For 3D data products, you may want to consider a ‘cross-hatch’ pattern, a gimbal angle of 70-80 degrees, and even adding an orbit pattern around the grid flight.ĭrone waypoint paths follow an irregular pattern based on the unique characteristics of the flight area/space of interest, and are best used for linear missions designed for inspections, project progress tracking, surveillance and security, etc. They are best used for mapping missions designed to collect imagery for processing into 2D and 3D data products. Types of drone flight paths There are two types of drone flight paths: grid paths and waypoint paths.ĭrone grid paths follow a grid pattern.
Flight planning, and flight paths in particular, help pilots and other drone overseers cut down on the time they spend in the field. For example, a data analyst can review the flight path to ensure the flight will capture sufficient data. Through web-based flight planning, flight paths can be set in advance and reviewed by all members of the team to account for inefficiencies or safety issues.
FLTPLAN GO MAP PAN SOFTWARE
Set action to Return-to-Home or Hover, set the proper return altitude, and be aware of all obstacles that could be present between you and the drone’s flight path.Ī drone flight plan can be created ad hoc in the field using mobile software or from a browser using web-based flight planning software.
FLTPLAN GO MAP PAN MANUAL
Gimbal actions: depending on whether you are mapping, inspecting, filming, live broadcasting, etc., you may want to automate gimbal actions or retain manual control.
FLTPLAN GO MAP PAN SERIES
Flight path: determined most commonly using a series of longitudes/latitudes and altitudes (waypoints) that automatically navigates the aircraft.At Measure we distinguish between what we call “Mission Planning,” which covers all of that, and “Flight Planning,” specific instructions for how the drone should be operated to capture data.Ī drone flight plan is a predetermined combination of instructions, including coordinates, speed, altitude, direction, heading, gimbal actions, camera actions, and more that serve the purpose of guiding a drone in accomplishing a flight, and carrying out a particular mission: Sometimes “flight planning” is used to describe everything that goes into a successful mission: equipment, personnel, logistics, processes and procedures, airspace checks and authorizations, etc. What is a drone flight plan?Ī quick note on terminology: the drone industry suffers from confusion around terminology, and we often see the same terms used to describe very different things. temperature, light, or irradiance limitations), to meet the data goals of your particular job or mission.Failing to create the right flight plan can not only lead to wasted time and resources, but in some cases can lead to consequences as severe as damaging your drone or threatening the safety of others. Drone flight planning consists of determining flight schedule, pattern, altitude, and image or video capture specifications, as well as any weather-related requirements (e.g. As businesses continue to rely on drones for safety, efficacy, and data collection, it’s important to stay consistent with those values when planning drone flights.