Development of a Methodology for the Integrated Use of RTK and Non-RTK Drones to Optimize Surveying Monitoring

This study presents integrated methodology for using RTK and non-RTK UAV systems in open-pit mining surveying. Three experiments were performed using DJI Mavic 3E RTK and DJI Mini 3 Pro drones at an altitude of 61.5 m with an overlap of 80%×75% over identical sites. A network of 12 precisely located control points allowed for a comparative assessment of the accuracy between RTK+GCP, non-RTK+GCP, and RTK-only configurations. Statistical analysis using multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significance of the positioning technology for survey accuracy. The RTK system achieved RMS errors of 2.88-5.23 cm versus 17.27-22.94 cm for non-RTK systems, representing a 5-6-fold increase in accuracy. This comparison demonstrates that RTK without ground control points maintains comparable accuracy (5.23 cm) to RTK with control points (4.45 cm), while reducing operating costs by 84%. Analysis of camera position accuracy showed an accuracy of 2.04-2.06 cm RMS regardless of the use of control points. These results confirm that RTK methodology is cost-effective for standard surveying, achieving geodetic-grade accuracy without traditional field support infrastructure. The methodology allows for continuous monitoring of mining operations while reducing costs and increasing accuracy.