Mavic 2 Pro and the Elevation issue

[queeg730]

Folks, rather than add to the current elevation thread (Incorrect EXIF GPS and Elevation), which is very specific, I thought I would ask the question here....
And this should also probably go into the PhantomPilots forum.

Considering that this M2P elevation issue doesn't seem like it is going away any time soon, and that I want to do mapping work, which depends on good elevations, what is the best approach?
I was thinking of using a Phantom 2 Pro in place of the M2P only for mapping, where decent elevations are required.
Technically, I can update the EXIF data fields using the MSL from the .DAT file, but that causes issues with some of the mapping software (even though the actual data is updated correctly).
It sees that the EXIF data has been changed in some way, and just rejects it.... I think this is to stop people trying to cheap it out by reducing the image resolution (though why would you do that?).....
I could also use GCPs, but that is a pain if I needed to use a lot.....

I do realise that the Phantom will not give me surveyor level accuracy on the Lat/Long/Elevations, but the M2P is just miles out!

So... is using the Phantom 2 Pro a good approach, for mapping, or will I have similar elevation issues, which would mean a waste of time and money..... maybe I need to go the whole hog and do the RTK thing, but that's expensive.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[AMann]

What type of mapping are you doing? Most programs can extrapolate elevation data from overlapping photos, or a good DEM and ground control.

For survey grade work, check out Emlid:

Reach M2

Reach M2 is GNSS/GPS unit with centimeter accuracy for RTK mapping with a drone. Buy RTK module online.

emlid.com

 

[Keule]

Either a P4RTK airframe or a Matrice 600 w. Klau PPK or M210RTK depending on accuracy/precision or type of work.

If you are doing it right, after a few jobs, you are reaching the ROI threshold.

(I’d been there, done that)

 

[queeg730]

Thanks AMann....
I will check out Emlid.... but there is nevertheless still an issue with the M2P.
I'm doing just basic ortho / cut&fill / DEM stuff ... some mapping software does indeed accept GCP realignment (others its on a pay-per-map basis, in addition to the software subscription), but I would much prefer to have some meaningful data in the actual native images the aircraft takes.... eg, rather than 55 metres below sea level, I would rather see something closer to the actual 2 metres above sea level...
I could probably get away with using the M2P, but it clearly is not the machine to do this sort of mapping.

 

[queeg730]

Either a P4RTK airframe or a Matrice 600 w. Klau PPK or M210RTK depending on accuracy/precision or type of work.

If you are doing it right, after a few jobs, you are reaching the ROI threshold.

(I’d been there, done that)

Thanks yet again Keule...
I do understand the ROI economics, but at this stage, I am only a startup, with a lot of technical knowledge, but not a lot of financial collateral, and no client work.
I am committed to doing good work, and have the capability to do deliver this (excepting the machine issue of course).
Once a few jobs come in, then for sure.... the RTK or Matrice etc will be a no-brainer, and I will be bolting to the supplier to get one, but at this early stage, if I rattle the can, there is no sound .....