Base Station For Your Drone | How to Pick the Right One

If you are thinking of taking on survey-grade drone mapping, it becomes something much different, where you have to take into account different parameters. In high-precision workflows like construction, infrastructure inspection, or mining, people often use drones with RTK or PPK capabilities. But in either case, you are going to have to need a GNSS base station in your setup to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.

A GNSS base station is the key here, and picking the right one and pairing it with your drone is the key aspect. There are truly too many options to pick from, and to get the right one, or the specific one you need for your job, you have to consider various parameters.

Therefore, to help you find the right base station for your drone we have decided to explore this topic a bit further and come up with the exact things that you need to make the right decision. Basically, if you follow it or consider all the aspects, you have no chance of making the wrong decision.

Compatability

The starting point of you choosing a drone base station for your work is making sure that the two are compatible with each other. GNSS base stations come in two types - proprietary and third-party equipment. The proprietary ones are designed to work alongside specific brand types, which allow for seamless integration but don’t offer any flexibility. On the other hand, third-party receivers are designed to be used for multiple types of drones, as long as they support the proper correction formats and connection protocols.

So if you decide to go with a third-party receiver, here is what you need to look out for to make sure that the devices are compatible.

Correction format: Be sure that your drone supports RTCM3 messages, which is the standard for RTK corrections. Luckily, most modern types of drones support this type.
PPK log compatibility: If you are using PPK, be sure that your base station can record RINEX logs that are compatible. PPK can be a valuable second option to have, even if you are primarily using RTK.
Connection method: Make sure that you pick a drone that can send corrections over the internet via NTRIP and a direct local connection. It can be beneficial to have when surveying in remote sites where internet access is limited.
Presets for processing services: If you are using PPP services for your position, you can use a GNSS receiver with built-in presets for popular processing services. That way, you won’t have to worry about dealing with complicated configuration steps.
Easy configuration and software integration: Simply go for a base station that coincides with your existing workflow. That way, it should be able to smoothly integrate with your drone’s flight-planning tools but also be compatible with third-party post-processing platforms.

Versatility

If we are talking about a versatile GNSS receiver, then it means that it also has to offer more than just drone corrections. It would be wise to pick one that works both as a GNSS base and a rover. That would mean that with the same type of device, you can not do only RTK drone flights, but also use it to collect ground control points, topographic surveys, or even staking out.

However, versatility also means compatibility. For that reason, picking a third-party receiver instead of a proprietary one would allow you to connect it to multiple different types of drones if you have a fleet of them. Third-party receivers are a smarter long-term investment, and with a flexible GNSS receiver, it streamlines your gear setup and allows you to grow your business.

Rugged Design

Make sure that the setup you are using is capable of withstanding the field conditions in which you are working. Drone operations are usually done in challenging environments. So, for that reason, you have to pick a GNSS base station that can withstand both high temperatures and tough working conditions.

When making a choice, be sure that you get the device that can work properly even in high temperatures. Also, a reliable base station should offer a long battery life for expanded fieldwork. Ideally, you would want a receiver that operates 10+ hours on a single charge. Alternatively, make sure that it has an option to recharge it from a power bank if needed.

With these features, you will ensure that your drone base station works reliably, no matter if you are working on a construction site, agricultural fields, or any other type of hazardous environment.

Fast Forkflow

Go for a base station that is easy to set up. You don’t want to lose time on setting up everything when you can do it fast and be ready to start working. Go for a setup that you are not going to waste time troubleshooting with, but instead with one that you can simply set up in just a few clicks.

We suggest looking for the following qualities in your base station for drone.

An intuitive mobile app: This type of app allows you to start logging in data and sending it in a matter of minutes.
Minimal configuration steps: Go for the type that has presets for processing services and simplified RTK/PPK settings. That way, you don’t have to adjust any parameters manually.
Guided workflows: Having guided video tutorials along with the device can help a lot. These types of resources will halve your setup time.

Price

The biggest question when it comes to price is being able to balance cost and performance. Proprietary base station for drones are cheaper, but only at first glance. Determining the entire cost of ownership is where the differences can truly be seen. You have to look past the price of the receiver and consider additional factors that come in.

Access to RTK correction services
Software subscriptions
Extra devices needed for additional tasks

You can easily get a universal GNSS receiver that comes at a higher upfront cost, but it will also provide you with flexibility, allow you to replace multiple tools, and allow you to use it across different GNSS drone models. Basically, with that type of setup you get more value in the long run.

Choosing the Right GNSS Station

Feature	Third-party base stations	Proprietary base
Compatibility	Compatible with various drone types	Works only with same drone brands
RTK & PPK Support	RTK supported while PPK depends on the receiver model	Supports RTK, but may come with limited PPK
Connection methods	Most models support NTRIP connection	Limited to the manufacturer’s ecosystem
Versatility	Some models can act as rovers, but usually need added software or accessories	Used primarily as a base for the drone
Ease of setup	Multiple steps required to set up	Desinged for plug-and-play within the manufacturer’s ecosystem
Battery life	Usually 9–15 hours	Usually 8–10 hours
Temperature resistance	May be suitable for harsh environments	May be suitable for harsh environments
Total cost of ownership	High upfront price	Affordable price

FAQs

For added questions, check the answers below.

Why is a GNSS base station essential for survey-grade drone mapping?

A GNSS base station is crucial for achieving centimeter-level accuracy in survey-grade drone mapping. It works by receiving the same satellite signals as your drone, calculating errors in these signals, and then transmitting real-time (RTK) or post-processed (PPK) corrections to the drone. This correction process allows for highly precise positioning data.

What's the main difference between proprietary and third-party GNSS base stations?

Proprietary base stations are designed to work exclusively with specific drone brands, offering seamless integration. However, they lack flexibility. Third-party receivers are more versatile, compatible with multiple drone types as long as they support the necessary correction formats and connection protocols. While proprietary options might seem cheaper upfront, third-party receivers often offer more long-term value and flexibility.

What is NTRIP, and why is it important for drone surveying?

NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) is a communication protocol that enables the distribution of real-time GNSS correction data over the internet. It allows your drone and base station to receive corrections from a network of reference stations (CORS) or from your own base station via an internet connection. This is crucial for achieving high accuracy and can be more convenient than a direct radio link in some scenarios.

What are RTK and PPK, and why are both important for drone surveying?

RTK is a method that provides real-time corrections to the drone during flight, offering immediate centimeter-level accuracy. It requires a stable connection between the base station and the drone.

PPK corrections are applied to the drone's data after the flight. PPK is more resilient to signal interruptions during the flight, as it doesn't rely on a constant real-time connection. Having PPK capability serves as a valuable backup, even if you primarily use RTK. Both methods significantly reduce the need for extensive ground control points (GCPs).