Area Mission Planning

Last Updated on October 23, 2026

This guide offers a clear, step-by-step overview of planning a mission with DJI Drones on the DJI Pilot App, designed to bring out the best of your mapping capabilities.

The principles of data capture covered here are adaptable. They can be applied to a range of other drones, from the DJI Mavic series and Matrice 30 to models by Skydio, Autel, and other popular commercial platforms. These foundational steps will set you on a course for success.

2D Mission Planning

Dji Enterprise Drones - 2D Mission Planning PDF

📄 DJI Enterprise Drones - 2D Mission Planning.pdf

1. Power on your Drone and Remote Controller

Start by powering your controller on, if you like you can also power your drone on as then you won’t have to select the drone type and sensor in the map mission settings (as seen in step 7.)

2. Connect the Remote Controller to WiFi or a Mobile Hotspot

Connect your remote controller to a WiFi network or mobile hotspot for seamless mission planning. This connection ensures that base maps load properly, providing essential context for your route planning. To connect, pull down from the top of the screen and tap the WiFi icon.

3. Access the Flight Route Planning Interface

From the home screen of the DJI Pilot app, tap Flight Route to enter the mission planning interface. This is where you’ll set the parameters for your 2D photogrammetry mission. See below:

4. Create a New Route

Tap the + in the top right corner of the screen, then select Create a Route to begin defining the parameters for your mission.

5. Select Area Route

Tap Mapping to outline the specific area you’ll be mapping. This option enables you to set a precise perimeter for your photogrammetry mission, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your target area.

6. Locate Your Site on the Map

Use the map interface to find your target location. Pan across the map to navigate, and use two fingers to zoom in or out as needed until your site is centered and clearly visible.

7. Define Your Mission Area

Tap directly on the map to start outlining the boundaries of your mission area. Each tap will create a point, allowing you to draw a precise perimeter around the area you wish to map.

8. Adjust the Polygon to Match Your Survey Area

Edit the polygon by moving the points to accurately fit your desired survey boundaries. Take your time to ensure the shape covers your target area precisely. Once you’re satisfied with the polygon, tap the blue check mark to confirm.

9. Set the Mission Name and Adjust Key Settings

Update the mission name to reflect your project. Navigate through the app’s menus to adjust the key settings listed in the table below. To ensure optimal performance, leave any settings not specified in this guide at their default values.

10. Basic Settings

Drone Setting	Set To	Considerations	Reason
Area Route	User Preference	Incident #, Date, and Flight type
Camera & Drone	Drone Model, Camera Model, and capture mode - Wide, IR or Both	What specific camera will best support your mission objectives?	Selecting the appropriate camera lens is crucial for capturing the right level of detail and ensuring that your flight parameters align with your project’s requirements.
Collection Type	Ortho Collection	Will this mission require capturing vertical surfaces in detail?	Opting for Ortho Collection helps focus on horizontal surfaces, which is ideal when detailed imagery of vertical structures isn’t needed. This approach streamlines data collection and enhances efficiency.
Ortho GSD	Default	What ground resolution do you need for your map or model?	Adjusting the GSD (Ground Sample Distance) affects image clarity and coverage. Higher GSD values yield more detailed images but may alter other mission settings, so keep this in mind for a balance of details and efficiency.
Altitude Mode (AGL, ASL, ALT)	AGL (Select DSM File if you have internet) If not ALT (Relative to Take off)	Is your altitude reference point based on takeoff location or sea level?	Setting the altitude relative to your takeoff point simplifies navigation and consistency, which is particularly useful when working in regions with variable terrain. If referencing sea level isn’t essential, ALT is often more straightforward.
Route Altitude	200-400 ft (60-120 m)	What altitude will give you the right balance between speed and image quality?	Flying at mid-range altitude can help you complete the survey faster without compromising on image resolution. Higher altitudes can cover more ground quickly, while lower altitudes provide sharper details.
Elevation Optimization	Disabled	Does the terrain vary enough to warrant elevation adjustments during the flight?	Disabling this option keeps the focus on mapping flat surfaces, which is often sufficient for photogrammetry missions. Enable it only if you expect significant elevation changes across your survey area.
Safe Takeoff Altitude	User Preference (66 ft)	Are there any tall obstacles near your takeoff location?	Setting a safe takeoff altitude above nearby obstacles ensures that the drone clears them before navigating to the mission area, reducing the risk of collision and allowing a smooth ascent.
Speed	Max Speed Allowable	Should you adjust the drone’s speed based on lighting or specific mission needs?	Higher speeds are effective for reducing overall flight time, but in low-light conditions or when higher detail is required, lowering the speed can enhance image sharpness.
Course Angle	User Preference	What flight direction will cover the survey area most efficiently?	Adjusting the course angle reduces turns and maximizes the area covered per battery cycle, making your mission more efficient and conserving power.
Upon Completion	Return to Home	What’s the safest way to conclude the mission?	Choosing Return to Home automatically brings the drone back to the starting point after completion providing a safe and reliable end to the flight and minimizing the risk of loss.

11. Advanced Settings

Advanced Setting	Set to	Considerations	Reason
Target Surface to Takeoff Point	0	Is the survey area at a different elevation from the takeoff point?	If your survey site is roughly the same elevation as your starting point, leave this set to 0. Only adjust if there’s a significant altitude difference to maintain accuracy in capturing the area.
Side Overlap Ratio	~70%	What level of overlap do your images need?	Setting the overlap to 70% ensures that images have enough coverage to create a seamless map. For areas with less detail, higher overlap may be beneficial. For large areas, reducing horizontal overlap (no less than 60%) can help maximize coverage per battery.
Front Overlap Ratio	~80%
Margin	0	Do you need additional margin around the survey area?	When your flight path already covers the target area, extra margin isn’t needed. Keeping it at 0 saves battery and keeps the focus on your defined boundaries.
Photo Mode	Distance Interval Shot	What measurement should be used to capture images?	Using Distance Interval Shot maintains consistent image overlap, which is essential for creating a cohesive map. This approach provides uniformity across the captured area.
Custom Camera Angle	Disabled	N/A	Disabling this option keeps the camera angle at nadir (-90°), which is the ideal angle for photogrammetry and mapping accuracy.
Route Start Point	User Preference	Where is the most efficient starting point for the mission?	Selecting a start point close to the takeoff location helps optimize the flight path, reducing unnecessary travel and conserving battery power. You can tap any point on the mission boundary to update the start location.
Takeoff Speed	User Preference	How quickly should the drone ascend?	A faster takeoff speed can be helpful on busy sites but my slightly reduce battery life. Choose a speed that balances efficiency and energy conservation for the mission’s needs.

12. Save your Settings

Once complete, click the save icon in the top left. You will also see the total mapping area, estimated flight duration and the total number of photos it will collect. Your mission is now ready to fly!