Atlas Flight: Checklist

Before you leave

If you will not have internet access out in the field, pre-cache the area you will be flying using Atlas Flight. Pan and zoom the area in Atlas Flight using a reliable internet connection to cache the map for use offline. You may also be able to use your phone as a WiFi hotspot if you have a data connection in the field. You may wish to do the same in your DJI mission planning app.

Ensure that batteries for all devices (especially the iOS device) are charged and ready.

Remember to bring

  • Drone and remote control 
  • MicaSense sensor 
  • iPad 
  • DLS
  • GPS (if not using DLS 2 or drone GPS)
  • Extra zip ties
  • 0.9 mm hex key
  • Lens wipes
  • USB cable to connect remote control to iPad
  • Equally charged drone batteries. For best performance you should label your battery pairs and only use them together. Using unequally charged battery pairs can cause performance issues. 

Preflight

  • Check connections and power on system

    • Zip tie connections if needed

    • Camera logo points forward

    • If using a MicaSense kit, ensure mast is secure (needs 0.9mm hex key)

    • Camera is tilted at an angle that will point nadir while flying.

    • Lenses are clean

    • Remote controller mode "P" is preferred for GPS positioning mode.

    • Power on iPad, Remote, Drone

    • Make sure lights one drone, sensor, and DLS are on  

    • Battery check

  • Connect to camera wifi (must be close to camera)

    • If there are any issues connecting, move closer to the camera, and try turning off the remote control temporarily to avoid any interference.

  • Connect to configuration page in a web browser (http://192.168.10.254)

    • Check for good GPS signal

    • Mag check (calibrate if needed)

    • Ensure storage capacity or specify storage location

    • Status lights

  • For the Drone: Open your DJI mission planning app to check and set/confirm flight limits (one-time only, or when updated)

    • Confirm good GPS signal

    • Mag check (calibrate if needed)

    • Set max altitude

    • Set max distance

    • Set return to home altitude

    • Set battery warning levels

    • Set home point

    • Multiple Flight modes should be ON, mode F (mode P for PH4)

    • Remote controller signal lost behavior (return to home)

  • Atlas Flight: Verify drone and camera status (stay connected to camera WiFi)

  • Set alt, speed, overlap (default overlap 75%)

  • Capture calibrated reflectance panel (camera button or automated panel capture in wifi interface or in Atlas Flight itself)

  • Press “preflight” button (and stay connected to camera WiFi)

    • camera updates completed

    • Affirm DJI settings (geofence)

    • Warning "Be prepared to take control of the drone"

    • Verify mission settings

    • Place drone in takeoff position (ok to lose camera WiFi now)

    • Press launch

    • Press launch again to launch mission

During flight

  • Be prepared to take control and keep the remote in your hands at all times. Switching the mode on the remote or pressing the in-app pause button stops the flight.

  • Monitor altitude, speed, and location

  • Remote control will beep when coming home. The drone may not automatically land exactly where you expect, so be attentive and ready to control the landing.

  • DJI controls the entire flight, including take-off and landing. For more information, please see Does Atlas Flight control the drone?

After flight

  • Capture calibrated reflectance panel (camera button or automated panel capture)

  • Confirm that camera is still connected and powered on, and that there is still a GPS signal.

  • Connect to Sensor WiFi and check coverage page.
  • Check the storage device and ensure that all expected captures and files are there. 

 

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