How to Use Modified NDVI Cameras with DJI Drones

Overview 

This guide explains how to use modified NDVI cameras with DJI drones. This article provides steps to improve your flight and data capture, which may help mitigate some common map quality problems. DroneDeploy cannot guarantee map quality with modified cameras due to the inconsistent input imagery.

Availability 

This information applies to all users flying a DJI drone with a modified NDVI camera.

How to Fly with a Modified NDVI Camera 

Follow these steps to improve your flight and data capture.

1. Open the DroneDeploy App and Adjust Settings 

   In the DroneDeploy mobile app, navigate to the Account Preferences menu. Toggle on the Use 3rd Party Camera setting. Please note that your live video feed is disabled during the flight if you toggle on your 3rd Party Camera setting.
    

2. Plan Your Flight 

   Plan your flight, ensuring to set both the Frontlap and Sidelap to 80% to compensate for blurriness at the edges of images.
   

3. Increase Flight Altitude 

   Increase your flight altitude. A good starting point is 300 feet. We recommend performing small test flights at various altitudes to determine the best height for your specific camera.

   

4. Adjust Manual Camera Settings in the DJI GO App 

   After saving the flight plan, close the DroneDeploy app and open the DJI GO app to set your manual camera settings. We recommend the following:

   • ISO: Set to 100 to reduce image noise.
   • Shutter Speed: Use 1/200 or faster. If the image appears overexposed, adjust to a faster speed.
     
   • White Balance: Set to Sunny or a custom value if necessary.
     

5. Take a Test Photo 

   Take a test photo in the DJI GO app to ensure good image quality.

6. Start the Mission 

   Close the DJI GO app and reopen the DroneDeploy app to fly the mission.