FAQs
 

GENERAL

PRODUCT

1.How does the Phantom 4 RTK differ from previous Phantom Series products?

While previous Phantom series drones were built around professional photographers and hobbyists, the Phantom 4 RTK was designed for industrial users for high-precision mapping and other data acquisition missions. While the Phantom 4 RTK shares a similar camera and form size, it also adds a RTK positioning module, a new TimeSync system, a purpose-built mapping app and more.

2.What propellers does the Phantom 4 RTK use?

The Phantom 4 RTK uses the same 9450s Quick Release Propellers as the Phantom 4 Pro.

3.Can I fly the Phantom 4 RTK in other countries or regions?

No, the Phantom 4 RTK has specific versions for different countries and/or regions. Users can check the version code on the product packaging or through the GS RTK app (go to Aircraft Information -> Firmware).


CAMERA

1.What is the difference between the Phantom 4 RTK's camera and the camera on the Phantom 4 Advanced/Pro?

While the Phantom 4 RTK and Phantom 4 Pro/Advanced share the same 1-inch, 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, the Phantom 4 RTK has improved the capabilities of the camera for mapping through a new lens distortion recording process. Each Phantom 4 RTK camera goes through a calibration process that measures the distortions of the lens, and records the corresponding undistort parameters. The camera allows users to output the original images without distortion correction as well as the undistort parameters in the XMP file for post-processing

2.Can the ND filter of the Phantom 4 Pro be used on the Phantom 4 RTK?

Yes, the ND filters made for the Phantom 4 Pro can also be used for the Phantom 4 RTK.

3.Does the Phantom 4 RTK camera digital signal processor (DSP) support distortion correction?

No, you can enable the distortion correction in the camera but the images will be less precise compared to distortion elimination in post-processing software.

4.How is the Phantom 4 RTK camera calibrated?

Each Phantom 4 RTK camera goes through a calibration process that measures the distortions of the lens, and records the corresponding undistort parameters in XMP DewarpData. When the “distortion correction” is switched off, the original image with distortion will be generated. When the “distortion correction” is switched on, the parameters used to eliminate distortion is not the parameters calibrated, but the design parameters of the camera. When eliminating the distortions, it is not done pixel by pixel.


REMOTE CONTROLLER

1.What are the highlight features for the standard remote controller of the Phantom 4 RTK?

1.Built-in 5.5-inch display, 1080P, up to 1000 nits brightness. You can see the screen in strong sunlight. The controller can work in low temperatures.
2.Supports hot swappable batteries. 
3.Pre-installed GS RTK App can run Photogrammetry, Waypoint and other mission types.
4.OcuSync video transmission.

2.How can I switch between FCC and CE modes?

FCC and CE mode switching is not available.

3.Can I connect the Phantom 4 RTK to other Phantom series controllers?

No.


VIDEO TRANSMISSION

1.What is the video transmission distance of the Phantom 4 RTK?

The effective video transmission distance depends on your method of operation (such as the antenna position) and actual flight environment. In an open and unobscured environment, the maximum distance is 7 km when FCC compliant, and 5 km when CE compliant. (2.4 GHz).

2.What should I do if the app sends me the following notification: "the remote controller signal is weak, please adjust the antenna"?

This means that improper antenna positioning is likely affecting the video transmission signal, and therefore the quality of the real-time view. You can try to adjust the antennas so the flat sides of the antenna point towards the Phantom 4 RTK.

3.Can I continue my automated mapping mission if the Phantom 4 RTK loses video transmission signal during its mission?

Yes, if the video transmission signal is lost, you can reconnect and continue the mapping mission.


BATTERY

1.Can I use my Phantom 4 Pro batteries with the Phantom 4 RTK and vice versa?

Yes, the Phantom 4 RTK and Pro batteries are cross compatible and have the same capacity, meaning flight time won't be effected.

2.How long does it take to fully charge a Phantom 4 RTK battery?

It takes roughly 60 minutes to fully charge a Phantom 4 RTK battery.

3.How should I take care and store my batteries?

Batteries should be stored in a dry, ventilated, cool environment, away from fire, high temperature and flammable materials.Do not put the battery in an environment that may cause the battery temperature to rise, such as in the sun, or under the direct sunlight inside your car.Long-term storage should ensure that the amount of electricity is more than 50% but not fully charged. The battery should be charged and discharged to maintain the battery activity every 3 month for long-term storage.

4.What does it mean when the battery icon turns yellow in the app?

This means the voltage of the battery cell is low and should be charged soon. Please be cautious when flying under this situation.

5.Can I use Phantom 4 RTK batteries in low temperatures?

The battery capacity (and therefore flight time) will sharply decrease in low temperatures (< -10℃/14℉). It is recommended to heat the batteries to 20℃/68℉ before flying to limit this effect. For flight safety, the battery cannot be charged when the temperature is below 5℃/41℉ or above 40℃/104℉.

6.Why do batteries start to heat up after long-term storage?

This is a normal phenomenon. When batteries have been stored for a long time with over 65% of the charge remaining, an automatic discharging procedure is activated to decrease battery level to 65%, during which the batteries will heat up.


POSITION AND ORIENTATION

1.What options do I have to reference the positioning data from the Phantom 4 RTK?

1. Connect locally via OcuSync to your D-RTK 2 Mobile Station. (RTCM3.2)
2. Connect remotely via a 4G Dongle to a custom RTK network using a NTRIP account.(RTCM3.2)
3. Connect remotely via a WiFi hotspot to a custom RTK network using a NTRIP account. Not available in Europe.(RTCM3.0/RTCM3.1/RTCM3.2)

2.What positioning accuracy can the Phantom 4 RTK achieve?

The Phantom 4 RTK can achieve 1 cm+1 ppm (horizontal), 1.5 cm + 1 ppm (vertical) accurate data.

3.What is TimeSync and how does it ensure the positioning accuracy of each image taken on the Phantom 4 RTK?

TimeSync continually aligns the flight controller, camera and RTK module, then adjusts the positioning data to the center of the CMOS and records the data in EXIF and XMP format.

4.What are the differences between PPK and RTK mode? How to use them?

RTK and PPK are two different kinematics technologies that reference data in different ways. Although PPK generally has slightly higher positioning accuracy than RTK, both achieve centimeter-level precision. RTK is recommended for users flying in environments that allow for real-time connection via OcuSync or 4G and prefer convenience and efficiency. For users who have no demand on timeliness and/or need to operate in conditions without connectivity, PPK is a better option.

5.Which PPK file types does the Phantom 4 RTK support? What are these files for and how do I use them?

EVENTLOG.bin is a binary format that stores exposure, time stamp and log file.
PPKRAW.bin is an RTCM3.2 MSM5 format that stores satellite observation data and ephemeris data.
Rinex.obs is a Rinex file format that is created after transcoding.
Timestamps.MRK is a ASCII format that stores exposure and time stamp.
*DJI does not provide any PPK software.

6.How do I find the XMP information of my Phantom 4 RTK photos?

Open the photo in text format and search "XMP" to find this information on each photo.

7.When I take a photo with the Phantom 4 RTK, where is the location metadata logging the position from?

Due to the new TimeSync system, each photo stores the position of the CMOS center in its metadata.

8.How can I get the compensation value between the antenna phase center and CMOS center?

For each photo, the compensation value between the RTK module's antenna phase center and the CMOS center in NED coordinate system is recorded in the timestamp. MRK file under a folder named “survey”.


SOFTWARE

1.How do I update the Phantom 4 RTK firmware?

The Phantom 4 RTK firmware upgrade process is similar to that of the Phantom 4 Pro. Using the DJI Assistant 2 software, you can update the remote controller and aircraft firmware separately .
You can also update the drone and remote controller simultaneously through the GS RTK app. First you connect the remote controller to the aircraft with OTG and USB cables, then follow the procedures explained in the remote controller's GS RTK app.

2.In what situations are the left/right TOF and infrared sensors active?

Currently the left/right TOF and infrared sensors are not active, so please fly with caution.

3.What apps have mapping or inspection function?

Users can use the pre-installed GS RTK app for mapping or inspection missions. Additionally, users can install apps built on DJI's Mobile SDK.

4.Does the Phantom 4 RTK's return to home logic differ from that of the Phantom 4 Pro?

No.The RTH logics in both aircrafts are almost the same.

5.What mapping platform is being used to provide map data to the Phantom 4 RTK app?

Mapbox is used to provide map data to the GS RTK app.

6.Are there any limitations to the Phantom 4 RTK's waypoints?

There is no limitation when using the GS RTK App.

7.Can I set waypoints by entering longitude and latitude values when using Waypoint mode?

No.

8.Does the GS RTK app have 3D flight path planning functions?

No.

9.When importing KML area files with the GS RTK app, what is the maximum number of boundary points that I can set?

Currently the GS RTK app supports up to 99 boundary points through KML files.


MAPPING

1.What formats of differential data does the Phantom 4 RTK support?

Currently the Phantom 4 RTK supports RTCM 3.0 data, RTCM 3.1 data, MSM4,MSM5, MSM6 and MSM7 data under RTCM3.2.

2.Are the coordinates measured by the Phantom 4 RTK relative coordinates or absolute coordinates?

The coordinates measured by the Phantom 4 RTK are absolute coordinates under WGS84.

3.How do I calculate an appropriate flight altitude based on a GSD value?

You can refer to the equation H=36*GSD to estimate an appropriate flight altitude. Please note that GSD ground sampling distance in this equation is measured by centimeters, while H (Height or flight altitude) is measured by meters. For example, GSD=2.74 cm, when altitude=100 m.

4.Do images captured by the Phantom 4 RTK store altitude any information? If so, how is this data stored?

Elevation and relative altitude (relative to your takeoff point) are stored in photos captured by the Phantom 4 RTK. Absolute altitude can be used for mapping, and relative altitude can be found in the XMP file.

5.How can I capture oblique photography when using the Phantom 4 RTK?

Oblique imagery can be captured while flying in the Photogrammetry mode on the GS RTK app. In the Photogrammetry mode, you can adjust gimbal angle from -90 °to -45° under Camera Settings for your flight plan.You can only set one gimbal angle value at a time, so for sites where you want to capture multiple angles you can plan the same mission and just adjust the camera angle.

6.Can I create a 3D model or point cloud with third-party software using the images captured by the Phantom 4 RTK? If yes, what is the accuracy of the model created?

Yes, you can use third-party software to process Phantom 4 RTK image data and create models, however the accuracy will vary based on the photogrammetric algorithm used. Please refer to the third-party software provider for more information on expected accuracy.

7.When there are no Ground Control Points (GCPs), what is the accuracy of the model that the Phantom 4 RTK data can make? Can the accuracy meet the requirements of 1:500 scale aerial triangulation?

The orthoimages created with the images captured by the Phanton 4 RTK and select reconstruction software have shown an absolute accuracy of roughly 5 cm, while the accuracy required in 1:500 scale aerial triangulation is less than 30 cm. This means the Phantom 4 RTK's accuracy meets the requirements of 1:500 scale aerial maps.

8.Is the Phantom 4 RTK compatible with third-party base stations?

No, you cannot connect third-party base stations to the Phantom 4 RTK or the remote controller via a radio station. However, you can obtain data from a network RTK server via Ntrip protocol in 4G/Wi-Fi network environment. Satellite observation data can also be saved in the aircraft for users to conduct post processed kinematics (PPK) to complete their tasks.

Takeoff Weight

1391 g

Diagonal Distance

350 mm

Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level

19685 ft (6000 m)

Max Ascent Speed

6 m/s (automatic flight); 5 m/s (manual control)

Max Descent Speed

3 m/s

Max Speed

31 mph (50 kph)(P-mode)
36 mph (58 kph)(A-mode)

Max Flight Time

Approx. 30 minutes

Operating Temperature Range

32° to 104° F (0° to 40℃)

Operating Frequency

2.400 GHz to 2.483 GHz (Europe, Japan, Korea)
5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz (United States, China)

Transmission Power (EIRP)

2.4 GHz
CE (Europe) / MIC (Japan) / KCC (Korea) ：< 20 dBm
5.8 GHz
SRRC（China） / FCC（United States）/NCC(Taiwan,China)：< 26 dBm

Hover Accuracy Range

RTK enabled and functioning properly：
Vertical：±0.1 m；Horizontal：±0.1 m 

RTK disabled
Vertical：±0.1 m（with vision positioning ）；
±0.5 m（with GNSS positioning）
Horizontal：±0.3 m（with vision positioning）;
±1.5 m（with GNSS positioning

Image Position Offset

The position of the camera center is relative to the phase center of the onboard D-RTK antenna under the aircraft body's axis:(36, 0, and 192 mm) already applied to the image coordinates in Exif data. The positive x, y, and z axes of the aircraft body point to the forward, rightward, and downward of the aircraft, respectively.

Mapping Accuracy **

Ground Sample Distance(GSD)

(H/36.5) cm/pixel，
H means the aircraft altitude relative to shooting scene (unit: m)

Data Acquisition Efficiency

Max operating area of approx. 1 km² for a single flight(at an altitude of 182 m, i.e., GSD is approx. 5 cm/pixel, meeting the requirements of the ASPRS Accuracy Standards for Digital Orthophotos Class Ⅲ

VISION SYSTEM

Velocity Range

≤31 mph(50 kph) at 6.6 ft(2 m) above ground with adequate lighting

Altitude Range

0-33 ft(0 - 10 m)

Operating Range

0-33 ft(0 - 10 m)

Obstacle Sensing Range

2-98 ft(0.7-30 m)

FOV

Forward/Rear: 60° (horizontal), ±27° (vertical)
Downward: 70° (front and rear), 50° (left and right)

Measuring Frequency

Forward/Rear：10 Hz; 
Downward： 20 Hz

Operating Environment

Surfaces with clear patterns and adequate lighting(＞ 15 lux)

CAMERA

Sensor

1" CMOS; Effective pixels: 20 M

Lens

FOV 84°；8.8 mm / 24 mm(35 mm format equivalent:24 mm)；
f/2.8 - f/11, auto focus at 1 m - ∞

ISO Range

Video:100-3200(Auto)
100-6400(Manual)；

Photo:100-3200(Auto)
100-12800(Manual)

Mechanical Shutter Speed

8 - 1/2000 s

Electronic Shutter Speed

8 - 1/8000 s

Max Image Size

4864×3648（4:3）；
5472×3648（3:2）

Video Recording Modes

H.264，4K：3840×2160 30p

Photo Format

JPEG

Supported File Systems

Supported SD Cards

MicroSD, Max Capacity: 128 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required Write speed≥15 MB/s

Operating Temperature Range

32° to 104° F （0° to 40℃）

INTELLIGENT FLIGHT BATTERY(PH4-5870MAH-15.2V)

Capacity

5870 mAh

Voltage

15.2 V

Energy

89.2 Wh

Net Weight

468 g

Charging Temperature Range

14° to 104℉(-10° to 40℃)

Max charging Power

160 W

INTELLIGENT BATTERY CHARING HUB(WCH2)

Input Voltage

17.3 - 26.2 V

Output Voltage and Current

8.7 V，6 A；5 V，2 A

Operating Temperature

41° to 104℉(5° to 40℃)

GNSS

Single-Frequency, High-Sensitivity GNSS Module

Multi-Frequency Multi-System High-Precision RTK GNSS

Frequency Used：
GPS：L1/L2；
GLONASS：L1/L2；
BeiDou：B1/B2；
Galileo：E1/E5a

First-Fixed Time：< 50 s

Positioning Accuracy: Vertical 1.5 cm + 1 ppm（RMS）；
Horizontal 1 cm + 1 ppm（RMS）
1 ppm means the error has a 1mm increase for every 1 km of movement from the aircraft.

GIMBAL

Stabilization

3-axis (tilt, roll, yaw)

Pitch

-90° to +30°

Max Controllable Angular Speed

90°/s

Angular Vibration Range

±0.02°

INFRARED

Obstacle Sensing Range

0.6-23 ft(0.2 - 7 m)

FOV

70°(Horizontal) 
±10°(Vertical)

Operating Environment

REMOTE CONTROLLER

Operating Frequency

2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz(Europe,Japan,Korea)
5.725 GHz-5.850 GHz(United States, China)

2.4 GHz
CE / MIC / KCC：< 20 dBm

5.8 GHz
SRRC / FCC：< 26 dBm

Max Transmission Distance

Power Consumption

16 W(typical value)

Display

5.5 inch screen, 1920×1080, 1000 cd/m², Android System
Memory 4G RAM+16G ROM

Phantom 4 RTK Key Features:
 

DJI has rethought its drone technology from the ground-up, revolutionizing its systems to achieve a new standard for drone accuracy – resulting in the creation of the Phantom 4 RTK. The system was designed by looking at the requirements from the drone mapping and surveying market and building exactly what they wished for – a compact drone solution with a high-resolution camera and the ability to capture centimeter-accurate RTK data. 

- Support RTK and PPK
- Centimeter-Level Positioning System
- OcuSync
- Precise Imaging System 
- TimeSync
- D-RTK 2 Mobile Station Compatibility
- NTRIP Compatibility 
- Mobile SDK Supported

A new RTK module is integrated directly into the Phantom 4 RTK, providing real-time,
centimeter-level positioning data for improved absolute accuracy on image metadata. Sitting
just beneath the RTK receiver is a redundant GNSS module, installed to maintain flight
stability in signal-poor regions such as dense cities. Combining both modules, the Phantom 4
RTK is able to optimize flight safety while ensuring the most precise data is captured for
complex surveying, mapping and inspection workflows.

Fit the Phantom 4 RTK to any workflow, with the ability to connect this positioning system to
the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station, NTRIP (Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) using
a 4G dongle or WiFi hotspot, or store the satellite observation data to be used for Post
Processed Kinematics (PPK). 
 

Gather Accurate Data with TimeSync

To take full advantage of the Phantom 4 RTK’s positioning modules, the new TimeSync system
was created to continually align the flight controller, camera and RTK module.
Additionally, TimeSync ensures each photo uses the most accurate metadata and fixes the
positioning data to the center of the CMOS – optimizing the results from photogrammetric
methods and letting the image achieve centimeter-level positioning data.
 

Precise Imaging System

Capture the best image data with a 1-inch, 20 megapixel CMOS sensor. Mechanical shutter
makes mapping missions or regular data capture seamless as the Phantom 4 RTK can move
while taking pictures without the risk of rolling shutter blur. Due to the high resolution, the
Phantom 4 RTK can achieve a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 2.74 cm at 100 meters flight
altitude.

To ensure each Phantom 4 RTK offers unparalleled accuracy, every single camera lens goes
through a rigorous calibration process where radial and tangential lens distortions are
measured. The distortion parameters gathered are saved into each image’s metadata, letting
post-processing software adjust uniquely for every user.


Purpose-Built Flight Planning Application


A new GS RTK app allows pilots to intelligently control their Phantom 4 RTK, with two
planning modes – Photogrammetry and Waypoint Flight – alongside a more traditional flight
mode. The planning modes let pilots select the drone’s flight path while adjusting overlap
rate, altitude, speed, camera parameters and more, offering an automated mapping or
inspection workflow

The GS RTK app has been built with its users in mind and therefore has a range of features
built for specific mapping or inspection workflows. The app has implemented direct loading
of KML area files for in-office flight planning, a new shutter priori mode to keep exposure
consistent across all photos and a strong wind alarm to warn pilots of adverse conditions.


Mobile SDK Supported

The Phantom 4 RTK is compatible with the DJI Mobile SDK, opening up its functions to
automation and customization through a mobile device.


OcuSync Transmission System


Enjoy stable and reliable HD image and video transmission at distances of up to 7 km, great for
mapping larger sites.

*Unobstructed, free of interference, when FCC compliant. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for
radio link strength and resilience. Always fly your drone within visual line of sight unless otherwise permitted.


Seamless Compatibility with D-RTK 2 Mobile Station


Support your Phantom 4 RTK missions with the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station – providing real-time
differential data to the drone and forming an accurate surveying solution. The Mobile
Station’s rugged design and OcuSync 2.0 transmission system ensures you can gain
centimeter-level accurate data with your Phantom 4 RTK in any condition.


Start Mapping Today


With a built-in flight planning app (GS RTK) and an easy method to collect RTK data (RTK
Network or D-RTK 2 Mobile Station), pilots have a full solution for any surveying, mapping or
inspection workflow – right out of the box. 
 

Centimetre Level Positioning System

- The integrated RTK module provides accurate positioning data even with no GCPs.
- The Phantom 4 RTK stores the satellite observation data for PPK (Post-Process Kinematic) position post-process.
- Compatible with the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station, NTRIP (Network Transport of RTCMv3 via Internet Protocol) and third-party RTK stations (Only PPK is available when the ground station is without the NTRIP service). 

Integrated RTK Module

- A new RTK module is integrated directly into the Phantom 4 RTK, providing real-time, centimeter-level positioning data for improved absolute accuracy on image metadata.
- Sitting just beneath the RTK receiver is a redundant GNSS module, installed to maintain flight stability in signal-poor regions such as dense cities.
- Combining both GNSS and RTK modules, the Phantom 4 RTK can optimize flight safety while ensuring the most precise data is captured for complex surveying, mapping, and inspection workflows.

Precise Imaging System

- 1-inch CMOS sensor, 20M effective pixels, 2.7 cm GSD (Ground Sample Distance) at 100 m flight altitude.
- Radial and tangential lens distortions were measured for post-processing image calibration.
- The camera is synchronized with the RTK module, delivers millisecond-level imaging deviation. 
- Phantom 4 RTK’s camera would capture and store the phase compensation data for the post-processing position calibration 
- The mechanical shutter on Phantom 4 RTK’s camera eliminates rolling shutter distortions which can occur when flying at high speed, allows high-precision shots to be captured without the wobble distortion.

Timesync

To take full advantage of the Phantom 4 RTK’s positioning modules, the new TimeSync system was created to align the flight controller, camera and RTK module continually.

Additionally, TimeSync ensures each photo uses the most accurate metadata and fixes the positioning data to the center of the CMOS - optimizing the results from photogrammetric methods and letting the image achieve centimeter-level positioning data.