Mission plan with KML import

When I import & display a KML, does the mission planning application not automatically generate flight transects based on the imported boundary? Or do I have to manually create a mission, using the imported KML as a guide?

Secondly, do I need to be connected to the drone when making the mission plan? When I manually enter a grid mission, the camera options do not show up, the transects do not show up and I don't see terrain awareness options either. Thank you

Michael Gerringer June 24, 2022 20:36

Official comment

From https://support.dronesmadeeasy.com/hc/en-us/articles/211429163-Opening-a-KML-from-Email

"define a polygon, line string, or set of pushpins in Google Earth and import it into Map Pilot as you normally would (via Email or AirDrop) but rename the file from sample.kml to sample_boundary.kml to import as boundaries and linear flight plans. Adding the _boundary to the filename tells the system to import is as boundary definitions instead of just guidelines. The imported data will show up in the File Manager screen. All features that are being imported need to have a name associated with them."

Linear plans will be as shown in the line string. Polygons will show up as boundaries.

You do not need to be connected to the aircraft to plan. You need to have the correct aircraft selected in the settings. You don't need to set camera settings like exposure at the time of planning since they don't affect the layout.

When offline you need to double tap where you plan on taking off to get the lines to show.

Zane June 24, 2022 20:46

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9 comments

Thanks Zane, this was super helpful. A few more questions. I have the pro version, once I save the mission and open it, I can see the terrain aware profile. Is there an on-switch for it? Or is this automatic?Also, does the app show total expected flight time and/or number of images?

Michael Gerringer June 28, 2022 20:53 0 votes

Total expected flight time, images and estimated number of batteries are all shown in the top left panel at the time of layout. The estimates get less accurate with more rugged terrain.

I am not sure what you mean about the terrain profile being automatic. I is always available as an option. You have to choose to use it or not.

https://support.dronesmadeeasy.com/hc/en-us/articles/211810943-Terrain-Awareness

Zane June 28, 2022 23:37 0 votes

Hi Zane, I am not getting a prompt to adjust to terrain aware

Michael Gerringer June 28, 2022 23:51 0 votes

Or will I not get the prompt until I upload the mission to the drone?

Michael Gerringer June 29, 2022 00:02 0 votes

Is the flight path showing? If your aircraft does not have at least 10 satellites the red triangle will not show up. If you are planning while not connecting to the aircraft (which is fine) you need to double tap to drop the anticipated take off location. Either the purple dot or the red triangle need to be showing. If it is stuck looking for a GPS signal you won't be able to do either.

Zane June 29, 2022 01:33 0 votes

Sorry I'm new to the app. I think I understand now. So when I create the mission, as long as I download the terrain data, when I connect the drone to the app, that is when I would get the prompt to utilize terrain awareness? Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

Michael Gerringer June 29, 2022 01:53 0 votes

When you save the mission the data you need to operate fully offline including the basemap and all terrain data for the general area are downloaded too. That way you can make adjustments as needed in the field.

Every time you take off for a new mission it will ask you if you want to use Terrain Awareness. You can also do it in the planning phase to make sure things are safe.

Zane June 29, 2022 03:49 0 votes

Hi Zane, I gave it a try today. Everything went well except the video feed. Either I did not have it or I did but it was poor. X5S camera on matrice 210 V1

Michael Gerringer July 01, 2022 14:41 0 votes