15.1.2 Survey Details
If the user expands the Survey Details section to configure survey-related parameters for the upcoming survey, they will see the following screen.
On this screen, users can define various survey parameters such as take-off altitude, land altitude, speed, waypoint radius, front overlap, side overlap, altitude, starting point selection, overshoot options from the top or bottom, lead in the top or bottom, turn angle, enabling cross grid, adding a rally point, and importing GCP files.
Set the following parameters according to the requirements of an application.
Take-off Altitude- The takeoff altitude controls the altitude above the home at which the takeoff is considered complete. Make sure that this is high enough that the aircraft can safely turn after takeoff.
Land Altitude-Altitude value for landing the device safely.
Speed- Set the speed of the VTOL for flying. As VTOL is a hybrid vehicle, it can fly with greater speed than a drone.
Waypoint radius- Given the larger size and higher speed of VTOL, specifying a waypoint radius is essential to ensure smooth turns. The waypoint radius defines the maximum distance from a waypoint, signaling completion when crossed. This prevents the aircraft from looping around a missed waypoint by introducing a finish line perpendicular to the path from the previous waypoint. The navigation controller may initiate a turn before the WP_RADIUS to accommodate varying turn sharpness and aircraft speed.
Front Overlap and Side Overlap- Users have the option to set front and side overlap values for images in their respective text boxes. The default front overlap value is set at 0, and image overlapping occurs between each successive image.
Altitude – Users can specify the desired altitude for VTOL flight during a plan, indicating the actual altitude at which they want the VTOL to operate.
Starting point - In AeroGCS ORANGE, users can modify the starting point position using the following options:
Top Left: Set the starting point at the top-left position.
Bottom Left: Set the starting point at the bottom-left position.
Top Right: Set the starting point at the top-right position.
Bottom Right: Set the starting point at the bottom-right position.
This functionality proves beneficial for optimizing the starting position, especially when repositioning a drone after a prior landing to conserve battery power. Unlike adjusting the turn angle, these predefined options provide efficient and accurate adjustments.
Overshoot and lead-in parameters – VTOLs are flying at larger speeds as compared to drones. The VTOL can fly at 18-20 m/s speed in the air. There should be some provision to take a turn in a horizontal and vertical direction on the plan in this case. The Overshoot and lead-in parameters help to take a smooth turn and come back to the original plan without any destruction. While taking a turn, VTOL will move on the overshoot distance and whenever it reaches the waypoint radius it will start taking turns to reach the lead-in value.
Overshoot Parameters:
Overshoot Top: Adds distance to the top of the original plan.
Overshoot Bottom: Adds distance to the bottom of the original plan.
Lead-in Parameters:
Lead-in Top: Adds lead-in distance to the top of the original plan.
Lead-in Bottom: Adds lead-in distance to the bottom of the original plan.
After modifying any parameter, click 'Apply' to implement the changes. These parameters are instrumental in capturing clear images of the specified area.
Turn Angle - Users can adjust the angle of the plan's polylines, impacting all parameters in the survey statistics. The turn angle change value is visible on the right side of the turn angle bar.
Cross Grid - In AeroGCS, this feature expands the coverage of the land, but it takes more time to complete the plan. However, it allows you to capture more images of the field. When you enable this option, it increases the survey distance, survey time, and the number of captured images.
Add Rally Points- This feature provides additional security for a safe and smooth drone landing. Rally points, marked in violet in the image above, serve as emergency landing locations. In case of unexpected situations, the drone can safely land at the nearest rally point rather than returning all the way home.
GCP- Users can incorporate the Ground Control Point (GCP) file by selecting the import option to add GCPs to their plan.
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