Drone surveys have become a key tool for acquiring accurate topographic data in a short time. But to achieve professional-grade accuracy, you need a system capable of correcting GPS signal errors in real time. This is where the RTK base comes in. Until recently, these technologies were complex and reserved for expert surveyors. Today, however, thanks to intuitive solutions like ProTRACK, even less experienced professionals can easily achieve centimeter-level results. If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use RTK GPS, lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use RTK GPS, this guide will help you understand how ProTRACK works and why it’s the right choice for your drone surveys.
If you’re thinking of using a drone for topographic, photogrammetric, or agricultural surveys, you may have come across terms like RTK, GNSS base, differential corrections, or centimeter-level accuracy. And maybe you’ve asked yourself: “Do I really need all this equipment to do a good job?”
The answer is yes… but with good news: today there are lighter, more intuitive, and more accessible solutions, such as the ProTRACK system by Analist Group, which allows you to achieve professional precision even if you’re not a surveying expert.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step by step what an RTK base for DJI drones is, what it’s for, and how you can easily use it thanks to ProTRACK, a lightweight RTK GPS designed for quality surveys.
Why a drone alone isn’t enough for accurate surveys
The latest generation drones, such as the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK or the Matrice 350 RTK, are powerful tools: they take ultra-high-resolution photos, cover large areas, and allow you to create 3D terrain models, orthophotos, and digital maps.
However, there’s a limit: the standard GPS position received by the drone from satellites can have errors of several meters. That’s fine for a video or tourist photo, but for a survey with drone and GPS, it’s not accurate enough.
What is an RTK base and why you need it
To obtain centimeter-level coordinates, you need a system called RTK (Real-Time Kinematic). This system is based on two GNSS receivers:
- one onboard the drone (RTK rover)
- one fixed on the ground (RTK base)
The RTK base for DJI drones receives satellite signals and calculates the errors. These errors are then transmitted to the drone in real time, allowing it to correct its position during flight.
The advantage? The photos taken by the drone will already be perfectly georeferenced, without having to place dozens of ground control points (GCPs), saving you hours of post-processing work.
ProTRACK: the professional RTK base that simplifies everything
Traditionally, RTK bases are bulky, expensive, and difficult to configure. You need an expert technician to make them work properly.
With ProTRACK, everything changes.
ProTRACK is an affordable RTK GPS for surveys that combines centimeter-level precision, lightness, and ease of use. It was designed for those using DJI drones who want to get the most with the least effort.
Here’s what it lets you do:
- Place the base stably on a pole or with a magnetic mount
- Start transmitting corrections via Wi-Fi or NTRIP mobile network
- Control everything from your smartphone using the Analist Mobile app
- Work even offline by saving raw data for post-processing
- Use built-in batteries with up to 18 hours of autonomy
ProTRACK is therefore the ideal RTK base for DJI drones if you’re looking for precision and simplicity in the field.
How ProTRACK works with a DJI drone: step-by-step guide
- Place ProTRACK on a fixed point, clearly visible to the sky (preferably with known coordinates).
- Open the Analist Mobile app on your smartphone.
- Activate base mode and choose whether to send corrections via local or mobile network.
- Connect the DJI drone by entering the RTK server data in the controller (custom RTK).
- Start the flight: photos will be automatically saved with ultra-precise GNSS data.
This workflow allows you to complete a survey with drone and GPS in less time and with greater reliability.
Which DJI drones are compatible?
ProTRACK is already used as an RTK base for the main professional DJI drones:
- DJI Matrice 4E
- DJI Matrice 4T
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral
- DJI Phantom 4 RTK
- DJI Matrice 300 / 350 RTK
- Other models compatible with NTRIP or custom RTK
Why choose ProTRACK over other systems?
- No technician required: everything is configured via the app
- Lightweight and compact RTK GPS: easy to carry and install
- Save time: no GCPs, no post-processing
- Works offline: ideal for remote or rural areas
- Affordable RTK GPS: excellent value for money
Try it in the field: free demo or personalized consultation
If you want to better understand how to use ProTRACK with your drone, you can request a free demo or a consultation with an Analist Group expert. They will show you how to set it up, connect it to the drone, and manage the complete workflow: from flight to 3D model.
👉 Request your demo now at protrack.studio/it
In conclusion
With ProTRACK, accessing the precision of RTK technology is no longer a privilege reserved for experts. Even without advanced skills, you can perform drone and GPS surveys quickly, accurately, and effortlessly. Its compact design, app-based management, and affordable price make it the ideal lightweight and affordable RTK GPS for professionals and field operators seeking efficiency, quality, and simplicity in one solution.
