Mavic 2 Pro Mapping Mission (AT309 Week 6)

In Lab 4, my lab partner Saurav Dalvi and I conducted two mapping missions using a Mavic 2 Pro. The study area was the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center, requiring LAANC approval for operation within controlled airspace.  We used Pix4D Capture, a 3rd party software, to complete the scans using the Mavic 2 Pro. Two grid scans were performed – a lawnmower pattern and an opposing grid pattern. The latter required more time and battery power but provided increased detail and accuracy due to a higher number of images. Having previously performed 3D scans with a Skydio S2, we were able to compare these two platforms.

The Mavic 2 Pro scans using Pix4D Capture were more user-friendly to set up than the Skydio, but the time to download the images after the scan was complete took significantly longer. The drone behavior post-scan also differed, with the Mavic requiring manual adjustment for landing.

Throughout these scans, we collected lots of data including latitude and longitude, size of the scans, times of takeoff and landing, number of images captured, altitude of the scans, and sensor angles. All of the data collected can be found in the lab report.


Figure 1 shows the scan area for the two scans and the approximate dimensions.

Figure 1- Scan area

Figure 2 shows the path of the drone for the lawnmower grid scan. As you can see, the passes of the drone are parallel.
Figure 2- Lawnmower Grid Scan path

Figure 3 shows the path of the drone for the opposing grid scan. This has passes that are parallel and perpendicular, resulting in higher detail but about twice as many pictures.
Figure 3- Opposing Grid Scan Path

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