Data Collection
Linear Mapping Missions (Fire Perimeter)
Welcome back to the Learn Center. This tutorial walks you through setting up an automated linear mission in the DJI Pilot 2 app to capture a fire perimeter. We’ll cover importing your route, configuring the basic and advanced settings, and saving the mission so it’s ready to fly.
Setting Up the Linear Mission
Open the DJI Pilot 2 app.
Select Flight Route.
Select Import Route. Since this is an automated linear mission, we recommend importing a line based on a previous fire perimeter. For manual capture on new fires, follow the link below. [LINK]
Select the folder named with a string of letters and numbers. This folder is your microSD card.
Navigate to your KML or KMZ file, check the empty box next to it, then select Confirm.
Select Linear Route.
Your imported line will appear as a new flight route on the main screen. The thumbnail will show the line with no flight path attached yet. This is the route you want to select.
In the top left, next to the route name, select the down arrow, then the pencil icon to edit the route’s basic and advanced settings.
Basic Settings
Drone Setting | Set To | Considerations | Reason |
Linear Route (Route Name) | User Preference | Name the route however suits your team’s naming convention (Incident #, Date, and Flight type) | |
Drone and Payload | Drone Model, Camera Model, and capture mode - Wide, IR or Both | Confirm the correct drone and payload are selected. The drone will not fly the mission if these are incorrect. | 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. |
Flight Route Settings | Single Pass | Change from ZIG-ZAG to Single Pass | Change to Single Pass. Zigzag adds extra passes that aren’t necessary for collecting perimeter data. |
GSD (Ground Sample Distance) | 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. This is calculated automatically its recommended to leave as is. |
Altitude Mode (AGL, ASL, ALT) | AGL (Select DSM File if you have internet) If not ALT (Relative to Take off) | Always change from Relative to Takeoff Point to AGL (Above Ground Level). This ensures the drone follows the terrain. | Setting the altitude Above Ground level simplifies navigation and consistency, which is particularly useful when working in regions with variable terrain. In flat terrain ALT is perfectly fine. |
DSM (Digital Surface Model) | Auto assigned when downloaded from internet | Download the DSM for your area directly from the internet within the app. | The DSM is used to track elevation to ensure all overlap is sufficient throughout your flight route. |
Real-Time Follow | Disabled | With No Wifi Enable Real-Time follow instead of DSM File | Real-time follow uses a laser range finder to determine altitude matching terrain / obstacle height when DSM isn’t downloadable. |
Terrain Follow Altitude | 60ft - 400ft | Depending on scene and mapping mission | Personal preference. For larger areas, fly higher, up to a maximum of 400 ft based on part 107 regulations. |
Elevation Optimization | Disable | Elevation Optimization takes oblique images Which we do not want when stitching | Oblique images can cause distortion, hold and blurry orthomosaics when processing. |
Safe Takeoff Altitude | User Preference | Set to double the height of tallest obstacle | Set this to roughly double the height of the tallest obstacle in your area. We recommend 120 ft as a starting point |
Speed | Fastest | If set to distance interval shots in advanced settings will ensure proper overlap | Set to the highest speed available with distance interval shots enabled in advanced settings. |
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. |
Advanced Settings
Advanced Setting | Set to | Considerations | Reason |
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% | ||
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. |
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. |
Bypass Obstacles on Flight Route | Disable | Unless flying at a very low altitude or near obstacles |
Saving the Flight Mission
Select the save icon (the SD card with the white circle) in the top left. You’ll see a confirmation that the flight mission has been saved.
Finding Your Saved Routes
All saved flight routes appear on the Flight Route home screen, ready to select and fly.
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