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Training

Drone Mapping Course:

Drone Mapping Step-by-Step Guide

Learn the basics of executing a drone mapping mission with our step-by-step guide.

1 hour

Intermediate

Time for your first autonomous mapping mission!

01  

Safety first

Make sure to follow all local regulations and safety guidelines. Check with the appropriate authorities, as regulations vary by region.

02  

Pick your app

To choose from the many available mission planning apps, consider your budget, drone compatibility, price, features, and ease of use.

03  

Watch the explainer video for your chosen app

These videos cover how you can use your app for drone mapping missions.

Pix4D Capture

DJI GS Pro - iOS only. Compatible with DJI drones only.

DJI GS Pro

Pix4D Capture - iOS and Android. Compatible with DJI, Parrot, Yuneec drones.

Autel Explorer

Autel Explorer - iOS, and Android. Compatible with Autel drones.

04  

Create your mission plan

Consider the weather, terrain, obstacles, and double check your parameters

Consider the weather, terrain, obstacles, and double check your parameters

Remember the rule of 80s: 80m altitude, 80% overlap, 80% sidelap (some projects may have variations, but when in doubt, stick to this).

Fly high enough to stay clear of trees and other obstructions.

Plan enough time to return home safely.

Create a single grid, not a cross grid or perimeter capture.

Stay in a rectangular area of coverage when possible.

Orient the camera nadir (directly down).

Make sure you can take off and land close to the survey site.

Remember that midday flights over land are best to minimise shadows.

Mid-morning and mid-afternoon flights are best over water bodies (rivers, lakes, creeks, oceans) to avoid strong sun reflections.

Keep your flight area small so you don't run out of battery juice!

05  

Time to execute your mission and fly away!

You've done all the prep work and your mission is planned, now it's time to finally fly! Remember to abide by local regulations and stay safe while flying and catching your drone.

You've done all the prep work and your mission is planned, now it's time to finally fly! Remember to abide by local regulations and stay safe while flying and catching your drone.

06  

Process your data

For the best place to store, process, and manage your drone mapping data, upload it to your free GeoNadir account. We’ll create an orthomosaic, digital surface model, and digital terrain model from your mapping data.

Related videos

Create free account

Create free account

Create free account

Further training

Online course

Drone mapping course: capture and analyse data

$695

USD

(incl GST)

In person course

Drone mapping course: capture and analyse data

$1995

USD

(incl GST)

ebook

Drone mapping ebook
 

FREE

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