How to Identify if Your Drone Has GPS

To determine if your drone has GPS, you can follow these steps:

Check the Specifications

Refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for the drone model. Look for features listed under “Navigation” or “GPS.” This is the most straightforward way to learn about GPS capabilities directly from the manufacturer.

Look for GPS Indicators

Many drones have LED lights that indicate GPS status. A solid light often means GPS is locked, while a blinking light may indicate it’s searching for a signal. Additionally, some drones have visible GPS antennas or modules, so check the drone’s body for any external components that may indicate GPS capability.

Use the Companion App

Connect your drone to the companion app. The app usually displays GPS status, including satellite connection strength. This method is useful even if you don’t have physical indicators on your drone.

Flight Behavior

Drones equipped with GPS typically have features like “Return to Home” and stable hovering. If your drone can maintain its position without user input, it likely has GPS. Another key behavior to watch for is how the drone operates in GPS shadow, such as near buildings or under trees.

Physical Inspection

Some drones have visible GPS antennas or modules. Check the drone’s body for any external components that may indicate GPS capability. This is particularly helpful if you’re performing a visual inspection during setup or maintenance.

If you’re still unsure: You can search online for your drone model to find out more about its specifications and features. Google with the exact make and model of your drone to find its manual and learn about its GPS capability.

Additional Considerations

Cheaper drones often do not have GPS capabilities. Toy drones and FPV racing drones typically do not have GPS. These types of drones are designed for different purposes and may lack the necessary electronics to support GPS.

Toy drones under $100 are too inexpensive to have the electronics to support GPS. They are often described as ‘miserable’ by users who find them boring after a few minutes of flying. FPV racers, on the other hand, do not want stabilization or GPS. They want full control so they can perform aerobatics and maximize flight time from their battery.

Nice Camera Drones

Nice camera drones are part of a UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft System) that includes the drone batteries, camera, GPS, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), gyro, compass, altimeter, and downward vision system. These drones are designed to fly and operate autonomously, allowing the pilot to focus on the camera.

If your drone has GPS, there will be an indicator on the piloting app that always shows how many satellites are in view of the drone. Most drones won’t fly or are limited in altitude if there aren’t enough satellites, and they have an indicator on the remote control that shows how many are locked in. Most drones also flash light signals with the LED on their rear end that shows the GPS status. Most drones want to see at least eight or ten satellites before they’ll go into ‘GPS Mode’.

Difficulties with GPS

It’s easy to fly a drone into a GPS shadow by flying near a house, building, or under trees. Some drones will become difficult to control if they’re in a GPS shadow. Do not fly in close quarters unless the pilot is experienced with flying an unstabilized drone.

Recommended Drones with GPS

The least expensive drones with GPS that are worth having are the DJI Mavic Mini, the newer DJI Mini 2, or the Mini 2 SE. The DJI Mini 2 has a very fine little point-and-shoot camera and longer range on the controller, making it worth the extra $100. The original Mini or the Mini 2 SE both have good cameras and enough range to fly legally within visual line of sight. The original Mini is available in a kit with extra batteries for about $399, and the Mini 2 SE is about the same price, while the Mini 2 is about $499 in a kit.

These drones are the best value for their price, and DJI is well-known for making the best drones at every price point with 85% of the GPS-stabilized camera and commercial drone market due to their superior quality and customer service. Parrot, Autel Skydio, and Yuneec all make excellent drones, but they are typically twice the price of DJI offerings.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can determine if your drone has GPS or not. Whether you’re using a DJI Mavic Mini or a more advanced model, understanding your drone’s capabilities is crucial for safe and effective flying.