Why Regular Drone GPS Isn’t Enough

Most consumer drones rely on standard GPS, which is only accurate within 1–3 meters — not bad for casual flying, but nowhere near precise enough for serious mapping or inspections.

That level of drift can throw off:

• Roof measurements

• Volume calculations

• Site planning accuracy

• Alignment with CAD or satellite overlays

That’s where RTK and laser rangefinding step in.

What Is RTK and Why It Matters

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning dramatically increases drone accuracy — often to within 1–5 centimeters.

It works by:

• Correcting GPS signals in real-time using nearby ground stations or cellular correction networks

• Eliminating satellite drift errors

• Syncing image positions with extremely tight tolerances

This is critical for:

• Construction site mapping

• Accurate 3D models

• Pre-design planning

• Commercial roof measurements

📍 In Phoenix, RTK correction networks are widely available — making it easy to fly with extreme accuracy without a bulky base station.

What a Laser Rangefinder Adds

Laser rangefinders provide a direct distance-to-subject reading from the drone — useful for:

• Measuring distance to a roof, tower, or ground

• Confirming subject height or structure elevation

• Placing markers during inspections or mapping

On drones like the DJI Matrice 4T, rangefinder data is visible during flight and can be recorded with screen capture or logs.

Why This Matters for Clients

Clients in construction, roofing, telecom, and solar need more than pretty pictures — they need:

• Measurable results

• Confident planning data

• Repeatable accuracy

RTK and laser-equipped drones bring that to the table — and avoid costly measurement mistakes or revisits.

Need precise data that’s ready for reporting, CAD, or quoting?
Request a free quote from Arcoast — we deliver laser-calibrated drone mapping with accuracy.