A comparison of mapping drones
When acquiring a mapping or surveying drone, the choice is quickly narrowed to a fixed-wing airplane for its vastly greater range, combined with Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) for its versatility and ease of use. Within this segment, there are several commercial-grade solutions of European origin. But understanding their capabilities and limitations can be difficult.
We have asked a team of researchers to dive deep into all the relevant aspects of the leading manufacturers. The comparison goes into great detail to provide organizations with the necessary information to be able to make a decision on which mapping UAV best suits their needs. The research includes everything you will need in order to make a buying decision for a mapping drone.
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.
Quick rundown of leading mapping UAV's
A quick rundown of the most critical aspects of the leading mapping UAV platforms on the market today.
| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
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| Max. flight time At sea level with camera payload | 110 minutes | 59 minutes | 90 minutes | 50 minutes | 60/90 minutes |
| Coverage at 3cm/px 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% | 1200HA | 450HA | 800HA | 360HA | 220HA/500HA |
| Precision | <1CM | <1CM | 2-5CM | <1CM | >3CM |
| Control range | 20KM/30KM/50kM/Unlimited | 10KM | 7KM | 7KM/20KM | 8KM |
| Max resolution | 61 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 24 Megapixel |
| Live video
Displays a live HD video stream of the mapping camera during flight on the Ground Control Station. This feature is usefull to verify the camera payload is functioning and set correctly |
✓ | X | X | X | X |
| Swappable payloads | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Comparative package price
To compare pricing a package was selected for each model that most closely resembles: - 42MP camera - 1CM PPK (if available) - 2 Batteries - Standard radio solution - Ground Control Station (if available) |
42MP: € 19.593,00 61MP: € 20.993,00 |
42MP: € 29.600,00 | 42MP: € 21.990,00 | 42MP: € 29.450,00 | 24MP: € 22.550,00 |
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.
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.
For most UAVs, this value is limited due to the use of a short-range analog remote control unit. The DeltaQuad Pro #MAP can be equipped with an integrated touch-screen remote controller to provide both manual control and mission control. Using the booster package a range of up to 50KM can be achieved. With the included 4G/LTE mobile network as a backup link, it can even be controlled for an unlimited range.
Maximum image resolution
The maximum image resolution is an important factor for a fixed-wing/VTOL UAV.
A higher resolution allows:
– Covering larger areas
– Flying at higher altitudes for safety and efficiency
– Producing higher resolution end results
– Better post-processing performance with more accuracy
Maximum multispectral resolution
The maximum resolution per band for multispectral sensor
A higher resolution allows:
– Covering larger areas
– Flying at higher altitudes for safety and efficiency
– 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, therefor in most cases the maximum flight distance remains the same at all altitudes.
The indicated maximum flight times are at sea level.
In-depth mapping drone 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. When an aspect shows an info icon, you can hover or tap for more information on what this aspect means or how it was calculated.
Platform specifications |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Country of Origin | The Netherlands | Switzerland | Germany | The Netherlands | Switzerland |
| Redundant VTOL: A seperated system for fixed-wing and hover flight offering flight redundancy for failsafe landings Tailsitter VTOL: A winged UAV with 2 or 4 motors that takes off and lands on its tail without redundancy Tiltrotor VTOL: A fixed-wing that tilts it's 3 motors to multirotor flight without redundancy Fixed-wing: A hand launched airplane without vertical takeoff/landing and without redundancyPlatform type |
Redundant VTOL | VTOL tailsitter | VTOL tiltrotor | VTOL tailsitter | Fixed-wing |
| At sea level with camera payloadCruise speed | 16m/s | 16m/s | 17m/s | 14m/s | 11m/s |
| At sea level with camera payloadMax. flight time | 110 minutes | 59 minutes | 90 minutes | 50 minutes | 60/90 minutes |
| 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 as not all manufacturers use the same method for specifying the maximum flight distance.Max. flight distance |
100KM | 50KM | 90KM | 40KM | 55KM |
| Payload capacity | 1200G | 800G | 700G | 800G | 800G |
| Radio range | 20KM/30KM/50kM/Unlimited | 10KM | 7KM | 7KM/20KM | 8KM |
| Displays a live HD video stream of the mapping camera during flight on the Ground Control Station. This feature is usefull to verify the camera payload is functioning and set correctlyLive mapping video |
✓ | X | X | X | X |
| Zero pre-flight calibrations means there are no actions required before every flight. This decreases the setup time and makes operating the vehicle easier.Zero pre-flight calibrations | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
| VPN secured mobile internet communication, serving as a backup link when flying beyond radio range. The link type can seamlessly be switched between Radio or LTE, and provides vehicle control, manual control and video transmission over either link. The use of this feature is optional.4G/LTE support |
✓ | X | X | X | X |
| A First Person View (FPV) camera is installed in the nose of the vehicle. This provides live video on the Ground Control Station for situational awareness and increased safety. The video stream on the Ground Control Station can be switched between the main (mapping) camera and the nose camera.FPV video support | ✓ | X | X | X | X |
| The ability to interchange the supported payloadsSwappable payloads | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Supported cameras | 61MP - Sony A7R-IV 42MP - Sony A7R-III 42MP - Sony RX1R-II 24MP - Sony A6000 Agrowing 12MP multispectral Micasense RedEdge-MX Micasense Altum Flir Duo Pro R |
20MP - Sony QX1 42MP - Sony RX1R II Micasense RedEdge-MX MicaSense Altum |
20MP - Sony UMC 42MP - Sony RX1R II MicaSense RedEdge-MX MicaSense Altum |
42MP - Sony RX1RII 42MP - Sony A7C Micasense RedEdge-MX Micasense Altum |
24MP - SenseFly AreaX 20MP - SenseFly S.O.D.A. Parrot Sequoia MicaSense RedEdge MX |
Mapping performance |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Maximum image resolution | 61 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 42 Megapixel | 24 Megapixel |
| 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%Coverage at 3cm/px | 1200HA | 450 Ha | 800HA | 360HA | 220HA/500HA |
| The maximum distance the UAV can fly away from the operator, and return home. The values are limited by the maximum radio rangeMaximum corridor length | 50KM | 5KM | 7KM | 20KM | 8KM |
| The lowest Ground Sampling Distance the UAV can achieve with 50% overlap. These values were calculated based on the minimum altitude required to achieve 50% overlap and remain within the minimum trigger time of the camera. Combined with the maximum camera resolution this provides a uniform method of comparing the lowest ground resolution The values are indicated in centimeters per pixel.Lowest GSD |
0.4 CM/PX | 0.7CM/PX | 0.7CM/PX | 0,85CM/PX | 1.5CM/PX |
RTK/PPK setup |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Precision | <1CM | <1CM | 2-5CM | <1CM | >3CM |
| This indicated wether or not the manufacturer offers the option of including a PPK/RTK base station with the UAV. A base station is usually required for CM level mapping with PPK or RTK solutionsBase station available | ✓ | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Software features |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Smart mission planning automatically generates flight paths based on a desired surveying area.Smart mission planning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| A smart validation system checks the mission plan for any inconsistencies. It provides critical warnings such as unsafe flight, bad weather conditions or unfeasable mission plans. It also provides tips to optimize results.Smart mission plan validation | ✓ | X | X | X | X |
| Flight Simulator | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Terrain following | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Fully automated takeoff and landing without any need for manual control inputAutomated takeoff & land | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Safety features |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| When flight systems for fixed-wing and hover flight are seperated, a redundant flight systems allows for automatic fallback recovery in the event of a failureRedundant flight system | ✓ | X | X | X | X |
| ADS-B can detect and avoid most manned aviation. This is often required for certified operation and improves overall safetyADS-B | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| A First Person View (FPV) nose camera feed provides the operator with a pilot view of the vehicle during flight. This improves situational awareness and flight safetyLive nose camera (FPV) | ✓ | X | X | X | X |
Tolerances |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Limited by cruise speed, and reduced with 5 meters per second 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 levelMaximum wind |
45 km/h | 40 km/h | 43 km/h | 45KM/h | 35 km/h |
| Max. takeoff & landing wind | 33 km/h | 30 km/h | 33 km/h (25km/h above 1500m) |
45KM/h (unverified) | 35km/h |
| Max. Takeoff Altitude | 4000M | 2500m | 4000m | 4000m | 5000m |
| Temperature range | -20 to +45 C | -10 to +40 C | -12 to +50 C | -10 to +40 C | -15 to + 40C |
| The ability to fly in rain or snow is limited by the use of an Airspeed Sensor. The DeltaQuad does not use an airspeed sensor allowing it to fly in rainy or snowy conditionsWeather conditions | Clear Light rain Light snow |
Clear | Clear | Clear | Clear |
Handling |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Assembly and pre-flight calibration time was either specified and/or determined by watching operation videos for different platforms.Setup time | 1 minute | 5 minutes | 7 minutes | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Controller image |  |
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| Integrated controllers provide mission planning and manual control on the same device. The DeltaQuad Controller can wirelessly connect to a Laptop or Tablet and provide an additional control link. Analog controllers are seperate devices that are required to operate the vehicle in addition to a Ground Control Station.Control type |
Integrated touch-screen controller with mission planning, live video, and manual control joysticks | Analog controller | Analog controller | Analog controller | Analog controller |
| Integrated controllers use the same datalink for manual override, telemetry, and live video. Analog controllers generally use separate radio systems with limited range.Manual control range |
Up to 50KM / Unlimited | 3KM (estimated) | 1KM (estimated) | 3KM (estimated) | 1KM (specified) |
| Ground Control Station Options | Integrated controller Tablet Field laptop Command center integration |
Tablet | Not included A laptop is required to operate |
Not included A laptop is required to operate |
Not included A laptop is required to operate |
| Autonomy | Full autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Autonomous landing |
Full autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Autonomous landing |
Semi autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Manual landing |
Full autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Autonomous landing |
Semi autonomous Autonomous mapping Manual takeoff Manual landing |
| The ability to control the UAV using joystick control. Assisted control means that no pilot skills are required to operate the vehicle in manual override mode. Regular manual control requires a skilled drone pilot for operation.Manual override | Assisted manual control in fixed wing and hover flight | Manual control in fixed wing and hover flight | Assisted manual control in hover flight only | Manual control in fixed wing and hover flight | Manual control in fixed wing only |
| Takeoff weight | 6.2 Kg | 4.5 kg | 5.0KG | 6.7KG | 1.6KG |
| Wing span | 235 cm | 125 cm | 239CM | 160CM | 116CM |
Costs comparisonPricing for the most resembling packages |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Package contents | UAV 2 batteries 1CM PPK 42MP Sony RX1RII 20KM radio link Tablet |
UAV 2 batteries 1CM PPK 42MP Sony RX1RII 10KM radio link Tablet |
UAV 2 batteries 3CM PPK 42MP Sony RX1RII 7KM radio link |
UAV 2 batteries 1CM PPK 42MP Sony RX1RII 7KM radio link |
UAV 2 batteries 3CM PPK 24MP Sensefly AreaX 8KM radio link |
| Comparative package price
To compare pricing a package was selected for each model that most closely resembles: - 42MP camera - 1CM PPK (if available) - 2 Batteries - Standard radio solution - Ground Control Station (if available) |
€ 19.593,00 | € 29.600,00 | € 21.990,00 | € 29.450,00 | € 22.550,00 |
Options & Pricing |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Platform price | € 9.999,00 | € 15.755,89 | € 15.900,00 | € 16.950,00 | € 14.000,00 (90KM) |
| Battery | € 499,00 | € 420,00 | € 640,00 | unknown | € 400 |
| PPK 3CM | € 899,00 | not available | included | not available | € 4.950 |
| PPK base station 3CM | € 1.000,00 | not available | included | not available | € 5.350 |
| PPK 1CM | € 1.299,00 | included | not available | € 7.500 estimated | not available |
| PPK base station 1CM | € 2.600,00 | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| Transmission System | 20KM+Tablet: € 1.299 30KM+integrated controller: € 3.499 50KM+integrated controller: € 5.499 |
10KM+Tablet: included | 7KM: included | 7KM: +- € 1.000 20KM: unknown |
7KM: included |
| Live mapping and FPV video | Included with integrated controller | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| 4G/LTE control and video | Included with integrated controller | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| 61MP sensor (sony A7R4) | € 6.699,00 | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| 42MP sensor (sony RX1RII) | € 5.299,00 | € 6.500,00 | € 5.450,00 | +- € 7.000 | not available |
| 20MP/24MP sensor | € 1.299,00 | € 2.100,00 | € 2.290,00 | not available | € 3.600 |
| Micasense Rededge MX with DLS & calibration panel |
€ 7.299,00 | € 5.900 (without DLS) | € 6.890,00 | +- € 8.000 | +- € 8.000 |
| Micasense Altum with DLS & calibration panel |
€ 12.999,00 | € 12.100,00 | € 12.750,00 | +- € 13.000 | not available |
| Flir Duo Pro R | € 7.900,00 | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| Lidar + software | under development | not available | € 60.000,00 | not available | not available |
Sources |
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| DeltaQuad Pro #MAP | WingtraOne | Trinity F90+ | Marlyn | eBee X | |
| Pricing | DeltaQuad configurator | Wingtra Configurator | Price list | Quotation | Reseller |
| Specifications | DeltaQuad specifications | Wingtra specifications |
Start guide User manual |
Spec list GeoMatching | SenseFly specs User manual |
Download
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Mapping drone comparison
Disclaimer
The data in this comparison has been carefully verified across multiple sources. Should you find any inconsistency, please feel free to contact us.
No rights can be derived from this data.