--- title: "Starting a Drone and LiDAR Business: Best Drone and Equipment for Long-Term Success" description: "Starting Your Drone and LiDAR Business: Best Drones and Equipment for Photogrammetry and LiDAR Scanning" --- [Skip to content](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/starting-a-drone-and-lidar-business-best-drone-and-equipment-for-long-term-success#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![ROCK-robotic-community-logo.png\]](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ROCK-robotic-community-logo.png?width=250&height=50&name=ROCK-robotic-community-logo.png) - [ROCK Customer Support](https://www.rockrobotic.com/support/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [ROCK Customer Support](https://www.rockrobotic.com/support/) - English Show submenu for translations - [www.rockrobotic.com](https://www.rockrobotic.com/) [www.rockrobotic.com](https://www.rockrobotic.com/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [ROCK Knowledgebase](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Sales](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/sales?hsLang=en) September 19, 2024 # Starting a Drone and LiDAR Business: Best Drone and Equipment for Long-Term Success ## Starting Your Drone and LiDAR Business: Best Drones and Equipment for Photogrammetry and LiDAR Scanning If you're starting a drone business and considering photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning, choosing the right drone from the start is crucial. With options like the **DJI Matrice 300 RTK** or **Matrice 350**, you're on the right track, but let’s explore why the **Rock R3 Pro LiDAR platform** is the best investment for your business. ### Why the Rock R3 Pro LiDAR Platform is Perfect for You The **Rock R3 Pro LiDAR** platform is a versatile tool that enables you to capture both **aerial LiDAR data** and **photogrammetry** simultaneously. Whether you're just starting with photogrammetry or planning to expand into LiDAR scanning, the R3 Pro is the perfect solution. Here's why: - **Multi-functional**: Capture aerial LiDAR and photogrammetry with one platform. - **Expandable**: Add the **SLAM Dock 2.0** to capture 3D models while walking through indoor buildings or outdoor areas. - **Mobile Mount**: Easily mount the R3 Pro on a vehicle for **mobile 3D data capture**. > "The Rock R3 Pro LiDAR is designed to help you grow your business, from beginner photogrammetry to advanced LiDAR scanning—all with one platform." ### What About the Matrice 300/350? The **Matrice 300 RTK** and **Matrice 350** are excellent drone choices because they allow for **payload flexibility**, so you can easily switch between cameras and LiDAR scanners based on the job at hand. The Rock R3 Pro LiDAR is fully compatible with both drones, giving you a **long-term, versatile solution**. For more on attaching the R3 Pro to these drones, check out our guide on **how to attach the R3 Pro to the Matrice 300/350**. ### Comprehensive Data Handling and Support With the **Rock Cloud** platform, you can seamlessly upload, process, and manage all your LiDAR and photogrammetry data. This includes: - **Data verification**: Our team helps ensure your data is captured correctly. - **Processing support**: Our **Pro Services team** assists with **delivering perfect 3D models** to your clients. > "With Rock, you're not just buying hardware; you're getting a full support system to ensure your success." ### Getting Started Here’s a quick step-by-step to begin your business: 1. **Choose your drone**: Invest in a versatile drone like the Matrice 300/350. 2. **Purchase the Rock R3 Pro**: This will allow you to capture both LiDAR and photogrammetry data (unboxing guide). 3. **Leverage Rock Cloud**: Upload, process, and verify your data for the best results ([data processing services](https://www.freelidarprocessing.com/processing-services)). 4. **Utilize Pro Services**: For any complex projects, our team is ready to assist. Explore more about the **[Rock R3 Pro LiDAR system](https://www.rockrobotic.com/r3pro-v2)** and why it’s the best choice for your business. - [ROCK R3 Pro](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setup](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#setup) - [Data collection](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#data-collection) - [Updates and Maintenance](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#updates-and-maintenance) - [Mobile Mount](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#mobile-mount) - [Photogrammetry](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r3-pro?hsLang=en#photogrammetry) - [ROCK Desktop](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Desktop Processing](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#desktop-processing) - [Using ROCK Desktop](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#using-rock-desktop) - [Desktop License](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#desktop-license) - [Desktop Support](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#desktop-support) - [Releases](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-desktop?hsLang=en#releases) - [ROCK Cloud](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#overview) - [Project Data](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#project-data) - [Managing Projections](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#managing-projections) - [ROCK Cloud Tools](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#rock-cloud-tools) - [Processing](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#processing) - [Deliverables & Exports](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#deliverables-exports) - [General](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-cloud?hsLang=en#general) - [ROCK SLAM](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-slam?hsLang=en#main-content) - [SLAM Hardware](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-slam?hsLang=en#slam-hardware) - [SLAM Data Collection](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-slam?hsLang=en#slam-data-collection) - [ROCK Colorized SLAM Dock V2](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-slam?hsLang=en#rock-colorized-slam-dock-v2) - [SLAM Data Alignment](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-slam?hsLang=en#slam-data-alignment) - [ROCK Base Station](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-base-station?hsLang=en#main-content) - [ROCK Base Setup](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-base-station?hsLang=en#rock-base-setup) - [ROCK Network](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-base-station?hsLang=en#rock-network) - [Base Data](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-base-station?hsLang=en#base-data) - [ROCK Deliverables](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-deliverables?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Deliverables](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-deliverables?hsLang=en#deliverables) - [Ordering](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-deliverables?hsLang=en#ordering) - [Processing](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-deliverables?hsLang=en#processing) - [General Knowledge](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#main-content) - [ROCK](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#rock) - [Drones](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#drones) - [GPS / GNSS](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#gps-gnss) - [LiDAR](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#lidar) - [Surveying](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/general-knowledge?hsLang=en#surveying) - [ROCK R2A & R360](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r2a-r360?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Hardware](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r2a-r360?hsLang=en#hardware) - [Data Collection](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r2a-r360?hsLang=en#data-collection) - [Aerial Data Capture](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r2a-r360?hsLang=en#aerial-data-capture) - [Creating Orthomosaics](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-r2a-r360?hsLang=en#creating-orthomosaics) - [What's New](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/whats-new?hsLang=en) - [Sales](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/sales?hsLang=en) - [ROCK Ultra](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-ultra?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setup](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-ultra?hsLang=en#setup) - [Data Collection](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-ultra?hsLang=en#data-collection) - [Settings](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/rock-ultra?hsLang=en#settings) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://learn.rockrobotic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ROCK-robotic-community-logo-1.png?width=120&height=24&name=ROCK-robotic-community-logo-1.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://rockrobotic.com) rockrobotic.com Help Center Copyright © 2026, ROCK Robotic Inc.