Startup Guide for required Drone Mapping Equipment and how to use it

[@aleksro84]

you got me hooked on this video just by seeing the tailgate and generator

[@cassidy7255]

Thanks for taking the time to do this video! I grew up in Mississippi and miss it a lot!

[@firstmighk]

This is the only video I've found that goes through the hardware in detail. Thanks! One suggestion for GCPs, I buy the 4'x8'x1/8" thick fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) and cut it to the shapes I need. It takes paint well, is really durable and weather-resistant, and heavy enough to not blow away - without being too thick and heavy to haul around. Just be really really careful (wear a respirator) cutting it!

[@DroneMappingTools]

Thanks Mike! It has been a while since I did this one. I really need to do an updated version. I have learned a good bit since then and I tend to keep it simple. For GCP's I buy the thin Embossed White Wall Panel at Lowes or HD. (smooth on one side and textured on the other). It is VERY thin, lays down well, weather proof, and paints well. I also paint GCPs when I don't want to go back and retrieve them in larger areas. Have a super duper day!

[@firstmighk]

@@DroneMappingTools Yup, that's the stuff I'm talking about. I have a set that I cut into 8"x48" strips with a point on one end. I'll use 2-4 of these on points that I know will be harder to see from a given height or in heavy forest areas. I paint one side (green or orange) and leave the other side white.

[@albertopapi4445]

Greetings, Thank you for taking your time to show us your working equipment. I was missing few things and after watch your video, I will purchase what I need. Thanks again and God Bless you.

[@jcinewilliams8819]

I appreciate you doing this

[@ryanmcgowan3061]

For setting up with a prism pole tripod, I find it easiest to drop all three legs, and unscrew the clamp a little to let the tripod slide up and down the prism pole. Then, when you've got it level, turn the prism pole 180° and check the bubble. Adjust it 1/2 way back to center. Now it's perfectly level even if your bubble is off. If it's windy, I clamp it back just slightly so that there is positive weight on the ground, and the wind will not lift it off the target point.

[@LuisRodriguez-wo6nl]

Your right on the money 👍👍

[@thedarkriver1]

i like this guy👍 i am a newcomer and i found this very beneficial Subscribed😁

[@jamiegoosney]

This is a great presentation. I have been surveying with RTK for a couple of years and have to admit that I learned a few things today. Thank you very much for this. I will be following you on you other videos. Great Job!

[@DroneMappingTools]

Thank you Jamie. Have more recorded. Just have to find time to put them together :0. Have a super duper day!

[@drone5288]

Great video Tim! Thank you for taking the time to put that together! Super helpful.

[@kalanbdekalanb7790]

Thanks for all these helpful info, it seems that you forget to talk to us about the Drone Mapper software compare to the global mapper software.

[@DroneMappingTools]

Thanks Kalanb! That is quite an old video. I do in fact need to make a new an updated video and make more videos about Global Mapper Pro!

[@ahenriques79]

very good and beneficial, thanks Tim

[@tomgroszek1933]

Suggested playback speed: 1.5-2. Just jk bro. Very much appreciate your time and info. Learned quite a bit!

[@eugenekrempa9007]

Thank You for tips, Tim!

[@mkwillis123]

Thanks so much for your efforts TimmyD. You've saved me an incredible amount of time.

[@bastioyunbozan3979]

at 23:40 what is the tribrach adapter you are using? I was also looking for the short adirpro tube but did not find it...could you please send a link? Many thanks... and great video...

[@ScottOwens28]

What part of Mississippi r u from? Great video!

[@vyoufinder]

LMAO at 3:30 with "and you know what.." Lol. That light is a great idea. Gotta get me one of those!

[@alvaromendoza3337]

Great video! Thanks.

[@uassau]

Great video!

[@DroneMappingTools]

Thanks Robert! This video is now kind of old and Lord willing I will get a new (updated version) done soon. Have some other pressing videos to finish up on Lidar mapping but I would love to redo this one.

[@oscareduardoangulo2250]

I've been in the Survey instrument sales in North side of Mexico for over 40 yrs, selling total stations, automatic levels and GPS basically, now the Drone industry is picking up and I don't want to "Miss the boat" but I am completely aware and new on the subject. Some people tell me "This is not your thing" but on the other side, I am trying to please the customer demands. A friend of mine recommended your videos and they are quite educating, I have to say thanks from the very beginning. Am I on the right track?

[@Ricky0046]

Tim: If all I want to do is get accurate measurements on say a crash investigation, do I need to get GPS ground control points with centimeter accuracy or can I just place items of known size within the drone image captures to use as a reference size to make other measurements?

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hey Ricky, If you are just wanting "relative accuracy" then you could place reference boards (ie 10' boards) on all sides of the crash site (or paint templates), and a vertical reference as well. . Then you would use those when processing the photos for the site. That may work ok for small crash sites, at an intersection, but let's say you have a long crash site with debris over a long stretch. Then would not be ideal. But it is sure better than nothing at all! Every police department in America should have a Mavic or Evo drone to fly the crash scenes, GCP's or no GCP's. PPK or no PPK. Just fly it and preserve the scene. Then improve the equipment as you go when the budget allows.

[@SAFbikes]

Timmy D I love you!! Love the videos keep them going I've learned so much

[@DroneMappingTools]

I'm glad they're helpful. If you ever have any suggestions just throw them out. Thanks for watching!

[@lenzwizard]

Very informative video.

[@rolandog6388]

Great video man, thanks a lot!

[@LuisRodriguez-wo6nl]

Great video !! Mate how tall are you?? Lol 6'4 ? Based on the background truck. Anyway thanks for all this info I'm getting started myself in this industry having bought my first 2 drones in 2023 .. keep it up

[@Visualprowessuser]

Thank you so much tommy

[@Atlanticaerialworx]

Hello and great tutorial. You only need to use the Reach RS+? I seen another video were you were using it and the base station.

[@DroneMappingTools]

Good morning. You can use one single Reach RS or RS+ but only if you have a local CORS unit close by so that you can post process (PPK) your Reach RS data with the data from the local CORS station. In order to do post processing you have to use software to do that. There is a free software called RTKLib but I do not use that. I use software called EZsurv. It cost about $1500 to buy but it is very good and is very easy to use. If you live and work in an area with a CORS station close by, I would be inclined to buy 1 Reach RS/RS+ (or even an M+) and get post processing software (either EZsurv or some other solution). And then later you could add an additional RS Unit to your inventory after you are earning money. If you want accurate results all the time, it will most definitely involve post processing. That is just my opinion and there may be others with a different opinion. Hope this helps.

[@Atlanticaerialworx]

@@DroneMappingTools I was thinking of used the reach rs+ for recording the GCPs ourselves instead of hiring out surveyors. I believe the app for the reach exports in CSV to import into MetaShape. I checked a CORS station site and there are next to none in Canada and not a single one in Nova Scotia :). Our drones are not RTK or PPK but do record GPS and other data in the metadata of the images captured.

[@DroneMappingTools]

@@Atlanticaerialworx I am not familiar with the Canadian CORS but I just checked my EZsurv software and there seem to be quite a few in Nova Scotia. You should call Stephanie with EZsurv (Canadian company). She can set you up with a 30 day trial of EZsurv and help you with the CORS stuff. As long as you have a CORS close to you , then you can get by with one Reach M+ or a Reach RS+. Certainly the Reach RS+ would be a little better.

[@Atlanticaerialworx]

@@DroneMappingTools I did a search and went to geodesy.noaa.gov/CORS_Map/ and there is not a single one in our province. I will check to see if there is another site that shows their locations.

[@DroneMappingTools]

@@Atlanticaerialworx The agency listed in my EZsurv software is NRCan. This link may help you. www.nrcan.gc.ca/maps-tools-and-publications/tools/geodetic-reference-systems/18766

[@jean-francoisfortier8727]

What base and rover do you use?

[@DroneMappingTools]

I use the Emlid RS2 units. But you can use the RS+ as a base and use the Emlid M+ or M2 as a rover. Emlid now provides free caster service, so as long as both units have internet access (you can use a jetpack), then you can have internet based RTK between your base and rover unit. Hope this helps.

[@jean-francoisfortier8727]

@@DroneMappingTools thank you very much

[@jean-francoisfortier8727]

@@DroneMappingTools Thanks for your help. However, I don't know much about RTK. Currently, I would like to do mapping and I have a DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Since, my drone is not RTK, I must have GCPs, and I am a little confused about the necessary equipment. I know it takes a base and a rover. On the other hand, on the site bathylogger.com/products/ There are several kits and I'm lost. Second, it's like sideline, I'm not ready to spend $ 5k in a kit. There are systems at $ 899 Emlid Reach RS + GNSS Receiver, and other Emlid Reach RS2 GNSS Receiver at $ 1899 and finally a survey kit at over $ 3k. What do I need in all of this at a reasonable price? Can any module be a base and a rover ?. Sorry for all these questions. I am new to surveying equipment. Thank you for explaining to me the necessary equipment regarding the RTK system.

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

Guys, there is absolutely still time to get into the drone industry. Whether its mapping, inspection, security, enviro study, etc you will find work eventually if you are a resourceful person. Dont quit your day job right away but you can start to learn the systems on cheap gear and work your way up. Forbes claims that the RPAS operation industry will reach 52 billion annually in NA... so are you the first to the party? hell no. Can you still get into the industry? Of Course! This is exactly what people were saying about programming jobs a few years after PC's came out and im pretty sure its still a good market.... I started my business last year with real estate videos and small scale survey and mapping. This year im expanding into inspection and security. If you have the passion, there is ABSOLUTELY an opportunity out there for you. If youre just in it for the money I doubt youll get through all the material you need to learn

[@DroneMappingTools]

Flight Therapy you are absolutely correct. Let me explain where I am coming from. In EVERY industry there are many people who make money selling "the dream". They paint a pretty picture and lure you to pay money to learn how to "live the dream". I enjoy passing on knowledge, but the fact is droning is just like every other industry. You have to be good, that is understood. But beyond that fact, it is 75% sales, 25% droning. Anyone who heads my caution but still says, "I am going to do this, I can take the many closed doors!". If they can, then most likely they have the drive to succeed. I not saying that it is too late... or you can't do it... find another career... Nope. But I am saying that there is alot to it and likely will be a slow road to success (albeit a steady one). And when you look at the drone industry there are multiple aspects. To get a Mavic Pro and start doing Real Estate gigs is a cheap startup. The only aspect my videos have focused on is drone mapping. I have primarily cautioned anyone against taking out some loan to go buy a bunch of mapping equipment without full knowledge of what is involved and know it will take a while to get established. Nothing more, nothing less. Thank you for your feedback as anyone can certainly get into the drone business and make money.

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

@@DroneMappingTools Fair enough. Thanks for clarifying your points. I think we are both making the same point which is that if one has enough passion for the industry, and enough drive to get their name out their, they will inevitably succeed to some degree... On a personal note, I want to thank you for your videos on drone mapping. They were one of the sources I used when I was first getting into mapping, and i have used them as invaluable reference material when making investments in things like RTK/PPK systems. You really do have great content and I wanted to thank you for that. Cheers!

[@TJIzzy]

You need to have a surveyor's license (would take many years to get & hard to get licensed) to do this, or you get sued. State board of licenses is also a huge problem, they try to stop people with bureaucracy bs. Unless you give away most of the profits to a licensed surveyor, you can't actually do this. Most mines/construction sites/solar farms etc will have their own internal team. Please tell me if I am wrong, this is what I found from doing research & talking to people in the industry.

[@DroneMappingTools]

TJ, if you operate in the USA, you are right in that you can not provide survey data unless you are a surveyor or work under a licensed surveyor/Civil Engineer. You can provide alot of useful data but nothing that is considered a survey (or "survey grade"). There is a very interesting case in NC right now where the Part 107 Pilot has sued the NC board of Engineers. This will be a very good case to watch! 2021 is the year for UAS Lidar and I have purchased aerial Lidar system, as well as a Leica Laser scanner. Moving forward, 3D data capture (reality capture is what many prefer to call it) will continue to grow. But someone can not just get into only photogrammetry and expect to do alot of business. Photogrammetry is awesome but there are many situations where is it not the right tool. I have purchased the P16 scanner and even that will not be best for all situations. Finding a semi retired surveyor to partner with is most likely the way to go. If they are semi-retired, they now have a revenue stream for stamping "Excellent data". I would consider sharing 20-25% to be reasonable. By the way, here is the details on the North Carolina lawsuit: This is a First Amendment case (5:21-cv-00137-FL) in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina seeking the court to declare the North Carolina law unconstitutional and stop the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors from further applying the law. ​jrupprechtlaw.com/drone-mapping-and-unlicensed-land-surveying-lawsuit/

[@thedarkriver1]

why use a Tribrach for mapping? I am not surveying New to all this so that part is confusing

[@DroneMappingTools]

The tribrach is used on the base station for very precise level setup over your control point or “benchmark”. You could use a prism pole with bipod or tripod legs but your accuracy would be slightly compromised. A tribrach is for repeated accuracy and precision when setting up repeatedly over the same bench mark. Hope this helps

[@DroneMappingTools]

But the truth is, there would likely not be any noticeable difference in your drone map data whether you used a tribrach and tripod or a prism pole on your base benchmark.

[@thedarkriver1]

@@DroneMappingTools thank you for taking the time to reply to my question

[@thedarkriver1]

@@DroneMappingTools I figured this was the case that the drone and software used would cover all that. I appreciate the info!

[@Guide504]

Tim great effort and you obviously enjoy it so more power to you. But man that a load of shit to carry about! My experience so far has been lighter and quicker. What acreage and flight plans are you flying that take so long you need to set up camp? Love the weather by the way, in the UK I am running missions in weather windows by the hr. Next Question...are you running BVLOS with adsb?

[@waddahabdo7273]

Hello can we learn the equipment on the job???hope you reply

[@codyclanton7508]

I'm gonna go ahead and start a business anyways. Definitely haven't missed the boat in my area. But thx for trying to discourage me.

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hey Cody! Thanks for watching. I guess my hope was to make people think long and hard before investing alot of money in this particular business. There are many Ytubers who make things sound glamorous and "so easy" for anyone watching to do it. Any new venture is 75% (or higher) sales and knocking on doors. You can certainly start a successful business in mapping. This will no doubt be the hardest era to start one in our lifetime (I'm in my 50's). The second depression is likely coming but for those who are creative, smart, and hard working, we will survive it! Good luck in your new venture and I look forward to hearing some success stories on the back side of this crazy Covid19.

[@nelsonhuezo5385]

Hello Tim great videos! Got some questions: Do you necessarily need those three items of Ram Mount Parts you mentioned on the comments? Isn't the claw small clamp and the double socket arm for the same purpose?

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hi Nelson. For the three parts linked in the description, I use all three. The tablet holder has a "ball". The claw that attaches to the prism pole has a ball and the 3rd piece is what connects both of those together. I will check it tomorrow just to be sure but I am 99.999% sure on that. I will be posting up a very short video tonight or tomorrow seeking topic suggestions on for upcoming videos! I already plan to do a start>finish video on collecting the data points and another start>finish for doing a map. So those should be very helpful.

[@nelsonhuezo5385]

Thank you Tim! I researched and yes, the links for the items are correct. A second question, what tablet do you recommend for this type of jobs? Maybe the best in cost-benefit...

[@DroneMappingTools]

@@nelsonhuezo5385 Nelson, you can just use your phone. You can also use an old Android tablet or older ipad. Any cheap tablet should do fine. If you are doing RTK (via internet), then you will need to hotspot your phone or other device so that the tablet AND Reach RS unit will have the internet connection it needs for RTK. I have a tablet that has a data card but in order for me to do RTK (via internet) then I still have to hotspot my phone and connect the Reach RS and tablet to my phone. But the bottom line is, any cheap tablet or even your phone should work fine.

[@nelsonhuezo5385]

@@DroneMappingTools Thank you Tim. My last questions: 1. Why does it tell on Emlid webpage that Reachviwe app does not require an internet connection? if for doing RTK it does. 2. Can you post process GCP on RTKLib? I remember you told in one video that it was possible, so why don't you use that instead. The cost of EZsurv is almost the same of buying two RS+ units. 3. Is it necessarily to post process all GCP? Also, where can I make you some other questions.

[@DroneMappingTools]

Nelson Huezo 1. You can do RTK using a LoRa radio between the rover and base. No internet needed with this method. 2. You can use RTKlib. I could never learn that software. 3. If you want very accurate data then you either need to do RTK or PPK (post processed). Hope this helps.

[@titusnixon]

Good simple advice

[@bhishmabhatti6313]

Your entire information is really helpful for me. I am Civil engineer from India and want to start my own business in drone mapping so this video has gave me so many information. Thanks a lot. I have so many questions to ask, can I mail that?

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hi Bhishma, you can visit my website at www.midsouthdroneservices.com and use the "Contact Us" form. I will then reply to that and try to answer your questions. Have a super duper day!

[@benny5299]

what file do you import to CAD programs after finishing the survey?

[@DroneMappingTools]

Benyamin, if doing drone mapping you will import the point cloud file (ie LAS) generated by software like Pix4d.

[@torecrash6493]

Haha, @ 1:18 you said burger and now you got me hungry...

[@thesovereignspark]

do i have to have a business to start something like this? if i have say 20-30k to purchase all the equipment and i take the time to master flight and photography. can i be a personal drone mapper? also i wonder is photography skill relevant?

[@DroneMappingTools]

King I believe most people (small companies) that get into drone mapping are doing so as a means to grow their existing drone business. They are likely drone pilots who already have established business or possibly a company that already does surveying and is looking to incorporate drone mapping into the workflow. Could someone start from scratch? Sure but it will be very tough. As far as photography skill, you must know good basics of photography in regards to exposure, deptth of field, image resolution, and things of that nature. Framing beautiful shots is not a requirement for mapping. There would be a lot to learn and a LOT of work to go earn business.

[@BloxiYouTuber]

Startup guide but then wait if your just starting out you've missed the boat forget about it. Never have any real info on the device used to capture the data points but I know how so setup a tripod now.

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hey Darrin, yeah this was really more showing the equipment needed. I should not have said you missed the boat. It is never too late. I now have a lidar system and I wish I wouhd have had a good understanding of Lidar 2 years ago which would have been most helpful in fully understanding Photogrammetry. I have not made videos in quite some time but very soon I will be making very helpful videos on photogrammetry and Lidar. I hope the coming videos will be far more helpful than any I have made in the past.

[@Sam-wp4ps]

Tim, great Video. How long have you been doing this? Is this a full time job or is this something you do on the side with your primary job. Thanks

[@DroneMappingTools]

Been droning for a number of years but about to hit to my 2 year mark for my 107. It started out slow but has grown a good bit in the last 6 months. It takes time, advertising, and referrals, and of course and excellent end product.

[@Sam-wp4ps]

@@DroneMappingTools what ver of EZSurv are you using?

[@torecrash6493]

You`re getting hang of it now :D

[@DroneMappingTools]

Hey Tore! Good to see your name pop up. Yep, I have come a long way since the beginning. Thank you very much for your help in those early days. It was brutal! I will finally be doing another video, maybe this week... But this time I am going from start to finish for doing a drone map with GCP's. Should be helpful to a few people. Take care!

[@BrandonMitchell84]

bruh i think this is wayyyyyy overkill for most things people will do

[@solomonbhekamfene9747]

sb