How To Start A Drone Mapping Business

*LINK to video course has been removed in order to be updated*
In this video, Taylor Mitcham will be showing us the steps to starting a drone mapping business.
Subscribe so you never miss a training video:
goo.gl/ZYGQ8c
Course I used to pass my Part 107 Test: bit.ly/3agimoG
Join a FREE community of elite commercial drone pilots: goo.gl/NjvY84
Connect with Taylor Mitcham:
Facebook ➤ / tayhamhq
LinkedIn ➤ / taylormitcham

[@k.c.3567]

Thank you for this great information, Taylor! You're awesome!!!

[@videotours5277]

Love this....very educational and easy to follow.

[@rcytb]

Wow! Thank you for the great information presented in an easy-to-understand manner. You have excellent communication skills.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks RCYTB! What would you like to see a video about next?

[@Odin31b]

Huge amount of knowledge! Thanks!

[@951redporsche]

The 4-day/steps series was interesting and well done. Thank you! It might take more than 4 days, but still worth it!

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you got value from the training! What would you like to learn next?

[@RLoose9494]

Another fantastic and honest video 👍 keep up the great work young lady!!

[@mikdfour]

Great info, thank you!

[@sometimesoonfan]

You have gained a subscriber! I'm really getting into all of this !

[@leilanny]

Hi! I'm very happy I came across your videos. I just finished watching your "How I became a drone pilot" video and am now on this video. I'm looking to becoming a drone pilot as well and getting my certification. I'm going to watch as many of your videos as I can to learn as much as I can. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@the_black_eagle1642]

I want also to get into the commercial drone pilots... Are you gonna get a course ? If yes, which course

[@Niagra2011]

Would like to see how mapping a cell tower/ building with Pix 4D and learn more about tie points, etc. Thanks so much!

[@UrbanNerdOfficial]

Very informational, great video!

[@eumatthe]

Excellent information! Thanks!

[@aquilifergroup]

Thanks for the info. Keep it up.

[@jbgood7694]

Thanks for your advice. Good luck with your business and career.

[@gradplanner]

Great video. Thanks for the wealth of information. Subscribed.

[@dennissmith8232]

I am motivated to continue my quest to integrate my drones into our home based business. Thank you Taylor for this video.

[@DroneroHQ]

Awesome Dennis! What would you like to see a video about next??

[@Lorakulch]

Thanks a lot!!! You’re so cool 😎 so much info

[@troylawrence8563]

I not long ago found your videos and have enjoyed them so far, thank you for the information to help drone pilot's. I'm currently studying for my Part 107. If you were to only buy one drone to start your business which one would that be. Right now I'll have the opportunity to do real estate, possibly agriculture, and also some promotional work for a marketing agency. Thank you for your time. Troy

[@eyesopen444]

Great video! Thanks for the info.

[@DroneroHQ]

You're welcome! Anything in particular you'd like to see next?

[@snk8734]

thank u so much, totally appreciate it

[@jrfsailing07]

Thanks Taylor, Great INFO!!

[@DroneroHQ]

No problem John. Are there are any questions you'd like answered in a future video or anything you'd like to learn?

[@AussieMarksvideos]

Excellent advice, Taylor. Wish I was ready to start right now.

[@DroneroHQ]

What's holding you back from starting?

[@martinsaunders2942]

Thanks!. Very interesting, much enjoyed.

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it Martin. Anything you'd like to see next?

[@Filmbz]

Yooooo this was dope, i listened to every damn word, probably can't remember half but regardless thank you thank you i learned a ton and i feel like sometimes when we're searching for a particular piece of info, usually it would take watching 3 other videos combined to get the depth and diversity you have here 👏🏿👏🏿 way to not only captivate your audience but also garner our attention throughout the video's entirety! I'm definitely subscribed!

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks for the kind words and glad you got some value out of the content. What would you like to see a video about next?

[@Filmbz]

@@DroneroHQ You're welcome and I'm not sure what I'd like to see yet. I've been a part 107 for 2yrs and I'm more into the cinematography and video production side (i invite you to have a gander sometime). I wanted to expand into mapping because i recently did my first mapping project with dronedeploy and I'd really like to implement that in the agriculture community where I'm at which brought me here and I'm certain though that once i start diving into the mapping info u shared, questions will start piling up. I appreciate your time, Blessings!

[@dmv-dailymotivationalvitam1356]

Thank You Very Rich And Informative

[@parrot-imagellcadronecompa6148]

Great video, very educational

[@wmrusse1]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge! I love to make maps, but I use aerial photography included with ESRI ArcMap support package. You mentioned four types of software for processing drone data. At this point I know very little about drone mapping, but am interested in knowing how one of the four software packages would work with ArcMap?

[@davefehringer8747]

Thank you for emphasizing the survey laws. As a licensed surveyor I have this conversation about once a week. Most people don't understand that it takes a minimum of 4-6 years to become a licensed surveyor in most states.

[@DroneroHQ]

Exactly...it's not an easy thing to obtain at all. Drones are not a replacement for surveyors, they're a tool that can help them.

[@Odin31b]

So happy this was mentioned.

[@mattatbat96]

I understand that generating a map for survey propose is not going to fly (no pun intended). What about supplying a map for use by a surveyor? For example, a survey company comes to you and asks if you would be willing to take photos of an area that they will then use for survey products? The idea being Im not supplying a survey but giving products to a surveyor to then make their own products? I guess that would be "working under a licensed surveyor?"

[@Naesman1167]

@@mattatbat96 Yes. You can provide the Geo information to your client to provide to a licensed Surveyor....

[@AliNawaz-nd5do]

Excellent thank you verymuch

[@juvent.h6699]

Great Job Daughter, keep it up!

[@natepate6117]

Very very good vid I’ve been just today trying to figure out which software between DroneDeploy and pix4D, and I agree. But any way 👍 and I’ll check out your tutorials.

[@AerophlixMedia]

Very cool! You are very articulate in your info. Very informative and as always enjoy your videos same in Facebook.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks Aerophlix Media! What do you think I should do a YT or FB video about next?

[@PHIL6971.]

Great information 👍 excellent video keep up the good work You have a new Sub.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks for the sub! What would you like to see a video about next?

[@Niagra2011]

Taylor, first time viewer and I’m highly impressed! I am about to take the 107 soon. I have an interest in learning mapping and I learned more from you than in all the other videos that I have seen!!! Thank you for the great video! I am going to watch your four videos about getting clients. Needless to say, I subscribed. Thanks for all your knowledge.

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you got some value from the video and thank you for subscribing! What would you like to see next?

[@DustyCowdog]

Excellent video! Thanks for not having a jump cut after every sentence. So many videos use them and it personally drives me crazy! 😂

[@johningram2153]

It's understandable why they do that, because it's hard to get long takes that nail it. Not everybody is as good at this as Taylor is. I just found this channel last night, and it's really inspiring.

[@isaiahmacadam]

Thank you!

[@spencerharris1147]

Awesome thanks!

[@braselton94]

I passed! You inspired me and I passed! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@contactpq]

Dang Sis ... I don't Map, and most of what you said went over my head .. But your presentation was so impressive that you could convinced me to buy swampland to build a house on .. wow ... you make me proud gurl!!

[@nimaljayamaha2291]

Great information Taylor. Definitely helpful. I just had a look the video to have more info how to use the technology to our day to day work being a land surveyor. Thanks for valuable info.

[@DroneroHQ]

Nimal Jayamaha glad you got some value from the video. What drones have you been looking at using for land surveying?

[@nimaljayamaha2291]

Sorry, I don't have a clear idea yet. Would you like to suggest any model?

[@DroneroHQ]

Nimal Jayamaha sounds like I should make a video about it. But as I mentioned in the video value wise, p4p is a great aircraft to look into when starting out with mapping.

[@kenneth238]

gumroad.com/l/MIdEb

[@jorgeluiscordova]

SUPER HELPFUL !

[@DroneroHQ]

Jorge, glad you found the video helpful! What would you like to see a video about next?

[@sbacim]

This is exactly what I am looking for. I'll send you an email to see more.

[@jerryhayden8720]

Just found your channel. Excellent info video.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks and welcome

[@GM6DroneMapping]

Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks! Anything you'd like to see next?

[@GM6DroneMapping]

Dronero 😁

[@BigBoiBalu]

Great tips 🖖

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you like them!

[@karabomasenyadiloana2487]

Thank you for this...2 years later it is still relevant

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks! You think I should make a 2020 version of this video?

[@karabomasenyadiloana2487]

@@DroneroHQ I am surprised that you have not already 🤣

[@audiecarter8886]

Wow I think I found a go to idea guru.

[@bigdawghemi4134]

One doesn't simply read and understand photogrammetry I work in photogrammtry and have for 2 years now and let me tell you I learn something new everyday

[@knowmacdonaldmedia]

Great video. I didn’t see your updated course video in description. Just checking in to see if everything OK?

[@tamarathompson9418]

Great video 🖒

[@DroneroHQ]

What part of the video gave you the most value Tamara?

[@gabrielcostales8106]

I was just thinking about mapping with my drone and this was in my feed! Thank you for the information you provided!

[@jessestewart8856]

Thanks for this helpful video! Question about drone mapping for stockpile volume calculation (for surface mining, etc...): I would love to create my own volumetrics business. In light of this, would I need to obtain a surveying license to legally deliver to customers the "tonnage" of each stockpile? If I am using a professional software like Pix4D, will I need this license, in order to legally perform this survey? Also, if so, since I am not an engineer, if calculations somehow prove inaccurate, will Pix4D be liable, or will I be liable - even though I am using their software for calculations? thanks for your help.

[@lexdimond]

Thanks for setting me on the path to 107. Can you recommend a good practice drone to get good with sticks and angles ?

[@ErnestPJay]

I have a phantom 3 SE. Is it capable for mapping jobs?

[@JDHarrington]

Great information! My only suggestion would be to make your last tip your first tip (checking state laws on surveying). Learning about equipment, software packages, etc. is somewhat of a mute point if you need a 4-year degree to pursue this endeavor. :-)

[@DroneroHQ]

Very True J.D! Is there anything in particular you'd like to see in a future video?

[@JDHarrington]

Do a video on contracts - what should be included, disclaimers, etc. Thanks for being so responsive...

[@DroneroHQ]

My only issue with doing a video about this, is that I'm not a lawyer so...gotta figure out how to do this without giving legal advice, lol

[@GrantBoonzaier]

My sentiments exactly. I would also add that you should remember KZbin is viewed outside of the States, so don't just talk like the rest of the world ain't watching. 😊

[@DroneroHQ]

To be honest, I wasn't expecting to get 1,000 views on this video, let alone people form all over the world watching. Great feedback and will definitely remember this moving forward! :)

[@Swing4TheRing]

Well spoken and great info! Not often you find people able to go through 1 take on video and crush it without the "uh" "er" haha! Got my sub!

[@DroneroHQ]

Awesome! What should I do a video about next?

[@Swing4TheRing]

Would like to see something on "How to deliver footage/final product to clients". Do you watermark draft footage for the client to review/approve and then remove watermark when client agrees they are satisfied with the final product? Do you simply email them the final file for download? Do you save it to a disk/thumb drive and send/deliver it to them? How do you protect your property from copyright infringements?

[@titusnixon]

Wow, Taylor, you give great information, and you put out things, I'm thinking about or practicing as we speak. Now I'm using pick 4D and Drone deploy. Doing a Construction project now (photo and video for now) but I would like to sell mapping service also as an upcharge. Does most Construction Company want to see a demo reel?

[@DroneroHQ]

Not necessarily a demo reel...they would prefer to see final deliverables and be walked through exactly how this will help them. What would you like to see a video about next?

[@s0uth3rncomfort]

You're voice is soothing

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks :)

[@HighGrade592]

Hello focus focus😃😃

[@shadowops62]

Great info, thanks so much. I have a questions. When mapping a parcel of land from above, how does the drone or software know where the boundaries are. A client purchases a parcel and needs it surveyed for boundaries and for septic and the parcel is somewhat overgrown. How is that done from above without feet on the ground staking out the pins? Does UAV surveying replace traditional surveying?

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you got some value from the video! To answer your questions... You tell the drone where to fly and capture the data when you create your flight plan in whatever app you choose to use. Best practice is actually to over-fly the boundaries of the land and then in your mapping software, take out the unnecessary areas. The only way that I can think of, in your particular scenario, without anyone touching the property, is to use GPS coordinates based on previous surveying data. Problem with that though, is that it won't be survey-grade accurate. There needs to be a reference point(s) in order for you to tell the software where the boundaries are. UAV surveying does not replace traditional surveying in all applications. UAV mapping has its limitations, especially when it comes to accuracy, depending on the equipment you are using. Honestly, I could make a whole new video talking about this.

[@tenbears6557]

Taylor, you are the best!! Great information for a beautiful lady.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks Ten Bears! What would you like to see a video about next?

[@Shyamiiii]

What about pricing? What is the general that a drone mapper charges the client? Do you charge by the sq. Ft.? Is it a standard fee like $249.99 for 1 acre? Do you have any insight? Thanks great video thus far I’m into this.

[@wingsley]

There are a few things that aren't clear in the video. If you're just starting out and you're trying to find the $$$ to get a Phantom 4 Pro drone, where are some good places/techniques for seeking out good refurbished hardware? Also: you mention getting software. Could you do a video on the software itself? What platform(s) does the software run on? iOS? Android? Windows? MacOS?

[@apilotbgsu172]

Is it necessary to join the click funnels in order to get you free information?

[@syasenns294]

Which drone should I start with ?

[@shubhamkadam9759]

Love from India ❤️

[@KELLENKASH]

Loving this check your inbox LinkedIn and fb want to talk about an interview

[@kareeminyourdream]

Hi, do you do any training? I would be interested

[@roadheros9046]

Tried to get to the free course. Won’t let the banner go away to sign up.

[@Delair-aerial-intelligence]

One way to drone expand mapping capabilities is also to go for a fixed wing drone such as the professional drone Delair UX11. And now a 5th software solution is delair.ai

[@jcfpv3454]

First job in construction after working 12 years in fast food suppose to be carpentry my life was destroyed employer had me drilling in concrete and blowing out the holes with no protection and now I worry I will die with no hope no treatments no cure

[@boboscurse4130]

I just got an Autel Evo, so I'm really hoping I can use it for this.

[@DroneroHQ]

I'd be curious to see if there's any apps or functionality to automate the mapping process...and if autel fixed their gps digits issue (the gps coordinates didn't have enough decimal points) from the XSP. Have you tested it yet?

[@boboscurse4130]

No, I'm brand new to all of this and reading/watching everything I can find. I just looked up the price tag for LIDAR. Choke. DroneDeploy only supports DJI, but I found a company called Maps Made Easy. Are you familiar with it? I love your channel!

[@mrwoodstocker]

Hey, Needed sincere advice. I have taken some basic training on the drone flying, but i am more inclined toward the processing part of the business. I feel my i can build more strength on the analysis of the data and the presentation part of it. Pl advice whats the best way to start. Have watching some webinars on drone deploy, but wanted to know if i can learn on the go or need to take a full time course from drone deploy or any one else. Pl suggest!!!. Many thanks

[@DroneroHQ]

You can learn on your own, but it will probably take longer than taking a course from an experienced person

[@_matis_]

Hi there,what do you think about agisoft metashape?I have heard it got pretty good,even better than pix4d...

[@DroneroHQ]

Never used agisoft metashpae so can't say for sure, but try out a free trial for both using the same dataset to see which you like better.

[@timallix4407]

I have a P3P for my drone business, primarily shooting for realtors in my area. I am interested in the mapping side, looked at the various websites on mapping software, few of them show pricing, none of them have drone compatibility lists. Will my drone work for mapping?

[@DroneroHQ]

Yes a p3p can be used for mapping. In fact, that's the platform I started with back in the day. Is it the BEST drone for the job? Ehhh a p4p will have better quality pics, but it will work for the vast majority of situations. You'll just need to fly a little slower and take more pictures.

[@MM-ow2md]

Any thoughts on how 3DR (3D Robotics) Sitescan compares to Pix4D and others ?

[@DroneroHQ]

I personally use Pix4d and like it over other pieces of software if you have the volume to support the price. I like Pix4d b/c you have better control over how your maps are processed, especially with manual control points. With the other cloud based softwares you submit your pictures and hope for the best at the end. If it doesn't process well, there's nothing you can do other than getting more pictures.

[@mufakup1982]

Hi there, would the Ehang Ghost 2.0 be a good drone for mapping? If it does, what mapping software would you recommend? Cheers :)

[@DroneroHQ]

I haven't used that drone before or heard of anyone using it for mapping...so can't say for sure. Is that the drone you currently have?

[@austindunn458]

could i use an fpv drone ?

[@sUASNews]

What about State requirements to be a licenced surveyor?

[@DroneroHQ]

Drone & Sundry I talk about this around the 8:24 mark in the video. Every state has different laws around what is and is not a survey. You'll have to consult with the individual state to see what is and isn't permitted mapping wise and the requirements to become a licensed surveyor. Most states though, require a surveying or engineering related degree + experience. Is that an issue you've run into?

[@MrDjmcclennen]

what about the yuneec typhon h pro? is the equipment sufficient for 2d and 3d mapping, and does anyone use drone2map?

[@DroneroHQ]

I've never used drone2map. Never used that drone for mapping so I can't comment on how well it works. Do you currently fly yuneec?

[@quentintyler]

Great information as always! Would you consider posting a video of what you capture during one of your construction jobs?

[@DroneroHQ]

Yes, working on it! The only problem is that I've signed NDA's with my clients so I can't show them on KZbin. But will see what I can come up with soon. What in particular would you like to see in regards to what I capture during a construction job?

[@mayais]

Can you help me to start ?? I have a lot of doubts about the equipment I need and the investment I need to do.

[@EchoHawk1862]

When you say pix4d keeps your data local do you mean it downloads the pictures to your computer or iPad?

[@DroneroHQ]

Pix4d processes your data using your computer's hardware instead of in the cloud like other software. So when I say local, I mean it stays on your hard drive and doesn't go off into cyber space to a cloud based server to be processed.

[@BDrones]

I just got my part 107 license I also have my Mavic pro, and now I have my new inspire too and I’m trying to figure out where to go next. I have found your video extremely helpful, and I want to say one in absolute joy it was to watch. If you get a chance definitely could use your advice and I would really appreciate if you could take three minutes to check over my channel hopefully you like it and will subscribe either way would love to hear some feedback hope to hear from you soon thanks and appreciate all the hard work going to watch more of your content now to learn

[@abbieamavi]

*I'm certified part 107, but I haven't bought my own drone because I have no idea what sector to go into. I like travel and disaster aid and real estate and almost all of it, how's one to narrow it down?*

[@DroneroHQ]

Well Veni, in your case, look at what industries are doing well, consistently near you. Then, narrow down your passions from there. Let me know what you're thinking below so I can get more specific.

[@CGstealyourgirl]

Do you think that the mavic 2 pro would be fine for such jobs?

[@DroneroHQ]

Yea a Mavic Pro would be a great start. The camera would allow to do a lot of mapping work with it's 20mp camera.

[@georgefenrich4119]

ANY UPDATES

[@katecarey5554]

Taylor, your personal and simply-stated videos are terrific. What a great representative you are for young adult women and girls who need that extra nudge to realize a unique career for themselves. At the EXponential conference I participated in Women's Forum and will be reaching out to one of the facilitators to get the list of "UAS jobs beyond being the pilot." I'd love to hear you discuss some of them as well! Thoughts? Kate, AeroViewPoints, Seattle, Syracuse

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks Kate :) There are soooo many UAS jobs beyond being a pilot. Someone has to process the data, someone has to edit the videos, someone has to program the drone, someone has to create the hardware/software...and that's just scratching the surface. There are many opportunities in the industry outside of being a pilot for sure.

[@dariogenao4494]

Dronero very very interesting thanks for the information

[@LGZEE]

Great video. Thing is. You can tell people everything they need to know about business and they still won't do it. They might get their 107 and buy a drone, but when the hard work of going after accounts comes in, forget about it. They'll be selling their drone and running back to some bogus job. It'll take at least five jobs a month at a minimum for someone to live off the income.

[@DroneroHQ]

Hi LGZEE, I can't make people take action, but I can provide the information to help them. :) How long have you had your part 107?

[@EchoHawk1862]

What about something called scetchfab to get the maps and 3D models to your clients?

[@DroneroHQ]

Sketchfab is an online app that let's you display your 3d models. You can check it out here: sketchfab.com/

[@michaelrivers4863]

So how does this work, someone hires the surveyor then they surveyor hires me because I have the drone equipment and software to do the actual surveying?

[@DroneroHQ]

More or less. I would team up with a surveyor, perform the flight(s), process the data, and then give it back to the surveyor in a format that they can work with (dtm, dts, point cloud, ortho mosiac, etc) and then let them take it from there. So you'd be a part of the data acquisition and then surveyor takes the data, do whatever it is they're going to do, and then give it to the customer.

[@mikeshevlin]

By the way I live in the Philly area, just outside in the burbs. Are you in this area?

[@DroneroHQ]

I used to live in Philly back in 2016, but now I live in Florida.

[@ErnestPJay]

I'm very interested in aerial mapping, but I have a few questions. 1. Can I be able to learn it all.by myself? 2. Do I need to enroll in a short term course( aerial.mapping) just to be able to be an "expert" on this? Because here in the Philippines I heard a school which offer this kind of short term course and Im thinking over and over as to enrolling or not?

[@DroneroHQ]

I taught myself how to do mapping through A LOT of practice, reading a lot of books, and watching youtube videos. With that said, if you want to learn how to do it FASTER, then a class could be helpful. But it is not mandatory to take a class to learn. What equipment are you flying Ernesto?

[@ErnestPJay]

Dronero I have a.phantom 3 SE? Is it capable for aerial mapping jobs?

[@obasurveys7542]

list the 4 software you mentioned for drone mapping

[@kenneth238]

you can try this one for land surveying and mapping with uav. gumroad.com/l/MIdEb

[@Autoxdriver]

Thanks for this informative video. Can you please elaborate on just what constitutes aerial mapping? If I take a photo grid of a farmers crops is that mapping and/or would require a surveyor license? What is mapping / surveying and what is not? Thanks.

[@aaronmusick6071]

Every state has defined surveying to meet its own history and geography. A rule of thumb is "if you are referencing a property line, including property rights like ownership line, right of way lines, easement lines, you are probably going to need a surveying license."

[@DroneroHQ]

@aaron Musick, is correct. Every state has defined their own rules around surveying so you'll have to look at your state specifically.

[@rolandcamunas6689]

Excellent video but I can't click on your course button...there is a click funnel ad that pops up and won't go away.

[@DroneroHQ]

That site is down for now. I'm updating the content but have been pretty busy with drone work lately.

[@rolandcamunas6689]

@@DroneroHQ thank you for the information. If you're interested in farming out your website work let me know. I have a website company. You can check out our work at www.serpsharks.com we have a $99 per month special going on right now. That includes hosting, maintenance, development and much more.

[@lbj904]

Hello I’d like to speak with you about a job opportunity with your company potentially if your hiring?

[@paultimms3442]

Thank you for the very in depth info...........P.S. You are drop dead gorgeous!

[@serdarklnc4759]

Can I run this business with mavic 2 pro..? It has got sufficient battery life and really nice camera.. I don’t understand why people tend to use phantom series.

[@DroneroHQ]

Yes you can definitely use a Mavic 2. The reason why a lot of people use the phantoms, is because the original mavic's camera was not as good as the phantom 4 pro's camera. The phantom 4 pro is also cheaper than the Mavic 2 as well.

[@serdarklnc4759]

Dronero thanks for answering 🙏🏼🙏🏼There are some phantom products with RTK module, If I dont need realtime coordinates and measures,I don’t need a drone with Rtk module am I right :) I want to get pictures and match them with real coordinates by agisoft photoscan and do some calculations.. Is it possible ?

[@DroneroHQ]

@@serdarklnc4759 Depends on the accuracy you're looking for. The photos you take with a mavic will be geotagged, but the accuracy you get for these measurements may or may not be good enough for what you're doing. Having an RTK module in a drone doesn't equal more accuracy, unless you have the entire setup and use it correctly (base station, ground control points, processing, etc). Also, whenever I hear about someone doing drone mapping and doing measurements/calculations, I ALWAYS warn them to be sure that they're not violating any surveying laws in their state. The work you're describing sounds like it could be surveying, which requires a licensed surveyor to sign off on. But again, that depends on the state you're doing the work in and something you'll need to investigate further.

[@serdarklnc4759]

@@DroneroHQ Thanks for warning, I really appreciate it. Could you tell me please what capture angle is best for orhophoto, digital elevation model and contour map?

[@USAVLOG.]

1st thing how to learn? Where to learn ? Explain please

[@johnnybickle13]

What are some of the other types of mapping outside of Surveying ? I would like to get into mapping but don't have years to acquire a surveying license.

[@DroneroHQ]

Well first I would look up the definition of surveying in your state to figure out exactly what is and isn't a survey. But 2nd, you can do 3d modeling that isn't considered surveying with your drone. I've had a couple clients ask for 3d printed models of their buildings. Another option is to work directly with a surveyor, that way you collect the data, send it to them, and they can certify it as a survey and everyone wins. Are you already doing mapping jobs or looking at getting into it?

[@johnnybickle13]

Not yet , i'm just getting into it , the drone business in general. I just got my part 107 and am looking into all the ways to make a thriving business. I used to work as an instrument man for a surveying company for several years. For one thing to be as accurate as a survey needs to be you must shoot the corners of the section you are going to be working in with gps equipment physically on the ground tying the section in with the satellites. And unless i am unaware of some new type of surveying or capability of the untied drone surveying in this way it would not be tight enough to be accurate or at least accurate enough for a platt to be signed off by a licensed Surveyor. How does that work without actually tying in the section corners with a range pole and gps equipment ?

[@johnnybickle13]

Or if there were existing coordinates for the corners that you could just put in somehow to tie down the section for an accurate survey within the equipment [drone] you are using it would have to be coordinated with the same type of frequency and geo system that the coordinates for the section were shot with. I am just trying to understand how you could use a drone to tie in a section and be as accurate as needed unless you have existing coordinates, elevation etc. from an existing topographic map which is necessary to survey.

[@johnnybickle13]

And thank you for responding so quickly and for talking with me. :)

[@DroneroHQ]

Actually ground control points (GCP) and the right software can do this. What you do, in a nutshell (and I'm not a surveyor), but you can get the x, y, z coordinates of your GCP's and can input that info into the software. Then everything "calibrates" in the software based on the GCP's info.