In relation to drone surveys, accuracy and reliability in positioning information are vital. Lately, we had the chance to check the brand new Emlid Attain RS4 Professional base station paired with the Pilotless (3DroneMapping R&D) BESSIE VTOL drone. As longtime supporters of Emlid’s survey merchandise, we have been desperate to see how the RS4 Professional would carry out in real-world situations, particularly as a possible improve from the older Attain RS3 models.
Our check centered on a 30-hectare web site geared up with 50 everlasting floor management factors. The BESSIE drone, with its 3.4-meter wingspan, was fitted with a MNM LiDAR system and a 102MP digital camera. We synchronized these sensors with an Emlid M2 PPK information recorder to seize exact positioning information for each LiDAR and photogrammetry workflows. Right here’s what we discovered.
Why the Emlid Attain RS4 Professional Stands Out
The Attain RS4 Professional brings a number of enhancements that make it a powerful candidate for drone survey purposes:
- Up to date GNSS chipset and antenna: This helps each GNSS constellation and sign frequency, together with the newer L5 and L6 bands.
- Excessive satellite tv for pc lock: The RS4 Professional can lock onto over 40 satellites concurrently utilizing 672 channels.
- Resistance to multipath and interference: That is essential for sustaining information high quality in difficult environments.
- Constructed-in long-range radio: Hurries up setting out floor management factors within the area.
These options translate into higher information high quality and quicker area operations, that are important for surveyors and engineers working in distant or rural areas.



Discipline Testing with the BESSIE VTOL Drone
We selected the BESSIE VTOL drone for this check due to its versatility and payload capability. The drone carried a MNM LiDAR system and a high-resolution digital camera, each synchronized with the Emlid M2 PPK information recorder. Though the M2 unit has not but been up to date to the newest chipset, the outcomes have been spectacular.
Through the flight over our 30-hectare check web site, the LiDAR information confirmed an accuracy higher than 25 millimeters when in comparison with the bottom management factors. The PPK processing persistently delivered 10-millimeter accuracy, even with interior-orientation restricted bundle changes in photogrammetry. This stage of precision is greater than ample for a lot of engineering and surveying initiatives.

Advantages for Photogrammetry and LiDAR Workflows
Utilizing the RS4 Professional together with the BESSIE drone and MNM LiDAR system provides a number of sensible benefits:
- Improved information high quality: The RS4 Professional’s superior GNSS capabilities guarantee high-quality positioning information for each LiDAR and photogrammetry.
- Sooner setup: The built-in long-range radio reduces the time wanted to ascertain floor management factors.
- Future-proof expertise: Assist for all GNSS constellations and frequencies means the system will stay related as satellite tv for pc expertise evolves.
- Compact and moveable: The RS4 Professional’s small kind issue makes it simple to hold and deploy in distant areas.
These advantages make the RS4 Professional a helpful instrument for surveyors working in difficult environments, akin to rural Africa, the place dependable and environment friendly fieldwork is important.



Trying Forward
The Emlid Attain RS4 Professional has confirmed itself as a dependable and exact base station for drone surveys involving LiDAR and photogrammetry. Its superior GNSS expertise and sensible options make it a powerful alternative for older models just like the Attain RS3 or Attain RS2. With constant sub-25mm accuracy in LiDAR information and 10mm PPK outcomes, it meets the calls for {of professional} surveyors and engineers.
For these working in distant or rural areas, the RS4 Professional’s portability, lengthy battery life, and sturdy satellite tv for pc reception make it a reliable selection. We plan to proceed integrating this expertise into our workflows and suggest it to others trying to enhance their drone survey accuracy and effectivity.
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