How to survey with a drone: full workflow with an all-in-one solution [Video]
Complete drone survey with Wingtra—start to finish
This step-by-step guide and video walk you through how to survey with a drone using the Wingtra platform—covering everything from flight planning to CAD/GIS-ready data.
If you’re ready to bring drone efficiency into your surveying work or want to streamline an existing drone workflow, this guide will show you how to complete a precise photogrammetry survey with geo-referenced outputs using Wingtra’s full surveying solution.
In the video, Dylan Gorman—a drone technology expert focused on commercial applications—guides you through the process with clear, practical steps. From planning and setup to flight and data processing, Dylan shares how to achieve survey-grade results using a fully integrated system.
Dylan is demonstrating the workflow using standard published coordinate systems. If you want to see an advanced workflow with a custom local coordinate system, watch this video.
Equipment you’ll need
- WingtraOne GEN II or WingtraRAY drone
- WingtraGROUND GNSS base and rover kit
- WingtraCLOUD software for planning, flying, data processing and sharing
1. Plan your survey area
Create your site and define your area
Every successful survey starts with solid planning. With WingtraCLOUD, you can define your flight plan from the office or directly in the field. Open the app, zoom to your location, and draw the area you want to map. Name your site, confirm the coordinate system, and you’re set.
Set up your flight mission
Choose your payload (like the MAP61 camera), define flight altitude and image overlap. WingtraCLOUD adjusts settings automatically based on your payload and includes built-in safety tools like geofencing and smart takeoff zones.
2. Set up the GNSS base station
Use a known survey point
For survey-grade accuracy, place your GNSS base station over a known point such as a survey monument.
Start logging correction data
Level your tripod, input coordinates in the app, and begin logging. WingtraCLOUD takes care of the rest from there.
3. Mark and measure checkpoints
Place aerial targets across the site
These act as control points to verify and enhance map accuracy.
Measure targets with the rover
Position the GNSS rover on each target, level it, and record its location via WingtraCLOUD. Pins appear on the map in real time. A minimum of two is required, but five is recommended for best results.
4. Fly the drone mission
Run pre-flight checks
Power on WingtraOne, insert batteries, and open WingtraCLOUD. The app walks you through a quick hardware and flap test.
Launch and let it fly
Tap “start” and the drone will launch, complete the mission, and land automatically—no manual piloting needed.
5. Sync your field data
Upload correction logs
After the flight, stop base station logging and let WingtraCLOUD wirelessly sync all data. No cables or manual file transfers required.
6. Process your drone survey
Upload images and checkpoints
Insert the drone’s SD card back at your workstation. Open your project in WingtraCLOUD. All logs and checkpoints are already loaded. Upload the images, select GCPs, and start processing.
Get survey-grade outputs fast
WingtraCLOUD generates orthomosaics, DSMs, and point clouds.
7. Visualize your results
Explore in 2D or 3D
Review orthomosaics and point clouds directly in WingtraCLOUD’s viewer.
Download or share
Export your deliverables or send a project link. Collaborate easily with clients and team members using comments.
Wingtra’s step-by-step system shows how to survey with a drone using tools designed for precision and ease of use.
You bring the survey expertise—Wingtra provide the hardware, workflow, and cloud processing to streamline everything from field to CAD/GIS-ready deliverables.
FAQ: drone surveying with Wingtra
Do I need a pilot’s license to fly the WingtraOne for surveys?
Yes, in most countries you need a certification or license to fly drones commercially. Check your local aviation authority (e.g., FAA in the U.S.).
Can I use my own GNSS base station instead of WingtraGROUND?
Yes. WingtraCLOUD accepts correction data from third-party base stations if they output in RINEX format.
How accurate is the final output?
With proper ground control points and GNSS corrections, Wingtra’s workflow can achieve 3 cm (0.1 ft) vertical accuracy.
Is Wingtra data compatible with other post-processing platforms?
Yes. You can export geotagged images to process in other software like Pix4D, Metashape, or Trimble Business Center.
Can I fly in hilly or mountainous terrain?
Yes. WingtraCLOUD includes terrain-following capabilities to maintain consistent altitude above ground.
What’s the battery life and coverage per flight?
One flight can cover up to 460 ha (1140acres) at 2.7 cm/px GSD in optimal conditions. Flight time is up to 59 minutes per charge.
What if I lose connection with the drone mid-flight?
If connection is lost, it will return to the takeoff point automatically after a user-defined timeout.
Is internet access required in the field?
No, you don’t need internet to fly or log GNSS data in the field. However, internet is required before the flight (e.g., in the office) to download base maps for planning, and after the flight to sync GNSS logs to the cloud.
Can I reprocess data if I find issues later?
Yes. You can reprocess projects anytime in WingtraCLOUD. All original data remains accessible.