Planning a Drone Survey Project

Planning Drone Survey Projects

# Phase 1: Requirements

Deliverable Definition
- Orthomosaic (photo map)
- Digital Surface Model (DSM)
- Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
- Contour maps
- Volume calculations

Accuracy Specification
- Horizontal accuracy
- Vertical accuracy
- Ground Sample Distance (GSD)
- Control point requirements

# Phase 2: Airspace & Regulatory

Airspace Assessment
- Check B4UFLY or AirMap
- Identify controlled airspace
- Note airports, heliports
- Check temporary restrictions

Required Authorizations
- LAANC for controlled airspace
- Part 107 waivers if needed
- Property access permission
- Local permits if required

Timeline
- LAANC: Often instant
- Standard waiver: 10-30 days
- Complex waiver: 90+ days
- Plan ahead!

# Phase 3: Ground Control

GCP Design
- 5-10 GCPs minimum
- Perimeter + interior distribution
- Avoid colinear placement
- Plan check points (20% of total)

Survey Coordination
- RTK base station location
- Survey crew scheduling
- Target deployment timing
- Coordinate system documentation

# Phase 4: Flight Planning

Flight Parameters
- Altitude for required GSD
- Overlap settings (75/65% min)
- Flight pattern (grid, crosshatch)
- Battery/flight segmentation

Contingency Planning
- Weather backup days
- Equipment backup
- Alternative flight patterns
- Communication plan

# Phase 5: Execution Checklist

Pre-Flight
☐ Weather check (wind, visibility)
☐ Equipment inspection
☐ Battery charge verification
☐ Flight plan review
☐ GCPs deployed and surveyed

During Flight
☐ Monitor telemetry
☐ Watch for obstacles
☐ Verify image capture
☐ Note any deviations

Post-Flight
☐ Download and backup data
☐ Quick image review
☐ Coverage verification
☐ Equipment care/storage