Planning a Drone Survey Mission: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a drone survey mission requires careful consideration of the study area, the drone's capabilities, and the data processing software. With the right tools and preparation, you can ensure that your mission is successful and your data is accurate. The first step is to define the area of interest for your drone survey. This can be done by placing visual markers on a map or entering exact coordinates for the boundaries.

The resulting area will be marked with yellow boundaries (Figure). The overlay should be chosen based on the conditions of the study area and the requirements of the data processing software. Once you have determined the boundaries of your survey, you will need to plan your flight path. This can be done using an application such as MDCockpit, which is designed for surveying teams using Microdrones drones. With this tool, you can create and manage every aspect of your mission, from takeoff to landing.

It is important to consider the size of your study area and any potential issues with radio contact when planning your flight path. Finally, it is important to add a landing point outside of the photogrammetry area. This will ensure that after completing the reconnaissance mission, the drone will fly back to this point and remain in place until it is retrieved.