DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series Flight Planning

The basics of mission planning in the DJI Pilot App for Scanifly Modeling

Link to Full Video Walkthrough

Link to Video on Loom

Key Steps


Step 1: Open the ScanaFly App 0:00

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  • Launch the DJI Pilot app on your device.

  • Navigate to the 'Flight Route' section.

Step 3: Define the Capture Area 0:23

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  • Select 'Create a Route'.

  • Choose 'Area Route' for 2D and 3D capture. 


Step 4: Adjust the Capture Box 0:45

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  • Enter the address of your site.

  • Tap on the map to draw a box around the area you want to capture.

    • Ensure the box is tight around the building or area of interest.

    • Use the plus signs to add points or adjust the box as needed.


Step 5: Select Drone Model 1:23

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  • Choose 'Mavic 3 Enterprise' or 'Mavic 3 Thermal' from the list as well as the camera for the mission (Wide)

Step 6: Adjust Flight Settings 1:43

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  • Review the estimated flight time and photo count.

    • For a large Scanifly model, ensure you have good coverage of the site and less than 950 photos
  • Adjust altitude settings as needed. Generally recommended 175-180 feet AGL depending on height of surrounding obstructions, building height and flight area/capture size


Step 7: Set Safe Takeoff Altitude 2:36

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  • Ensure the safe takeoff altitude is close to your route altitude.


Step 8: Configure Flight Speed 2:54

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  • Set the flight speed between 13-15 mph (do not exceed 18 mph).


Step 9: Set Course Angle 3:07

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  • Keep the default course angle or adjust to be perpendicular to the facades.


Step 10: Configure Oblique Collection 3:38

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  • Ensure the 'Smart Oblique' option is turned off.


Step 11: Adjust Gimbal Pitch 4:08

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  • Set the gimbal pitch to -45 or -65 degrees for optimal capture.


Step 12: Preview Flight Plan 4:23

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  • Save the settings and preview the number of photos and estimated time.


Step 13: Adjust Overlap Settings 5:08

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  • Adjust side and frontal overlap settings based on photo count needs.


Step 14: Set Interval Shot Type 5:56

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  • Change from timed interval shot to distance interval shot for accuracy.


Step 15: Finalize and Execute Mission 6:14

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  • Ensure 'Return to Home' is selected unless starting a new mission.

  • Connect the drone and press 'Play' to execute the mission.

Cautionary Notes

  • Always double-check the flight area for obstacles before takeoff.

  • Ensure the drone's battery is fully charged before starting the mission.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Keep the capture area as tight as possible to reduce flight time.

  • Regularly check and adjust settings based on previous flight data for better accuracy.