DJI Matrice 4E RTK setup: network RTK, D-RTK 3 and PPK

The Matrice 4E has an RTK module built into the aircraft, so there's nothing to bolt on. To use it, you need a source of corrections: either a network RTK service over the internet or a DJI D-RTK base station. In DJI Pilot 2, open the RTK settings from the camera view, turn RTK on, pick the service type, and wait for the status to read FIX before you fly a mapping mission. DJI rates RTK fix accuracy at 1 cm + 1 ppm horizontal and 1.5 cm + 1 ppm vertical.

Matrice 4E RTK in DJI Pilot 2 — From DJI's Matrice 4 Series user manual. RTK needs a correction source; the built-in module alone isn't enough.

What you need

Matrice 4E with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller.
A correction source, one of:
- A network RTK (NTRIP) account from a state CORS network or a commercial provider.
- A DJI D-RTK base station, such as the D-RTK 3.
For network RTK: the controller needs internet, either over Wi-Fi or a DJI Cellular Dongle 2 with a nano-SIM.

Option 1: Custom Network RTK

DJI's manual steps:

Connect the controller to the aircraft and to the internet.
In DJI Pilot 2, open the camera view, then the settings menu, and go to RTK.
Select Custom Network RTK as the RTK service type.
Enter your NTRIP details: host, port, mount point, username and password. Tap Save.
Wait for the connection. When the aircraft's positioning status reads FIX, it's using the corrections.

Keep the controller powered on and online for the whole flight. If the connection drops, you lose the fix.

Option 2: D-RTK 3 base station

Use a base station when cell coverage is poor or you need corrections you control.

Charge the D-RTK 3 before first use. DJI recommends a PD 3.0 USB charger between 9 and 15 V.
Set it up on a tripod and survey pole in the open. DJI says to keep obstructions below 15° above the antennas, stay at least 200 m from high-power radio sources and 50 m from high-voltage lines, and avoid large areas of water.
Level it and don't move it once set.
Power on and set it to base station mode. Press the power button three times to switch modes.
In DJI Pilot 2, select the D-RTK base as the service type and follow the prompts to link and activate it. The controller needs internet to activate a new unit.
Wait for FIX before takeoff.

A base station gives relative accuracy. For true survey-grade coordinates, set the base over a known point.

Before a mapping flight

Check that RTK positioning and heading show FIX.
In DJI Pilot 2's flight route settings, keep RTK connected for the whole mission. DJI says to confirm RTK is connected and in FIX before collecting aerial photogrammetry data.
After takeoff, watch the RTK icon. DJI says it's gray when RTK isn't enabled and turns white once data converges.

PPK as a backup

The Matrice 4E logs raw GNSS observation data in a file with the .rtk extension. If the fix drops mid-flight, you can post-process that data against base station logs in your mapping software. It's a good habit to keep the base logging even when you're flying with live RTK.

Common problems

Stuck on FLOAT: wait longer, or move the base away from trees, buildings and water.
Network RTK won't connect: recheck the mount point and credentials, and test the controller's internet.
No FIX after moving sites: a base must be re-leveled whenever you move it.

New to RTK? Read what is RTK and our Matrice 4E guide. Shop the DJI Matrice 4E or browse docks and RTK.