You may be interested in using drones to capture aerial photography for creating orthomosaics (or maps) from the raw data with Precision Mapping. These maps provide a detailed, accurate representation of terrain and can be invaluable for research, monitoring, and environmental efforts.

Creating a Mapping Mission with Precision Flight

Precision Flight is a powerful mission planning software that allows you to create custom mapping missions for various DJI drones. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a mapping mission using Precision Flight:

Step 1: Open Precision Flight and Create a New Mission

Launch the Precision Flight software and click on the “New Mission” button. Choose the “Mapping” option from the mission types.

Step 2: Select Your Drone and Camera

In the “Aircraft” tab, select the DJI drone model you’ll be using for the mission. Then, choose the camera and lens combination from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Set the Mission Area

Switch to the “Mission” tab and zoom into the area you want to map using the built-in map. You can choose between different map views, such as satellite or hybrid, depending on your preference.

To set the mission area, click on the “Draw Area” button and click on the map to create a polygon around the desired area. You can fine-tune the polygon by dragging the vertices or adding new ones.

Step 4: Configure Flight Parameters

In the “Mission” tab, adjust the following flight parameters:

      • Altitude: Set the flight altitude based on the desired ground sampling distance (GSD) and the level of detail you need. A higher altitude will result in a lower GSD but cover a larger area.

      • Overlap: Adjust the front and side overlap percentages. A higher overlap will result in more images and better quality orthomosaics but will increase flight time. An 80% overlap is generally recommended.

      • Flight Direction: Choose the flight direction based on the shape of your mission area and any obstacles or restricted zones.

    As you modify these parameters, Precision Flight will display the estimated flight time, area coverage, and the number of images that will be captured.

    Step 5: Review and Adjust the Flight Plan

    In the “3D View” tab, review your flight plan to ensure it covers the desired area and that the flight lines are optimized. You can make further adjustments to the mission area or flight parameters if needed.

    Step 6: Save and Upload the Mission

    Once you’re satisfied with your flight plan, click on the “Save” button to save the mission. Give it a descriptive name and select a location to store the file.

    To upload the mission to your drone, connect the drone to your computer using a USB cable. In Precision Flight, click on the “Upload” button and select your drone from the list of connected devices. The software will transfer the mission to your drone.

    Step 7: Fly the Mission

    Before flying, ensure that you have completed all pre-flight safety checks and that your drone is ready for the mission. Take off manually and navigate the drone to the starting point of the mission. In the DJI GO or DJI Fly app, select the uploaded mission and click on the “Start” button to begin the automated flight.

    Once the mission is complete, regain manual control of the drone and land it safely.

    By following these steps, you can create custom mapping missions using Precision Flight software for your DJI drone. Remember to always follow local regulations and fly responsibly.