DJI Enterprise recently unveiled the all-new DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station, setting a new benchmark in GNSS technology for professional drone operations.
Building on the robust foundation of the D-RTK 2, the D-RTK 3 introduces significant upgrades, including enhanced satellite compatibility, improved phase-center accuracy, and versatile operational modes designed to meet the rigorous demands of industries such as surveying, mapping, public safety, and construction.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key upgrades of the DJI D-RTK 3 over its predecessor, delving into advanced features and performance. We’ll also examine a variety of use cases that demonstrate how D-RTK 3 can optimize precision and efficiency in real-world applications.
Whether you’re a professional surveyor, drone mapping specialist, or in emergency response operations, learn how the DJI D-RTK 3 can help you with high-precision data collection.
Key Features of the DJI D-RTK 3
The DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station introduces several enhancements that address the evolving needs of professional surveying and mapping use cases. Compared to the D-RTK 2, the D-RTK 3 offers significant advancements that provide more robust and versatile solutions for precision drone tasks.
Centimeter-Level Precision
The D-RTK 3 is equipped with advanced air dielectric antennas that deliver millimeter-level phase-center accuracy, an improvement over the centimeter-level accuracy of the D-RTK 2. This precision is achieved through support for five global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) operating across 19 frequency points. Such extensive satellite compatibility ensures reliable and accurate positioning in diverse environments, whether in densely built urban areas or remote, challenging terrains.
Three Operational Modes
Broadcast Mode
Broadcast Mode enables the D-RTK 3 to provide centimeter-level positioning data to multiple drones simultaneously without the need for additional configuration, similar to the D-RTK 2. However, the D-RTK 3 enhances this capability by supporting a broader range of DJI drones and offering improved signal stability over longer distances.
Relay Mode
Relay Mode extends the operational range of drones, making it particularly useful in environments with significant signal obstructions, such as urban landscapes with tall buildings or remote areas with natural barriers. Building on the D-RTK 2’s Relay Mode, the D-RTK 3 offers enhanced obstruction sensing and real-time signal optimization, ensuring continuous communication between the drone and the remote controller over extended distances.
Rover Mode
A new addition in the D-RTK 3, Rover Mode transforms the station into a portable ground control point collector. This mode incorporates tilt compensation, allowing for accurate data collection even when the rover pole is not perfectly vertical—a feature absent in the D-RTK 2. Rover Mode streamlines the process of gathering ground control points, which are essential for high-precision mapping and surveying tasks.
Seamless Integration with DJI Ecosystem
With support for five major GNSS systems and 19 frequency points, the D-RTK 3 offers superior satellite tracking capabilities compared to the D-RTK 2’s three GNSS systems with fewer frequency points. This broad compatibility not only improves positioning accuracy but also enhances signal stability, reducing the likelihood of interruptions during critical operations.
Advanced Filtering Antenna Design
The specialized filtering antenna in the D-RTK 3 effectively manages multi-path interference and maintains reliable tracking of low-elevation satellites, an enhancement over the D-RTK 2’s antenna design. This ensures consistent performance even in environments with significant signal reflections or obstructions, further contributing to the station’s precision and reliability.
Feature Comparison: DJI D-RTK 3 vs. D-RTK 2
| Feature | DJI D-RTK 3 | DJI D-RTK 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GNSS Systems Supported | 5 (19 frequency points) | 3 (limited frequency points) |
| Operational Modes | Broadcast, Relay, Rover | Broadcast, Relay |
| Phase-Center Accuracy | Millimeter-level | Centimeter-level |
| Drone Compatibility | Matrice 4 Series, Matrice 300 RTK, Mavic 3 Enterprise | Matrice 2 Series, limited newer models |
| Tilt Compensation (Rover Mode) | Yes | No |
| Integration with DJI Terra | Seamless | Limited |
Industry Use Cases for D-RTK 3
The DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station is designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals across multiple industries. Its enhanced precision, expanded satellite compatibility, and versatile operational modes make it a valuable tool for various applications. Below are some key industry use cases that demonstrate how the D-RTK 3 can optimize precision and efficiency in real-world scenarios.
Surveying and Mapping
- Land Development and Earthworks: The centimeter-level accuracy of the D-RTK 3 ensures precise measurements and data collection, which are critical for planning and executing land development projects.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Accurate mapping facilitates comprehensive assessments of environmental changes and impacts, supporting informed decision-making.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
- Disaster Assessment and Recovery: Rapid and precise data collection enables swift assessment of disaster-affected areas, supporting efficient response and recovery operations.
- Accident Scene Reconstruction: High-precision mapping provides accurate documentation of accident scenes, aiding in investigations and legal processes.
Construction
- Progress Monitoring and As-Built Surveys: Continuous and precise monitoring ensures that construction projects stay on track and meet quality standards.
- Infrastructure Inspection: Enhanced positioning accuracy facilitates thorough inspections of infrastructure, ensuring safety and longevity.
Forestry and Conservation
- Wildfire Zone Mapping: Accurate mapping supports effective wildfire management and response strategies, enhancing safety and resource allocation.
- Biodiversity and Growth Monitoring: High-precision data collection enables comprehensive monitoring of natural landscapes, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable management.
Drone Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration
D-RTK 3 is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of DJI enterprise drones and software solutions, creating a cohesive ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency and data accuracy. This compatibility ensures that professionals can leverage the full capabilities of their drone fleets while maintaining streamlined workflows from data collection to post-processing.
Supported DJI Drone Models and Operational Modes
| Operational Mode | Supported Drone Models |
|---|---|
| Relay Mode | Matrice 4 Enterprise (M4E), Matrice 4T (M4T), and subsequent models |
| Base Station Mode (Full Functions) | Matrice 4 Enterprise (M4E), Matrice 4T (M4T), and subsequent models |
| Base Station Mode (*Basic Functions) |
Enterprise: Matrice 3D/3TD, Matrice 300 RTK/Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 30 Series, Mavic 3 Enterprise Series Agriculture: T50/T25, T40/T20P, and DJI FlyCart 30 Professional Filmmaking: DJI Inspire 3 |
| Rover Mode | Any device supporting Bluetooth 5.1. Compatible with Android 9 and above systems |
*Basic functions in Base Station Mode refer to the support for only manual input of coordinates to the D-RTK 3.
Seamless Integration with DJI Terra and Enterprise App
DJI Terra
Facilitates the creation of detailed maps and 3D models from aerial data. The D-RTK 3 allows for direct data import, real-time processing with PPK and RTK workflows, and automated coordinate conversion, streamlining the transition from data collection to analysis.
DJI Enterprise App
Serves as a central hub for managing drone operations and equipment settings. It provides a unified control interface for the D-RTK 3, enabling easy mode switching, ground control point (GCP) management, and seamless firmware updates.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station is priced at an MSRP of $1,699, with availability information coming soon. Designed to deliver advanced precision and versatility, the D-RTK 3 meets the demanding requirements of professional applications in surveying, mapping, public safety, construction, and more.
For any other questions about the D-RTK 3, including a comprehensive FAQ, click here.
