How to Conduct Mapping Missions with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
Learn to perform mapping missions with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, capturing photos for 2D maps or 3D models.
This guide will teach you how to perform mapping missions with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (M3E).
Mapping missions allow you to create flight routes to cover a target area and capture photos for generating 2D maps or 3D models. For higher accuracy, it is recommended to use the RTK module.
Creating the Mission Area
There are two ways to create mission areas:
1. Importing a KMZ File
Tap Flight Route → KMZ Import and select the KMZ file from the controller.
2. Creating the Area Manually
Tap Flight Route → Create a Route → Mapping, then tap the screen to select the target area.
Tap the + icon between two waypoints to add boundary points.
Tap the Delete button to remove the current point in blue or tap Clear to delete all points.
Mission Parameters
Mission Name: Name the mission based on the location, date, and purpose for easy management. This name will also match the folder name on the SD card.
Camera Selection: For this case, select DJI Mavic 3E and Wide Camera. The flight route will be generated automatically.
Smart Oblique: Enable this feature to capture photos from different angles for detailed 3D model generation.
Ground Sampling Distance (GSD): GSD is calculated based on the flight route altitude or terrain-follow height.
Safe Takeoff Altitude: Set this higher than any obstacles between the takeoff point and mission area.
Terrain Follow:
Realtime Follow: Uses the downward sensing system for terrain-follow flight while maintaining data accuracy and overlap ratios.
DSM Follow: Import local DSM files or download them via the controller.
Flight Route Altitude: Set the altitude relative to the takeoff point or ASL (EGM96) if terrain-follow is not applied.
Speed:
Takeoff Speed: Speed during ascent and horizontal movement to the first waypoint.
Flight Speed: Horizontal speed for the flight route.
Course Angle: Adjust manually or use the default calculated angle for the shortest mission time.
Elevation Optimisation: Enable this to take additional photos to improve elevation data accuracy.
Upon Completion
Select the aircraft’s action after completing the mission:
Return to Home
Return to Start Point and Hover
Exit Task
Land
Advanced Settings
Overlap Ratios:
Default: 70 (side) and 80 (frontal).
For flat areas: 60 (side) and 70 (frontal).
For uneven terrain: 90 (side)and 90 (frontal).
Margin: Increase the margin to capture extra photos outside the edge area for better accuracy.
Photo Mode: Use Distance Interval Shot for the M3E.
Custom Camera Angle: Adjust the camera angle for specific applications, such as solar panel inspections.
Performing the Mission
Choose an open area for takeoff.
Set ground control points if required.
Complete the pre-flight and mapping checklists.
Ensure RTK status is fixed if using the RTK module.
Set the camera to S Mode for mapping and turn off dewarping.
Upload the flight mission, and the aircraft will perform the mission automatically.
Monitor the mission for:
Sufficient battery life
RTK status
Image exposure
Storage space
If the mission cannot be completed in one flight: Pause the mission, land the aircraft, replace the battery, and resume.
Data Processing
After completing the mission:
Land the aircraft and check the system status.
Transfer the captured data to a computer.
Use DJI Terra for model reconstruction:
Tap New Mission → Visible Light.
Rename the mission and select the mission folder.
Add ground control points if needed.
Enable the Output Coordinate System if required.
Start the reconstruction process.
Summary
By following this guide, you can successfully conduct mapping missions with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, capturing detailed data for 2D maps and 3D models.
For additional assistance, advice, or technical support, contact the heliguy™ Tech Team via phone or email. Our experts are here to help!