Drones serve a multitude of purposes in the construction industry, from mapping & surveying to marketing videography & photography. They are helping workers by increasing job site safety and benefiting construction companies by reducing supply and labor costs.
Construction companies who are ready to transform their operations with drones have an overwhelming number of options when it comes to drone hardware, sensors, and payload options. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best construction drones for 2022.
This list of the best drones in construction is organized by use case to help construction companies identify the right drone for their needs. For easy comparison, each construction drone listed includes a description of camera/sensor options, maximum flight time, weight, and estimated cost. We also highlight any features that make a particular drone stand out from competing quadcopters.
Now, let’s dive into the Best Construction Drones.
Table of Contents
Best Drones for Mapping & Surveying
Here are our top three drone choices for mapping and surveying construction sites.
Phantom 4 RTK
Max Flight Time: 30 min
Weight: 3 lbs
Estimated Cost: $6,200
DJI’s Phantom 4 RTK is one of the most popular mapping & surveying drones because of its compact design (easy to carry around a construction site) and precise accuracy (providing centimeter-level positioning data). The high-resolution camera offers a seamless mapping experience, as the Phantom 4 RTK can move while taking pictures without the risk of rolling shutter blur. The Phantom 4 RTK’s OcuSync video transmission system enables a stable connection between the drone and its remote controller, delivering 720p video transmission feeds at a distance of up to 4 mi, which is ideal for mapping larger sites.
"The Phantom 4 RTK was engineered to meet the specific needs of its users who have come to rely on DJI drones as powerful tools for surveying, mapping or inspection operations.”
- Sunny Liao, Director of Enterprise, Europe at DJI
The Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) module integrated directly into the drone corrects location data in real-time during flight as the survey drone captures photos of the site, for improved absolute accuracy on image metadata. A non-RTK drone requires up to 40 ground control points (GCP) per square kilometer, which could take several hours to place. The Phantom 4 RTK potentially reduces the number of GCPs needed to 0, which saves at least 75% in set-up time. In areas that lack RTK coverage, the DJI Phantom 4 RTK allows for the use of Post Processed Kinematics (PPK).
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SenseFly eBee X
Max Flight Time: 90 min
Weight: 2.2 – 3.6 lb
Estimated Cost: $19,000
The senseFly eBee X is a fixed-wing mapping and surveying drone that is lightweight and launched by hand. This mapping drone can fly for up to 90 min, covering up to 500 ha (1,235 ac) at 400 ft.—ideal for mapping in rugged environments where far distances need to be covered.
“With the eBee X, we wanted to set a new standard in mapping tools and redefine what a drone can do, so we designed it to boost the quality, efficiency, and safety of data collection to meet our users’ needs.”
- Francois Gervaix, fixed-wing drone lead for Parrot Business Solutions
The eBee X is available with a suite of purpose-built cameras for mapping in any field:
SenseFly eBee X camera options:
- Orthomosaic modeling and mapping: senseFly S.O.D.A.
- 3D Photogrammetry: S.O.D.A 3D Mapping Camera
- Photogrammetry: senseFly Aeria X
- Thermal mapping: senseFly Duet T
- Agricultural surveys: MicaSense RedEdge-MX
- Lightweight multispectral camera: Parrot Sequoia+
- Linear Infrastructure: senseFly Corridor
The eBee X essentially offers a camera for every job. Survey and construction companies can fly virtually any site, regardless of how demanding the terrain, thanks to eBee X’s built-in Steep Landing technology, live air traffic data, and more.
Matrice 300 RTK
Max Flight Time: 55 min
Weight: 20 lbs
Estimated Cost: $13,200
The Matrice 300 RTK (M300 RTK) is the first DJI product to integrate modern aviation features, advanced AI capabilities, 6-Directional Sensing and Positioning System, a UAV health management system, and an impressive 55 minutes’ flight time. One of the most versatile drones for construction, the M300 RTK can support up to 3 payloads simultaneously. Three gimbals (one upward and two downward) give operators access to multiple layers of vision so they can capture wide-angle, zoom, and thermal views simultaneously.
The accompanying DJI Pilot app makes it more manageable to operate so many sensors at once—with just a few taps in the app, quickly switch between cameras or preview the zoom FOV on top of the wide-angle or thermal camera footage.
For drone mapping, the M300 RTK is most commonly purchased with either the Zenmuse P1 or Zenmuse L1. These camera payloads were designed specifically for aerial mapping and surveying. The P1 includes a high-sensitivity sensor that can take a photo every 0.7s during flight, providing extraordinary efficiency during photogrammetry projects. The L1 integrates a Lidar module, an RGB camera, and a high-accuracy IMU into a single payload, making it a powerhouse for aerial surveying.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
Best Drones for Construction Photography and Videography
Here are our top three drone choices for photography and videography on construction sites.
Mavic 2 Pro
Max Flight Time: 31 min
Weight: 2 lbs
Estimated Cost: $1,450
The Mavic 2 Pro is one of the most advanced camera drones for aerial photography. Its camera, co-engineered in partnership with Hasselblad, provides outstanding image quality for construction photography. The stabilized, 3-axis gimbal and 1” 20 MP CMOS sensor ensure clear photos, plus the incredibly cool intelligent flight modes make it easy to capture the exact perspective needed for any construction project. The autonomous flight capabilities are extremely beneficial on complex construction sites—10 sensors on all sides of the aircraft automatically detect obstacles in its path and help prevent collisions.
Another draw toward the Mavic 2 Pro for aerial photographers working on construction sites is the folding design that makes this compact drone small enough to carry around in a backpack. The Mavic 2 Pro also features redesigned elements that elevate it from the original Mavic Pro, including a more aerodynamic airframe that reduces body drag and enables faster flight speeds at speeds of (up to 44 mph in Sport mode). The Mavic 2 Pro also has a more efficient, quieter propulsion system and noise-reducing propellers.
Autel Evo 2
Max Flight Time: 40 min
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Estimated Cost: $1,495
The Autel EVO II stands out for its industry-leading video capabilities. It records in resolutions up to 7680×4320 for 8k video redefine image detail. The high resolution enables the ability to zoom deep into a scene, crop an image or video to 4k without any loss in quality. In construction, the details matter, so the Autel EVO II may be your best choice if your primary objective is to capture detailed video footage on the construction site.
For still shots, the Autel EVO II provides a 48 MP 1/2” CMOS sensor. This will likely meet the quality needs for most construction photography work, but if you need something with a stronger lens, try the Autel EVO II Pro. The Pro has all the same functionality as the EVO II, but with a more capable camera. The EVO II Pro has a 20 MP 1” CMOS sensor and was co-engineered with Sony to operate in low- and limited-lighting conditions. This is beneficial when photographing the interior of construction buildings that may not be hooked up to lighting utilities yet.
Inspire 2
Max Flight Time: 27 min
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Estimated Cost: $7,595 (w/ Zenmuse X7 camera package)
The Inspire 2 is a favorite among seasoned drone pilots since it takes on all the features of the classic Inspire 1 plus upgrades. Notably, the image processing system has been upgraded to CineCore2.1, recording video at up to 6K when used with Zenmuse X7 camera. This drone tends to be flown by experienced drone professionals working on commercial-grade projects. It has heavyweight durability and can withstand flying in stronger winds than smaller drones like the DJI Mavic or Autel Evo.
If you’re used to flying something more compact like the Mavic 2 Pro, then the bigger size and design of this drone may present a learning curve; however, it does have intelligent flight modes to make flight easier. And, don’t mistake its size for cumbersomeness; it goes from 0 to 50 mph in just 5 seconds.
Handling the Inspire 2 is a smooth experience for even inexperienced pilots thanks to forward and upward obstacle sensing. The upgraded video transmission system with dual signal frequency and dual-channel capabilities also improves camera operations. This enables the operator to stream video from an onboard FPV camera and the main camera simultaneously.
The Inspire 2 can be purchased on its own for payload customization or purchased as a bundle with one of two camera options—the Zenmuse X5S or Zenmuse X7.
Best Drones for Inspections
Here are our top three drone choices for inspections on construction sites.
Matrice 300 RTK Paired with H20 Zoom Camera
Max Flight Time: 55 min
Weight: 3 lbs
Estimated Cost: $16,850
One of the best drones for inspections is the Matrice 300 RTK paired with the Zenmuse H20 zoom camera. The H20 has a triple sensor with a 20MP, 23x Hybrid Optical Zoom Camera, a 12MP Wide Camera, and a Laser Range Finder covering distances from 3m-1200m.
“With the M300 RTK flying platform and the Zenmuse H20 camera series, we are providing a safer and smarter solution to our enterprise customers.”
- Christina Zhang, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy at DJI
During an inspection, the pilot should be able to focus primarily on capturing the best quality data, but they have to pay attention to the conditions of their surroundings as well since construction sites can be hazardous. That’s why DJI equipped the Matrice 300 RTK with additional safety features:
- AES-256 Encryption: for secure data transmission of the command & control uplink and video transmission downlink.
- AirSense (ADS-B technology): for enhanced airspace safety.
- Anti-Collision Beacon: for increased aircraft visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
- IP45 Protection Rating & Self-Heating Battery: for adverse weather conditions (-20 to 50° C).
- 6 Directional Sensing and Positioning System: offers a maximum detection range of up to 40 m horizontally, with options to customize the aircraft sensing behavior via DJI Pilot.
With all these safety features and smart inspection functions, it’s no surprise DJI calls this drone “an inspector’s dream tool.”
Matrice 210 V2 paired with Z30 Zoom Camera
Max Flight Time: 38 min
Weight: 12 lbs
Estimated Cost: $10,000
The DJI Matrice 210 V2 has three gimbals, a dual downward gimbal option as well as an upward-facing gimbal mount, for multiple payload capabilities. This flexibility can be incredibly helpful for inspections on construction sites where multiple layers of data are needed. For example, a Zenmuse Z30 and Zenmuse XT2 could be mounted together to get the maximum level of visual detail possible, while also gathering thermal data at the same time.
The Zenmuse Z30’s camera has a long-range zoom lens and captures 2MP photos and full HD at 1080p videos. While flying for inspection purposes, drone operators face the challenge of flying close enough to their subjects to get the level of detail they need while remaining at a safe distance (to prevent crashes). This is where the 30x optical zoom capabilities of the Zenmuse Z30 come in handy. The zoom capabilities allow for detailed inspection without getting too close to the subject.
The Matrice 210 V2 and the Zenmuse Z30 are both discontinued but can be purchased used/refurbished from many third-party drone retailers. This is a helpful option for budget-minded individuals as an alternative to the newest model, the DJI Matrice 300. The M210 is compatible with many of the same sensors as the M300 and also has the same three-gimbal setup.
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Mavic 2 Enterprise (Zoom)
Max Flight Time: 31 min
Weight: 2 lbs
Estimated Cost: $3,000
Some drones are designed with the flexibility to be used for work, creative, and hobby purposes. But that’s not the case with the Mavic 2 Enterprise, which was built specifically for commercial use. The Mavic 2 Enterprise is an ideal choice for construction companies that need a reliable tool for infrastructure inspections.
“...Mavic 2 Enterprise is the most compact, powerful, reliable and safe tool to help professionals integrate drones into their operations.”
- DJI President Roger Luo
Choosing the Right Construction Drone
We hope this list functions as a helpful resource when deciding which drone is right for your company. Choosing the right construction drone requires an understanding of the intended use and desired deliverables whether it’s producing an orthomosaic map of a construction site or capturing high-quality video footage for inspection purposes. Construction companies should also take into consideration their budget and the training requirements to operate a drone before purchasing a construction drone.
If you have any questions about buying a drone or hiring a drone pilot, don’t hesitate to contact one of our drone experts here at The Drone Life!
Next Steps: Getting Started with Drones in Construction
Implementing drones in your construction workflow can completely change your companies’ operations throughout the entire bidding, planning, and building process. The Drone Life specializes in partnering with construction and engineering companies to minimize pain points, increase profit margins, and ensure that projects are completed within deadline. Learn more about our solutions, completed projects, and pricing here.
For even more information about using drones in the construction industry download our completely free and value-packed PDF – Drones in Construction: The Ultimate Guide.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
