Before creating a facade flight plan in DroneDeploy, you must follow specific steps to ensure you capture the necessary data effectively and safely. Below are the best practices to follow:
1. Pre-Flight Planning:
Understand the Site: Know the layout and dimensions of the facade you intend to map. Note obstacles like trees, power lines, or nearby structures.
- Check Legal Requirements: Ensure you comply with local drone regulations and have permission, especially in urban or populated areas.
2. DroneDeploy Setup:
- Choose the Right Drone and Camera: Use a drone with a high-quality camera and appropriate flight capabilities suitable for urban environments.
- Update Software: Ensure that DroneDeploy and your drone's firmware are up-to-date.
3. Creating the Flight Plan:
Set Appropriate Altitude: Fly at an altitude that balances detail and safety well. The height of the facade determines this.
- Optimal Distance: Position yourself between 40 to 60 feet away from the structure to capture the facade without distortion and difficulty in stitching.
- Overlap and Coverage: Set a high overlap percentage (70-80%) to ensure comprehensive coverage and facilitate better 3D modeling.
- Multiple Passes: Plan for multiple passes at different angles to capture all aspects of the facade, especially if it has complex features.
Gimbal Angle: When creating your flight plan, avoid capturing unnecessary structures and focus on your point of interest.
4. Safety and Risk Management:
- Visual Line of Sight: Always keep the drone within your line of sight and be aware of its surroundings.
- Avoid Interferences: Be cautious of signal interferences in urban environments and ready to take manual control.
5. Execution of Flight:
- Calibrate the Drone: Ensure the drone's compass and GPS are calibrated.
- Monitor Battery Levels: Keep an eye on battery levels and have spares ready.
- Smooth Operations: Fly smoothly to avoid blurring images. Consistent speed and altitude are critical.
6. Post-Flight Processing:
- Data Upload: Upload your data to DroneDeploy for processing.
- Quality Check: Check the initial results for coverage gaps or inconsistencies.
7. Regular Updates and Training:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest DroneDeploy features and drone regulations.
- Continuous Learning: Regularly practice and enhance your piloting skills, especially in manual mode.