– Flying at higher altitudes– Producing higher resolution end results– Better post-processing performance with more accuracy

Maximum flight time

The maximum flight time for fixed-wing UAV depends on the altitude above sea level. As the altitude increases, the UAVs need to fly faster due to a lower air density. However, the lower air density also provides less drag, therefore in most cases the maximum flight distance remains the same at all altitudes.The indicated maximum flight times are at sea level while carrying a regular camera payload.

In-depth comparison

In this section, all aspects of the selected platforms are compared. Most aspects are based on the published specifications by the manufacturers. Some aspects were derived or calculated. At the bottom of this article you will find an explanation of the calculation methods.

Calculation methods

Maximum flight time

The maximum flight time is based on flying at sea level. The DeltaQuad, Wingtraone and eBee X indicated their flight time is based on carrying the standard mapping payload. The Trinity F90+ and Marlyn did not specify this.

Maximum flight distance

The maximum flight distance is calculated by multiplying the cruise speed by the max flight time, and reducing the value by 10% to accomodate for takeoff and landing. The calculation was done this way as not all manufacturers use the same method for specifying the maximum flight distance.

Maximum surveying Area

This comparison is based on the highest resolution offered for each platform, combined with the maximum flight distance. The values have been calculated based on 3cm per pixel resolution and a 50% image overlap. The values have then been compensated to account for the camera’s minimum trigger interval.

Setup time

Assembly and pre-flight calibration time was either specified and/or determined by watching operation videos for different platforms.

Maximum wind

The maximum wind was calculated based on the supplier specification. It was then limited by cruise speed, and reduced with 5 meters per second to allow sufficient forward flight for mapping.

This value should be based on sea level as wind tolerance increases at higher altitudes. It seems that not all suppliers are listing these values at sea level.

Comparative package price

A price was requested for all platforms based on the Following specifications:

– 42MP camera

– 1CM PPK (if available)

– 2 Batteries

– Standard radio solution

– Ground Control Station (if available)

The Trinity F90+ and eBee X do not provide <1CM PPK
The Trinity F90+, Marlyn and eBee X do not provide a Ground Control Station
The Trinity F90+ comes with a 3CM PPK base station included

Disclaimer

The data in this comparison has been carefully verified across multiple sources, nevertheless inaccuracies can occur. Please verify all aspects with the platform suppliers. This article is for information purposes only, no rights can be derived from this data.