Mission Planning Software and Automated Flight Execution

Mission Planning Software and Automated Flight Execution

Autonomous photogrammetric missions depend on careful software configuration before a single propeller spins. Mission-planning applications such as DJI Pilot 2, DroneDeploy, and similar tools translate your measurement requirements—ground sampling distance, overlap, and site boundary—into a precise grid of flight lines the aircraft follows without continuous stick input. Your job as remote pilot in command (RPIC) is to build a valid plan, verify it, and then manage the flight safely from the ground.

Ground Sampling Distance and Altitude

Ground sampling distance (GSD) is the real-world size represented by one pixel in your imagery. A GSD of 3 cm/pixel means each pixel covers a 3 cm × 3 cm patch of ground. Smaller GSD means finer detail but requires flying lower or using a higher-resolution sensor. Mission-planning software calculates the required flight altitude automatically when you enter the target GSD and your camera's sensor specifications (focal length, sensor width, image width in pixels). The relationship is:

Altitude = (GSD × image width in pixels × focal length) ÷ sensor width

All units must be consistent. Most software handles this internally; understanding the formula lets you verify the result and catch data-entry errors.

Overlap Settings

Overlap ensures that every ground feature appears in multiple images so photogrammetry software can match tie points and build an accurate 3-D model. Two parameters control this:

• Front (forward) overlap: the percentage of shared area between consecutive images along a flight line. Values of 75–85% are common for mapping.
• Side (lateral) overlap: the percentage of shared area between adjacent flight lines. Values of 65–75% are typical, though terrain or dense vegetation may require more.

Higher overlap increases image count, flight time, battery consumption, and processing time. Setting overlap too low produces gaps and reconstruction failures. Enter your target percentages in the software and review the calculated image count and estimated flight time before accepting the plan.

Importing the Site Boundary and Reviewing Flight Lines

Draw or import a polygon that encloses your area of interest. The software generates parallel flight lines spaced to satisfy your side-overlap setting. Review the flight-line layout on the map:

• Confirm lines cover the full boundary with a buffer.
• Check the planned takeoff and landing point for obstacles.
• Note any flight-line segments that cross roads, structures, or controlled airspace.
• Verify the estimated flight time fits within your battery capacity with a reserve margin.

Save the plan before going to the field. Most applications allow export or cloud sync so the plan loads directly on the aircraft controller at the site.

Pre-Flight Inspection

A structured pre-flight inspection is both a regulatory expectation under FAA Part 107 (the RPIC must ensure the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation) and a practical quality-control step. Work through your checklist in order:

1. Propellers: inspect each blade for cracks, chips, or deformation; confirm secure attachment.

2. Battery state: verify charge level meets the mission requirement; check for swelling or damage.

3. Gimbal and camera: confirm protective cover is removed, gimbal moves freely, camera lens is clean, and the correct shooting mode is set.

4. Compass calibration: perform or verify calibration if prompted by the aircraft or if you are operating at a new location or near large metal structures.

5. GPS lock: confirm the aircraft has acquired sufficient satellites and position accuracy is acceptable before arming.

6. Airspace and NOTAMs: confirm you have checked current NOTAMs and, if required, obtained an airspace authorization (LAANC or waiver).

Document every item on the form. Any item that cannot be cleared stops the flight.

Safety During Autonomous Flight

Autonomous does not mean unattended. Under Part 107, the RPIC must maintain situational awareness and retain the ability to intervene at all times.

• Visual observer (VO): your VO scans for manned aircraft, people, and obstacles; maintain clear verbal communication throughout.
• High-visibility vests: worn by all ground-crew members to enhance mutual visibility and signal an active flight operation to bystanders.
• Wind meter: check surface wind speed before and during the flight; most consumer multirotors have manufacturer-rated wind limits—do not exceed them.
• Telemetry monitoring: watch battery voltage, remaining flight time, GPS signal quality, and image-capture count on the controller display.
• Return-to-home altitude: set this above the tallest obstacle in the area before launch.
• Emergency procedures: know where the emergency stop or manual override is on your controller; practice accessing it before the mission begins.
• Bystander safety: establish a ground hazard area; keep non-crew members clear of the flight path and landing zone.

First-aid kit must be accessible on site. If a medical emergency, aircraft malfunction, or unresolvable airspace conflict occurs, land immediately and follow emergency protocols.

Post-Flight Documentation

After landing, complete the post-flight log: record actual flight time, battery levels, image count, any anomalies, and the condition of all equipment. Compare the image-capture log against the planned frame count. A complete mission should capture at least 95% of planned frames; significant gaps may require a re-flight of affected areas. Log entries support maintenance schedules, insurance records, and project quality control.