DJI Mapping

A tool to convert QGroundControl generated .kml files into DJI Fly ready .kmz files.

Changelog

Here's what's new

How to Use:

I've made a video tutorial that you can watch here.

Steps:

• Download and install Python or a Python Interpreter (if on mobile devices)
• Download and install QGroundControl

1. Create a dummy DJI Fly Waypoint Mission
2. Create a mission using QGroundControl:
   1. To get an accurate Ground Resolution (pixel/centimeter) ratio and Photo Interval reading, use these settings:
   2. In the Mission Start tab, under Vehicle Info, set the desired Hover Speed (it has to match your Waypoint Mission Speed that has to be set in the DJI Fly App)
   3. (Only applicable to Mavic 3) In the Survey tab and in the Camera tab, use these settings for the Main Camera (Hasselblad):
      1. Sensor: 17.3 * 13 mm
      2. Image: 5290 * 3956 px
      3. Focal Length: 12.3 mm
   4. These for the Zoom Camera:
      1. Sensor: 6.4 * 4.8 mm
      2. Image: 4000 * 3000 px
      3. Focal Length: 29.85 mm
   5. Delete the Takeoff tab
   6. Select the Overlap Percentage or Ground Resolution
   7. IF you want the drone to stop and hover when taking every picture, click on Options and check Hover and Capture Image
   8. Change every other setting to fit your needs
   9. Click on File and select Save Mission Waypoints As KML…, choose the directory and save
      • IF you are using an Android device AND the Android conversion script, by default you should save the KML file in "/storage/emulated/0/Downloads/"
3. Run the Python script and follow its instructions:
   1. Drag & Drop the KML file (if you’re not using the Android script, in that case the script will automatically use the latest .kml file in the Downloads directory)
   2. Choose if every waypoint has to set Gimbal Pitch to -90° (Default behaviour) (Setting this to False is best for Photogrammetry/Structure Scan Missions)
   3. Choose if the drone has to take a picture for each waypoint (IT DOES NOT HOVER, more info at the "WORKAROUND TO HOVER AND TAKE PICTURE paragraph) (You may run into problem when RELOADING the mission, have a look at the Known Issues section)
   4. Choose if the script has to filter waypoints based on distance:
      1. Choose minimum distance (in meters) between two SUCCESSIVE waypoints
      2. Choose the Earth model that suits your geographic region best (or leave it at default)
   5. Copy the generated KMZ file to the last created folder in “/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/dji.go.v5/files/waypoint/” on Android or “FILES/DJI File/wayline_mission/” on IOS (I tried automating the Android script to copy and rename the file, but since Android 10, apps can’t access the Android/data folder anymore)
   6. Delete the previous KMZ file in the folder
   7. Copy the folder name
   8. Rename the new KMZ file to the folder name (maintain the “.kmz” file extension)
4. Restart DJI Fly
5. Select the last mission (the dummy mission) (The thumbnail is not updated yet)
6. Set the correct Speed (the same as Hover Speed in QGroundControl)
7. Make sure that the last waypoint's settings are as follows:

   Action	Value
   Camera Action	None
   Altitude	(Any Value)
   Speed	Global Speed
   Heading	Follow Course
   Gimbal Tilt	Manual
   Zoom	Manual
   Hover	0s

8. FLY

WORKAROUND TO HOVER AND TAKE PICTURE:

1. Create the mission in QGroundControl using the Hover and Capture Image setting
2. Run the python conversion script and choose to NOT set "Gimbal Pitch" and "Capture Image at each Waypoint" (press 'n')
3. Replace the .kmz file
4. Open the mission in the DJI Fly app
5. Select ANY waypoint
6. Change its Hover parameter to be higher than the Photo Interval you’re going to use for the mission
7. While the Hover parameter is still highlighted, on the top right corner of the waypoint settings tab, click Apply to All
8. Click Yes to the prompt
9. Select the last waypoint
10. Remove any action on it
11. If you want you can save the mission - DONE!

Known Issues

• IF YOU EDIT THE MISSION IN ANY WAY, EVEN IF YOU DON’T SAVE THOSE CHANGES, ONCE YOU OPEN THE DJI FLY APP AGAIN YOU’LL PROBABLY SEE A GRAPHICS ISSUE. DO NOT WORRY, IT’S JUST A GRAPHICS BUG, THE MISSION WILL WORK AS INTENDED
• If you use the "Take Picture at each Waypoint" option, when you reload the mission (even if you don't change anything in it) DJI Fly will automatically add a "Take Photo" to the last waypoint. You MUST set that back to "None" and remove any other setting from the last waypoint before starting the mission
• Sometimes Waypoints may appear to be facing the wrong direction. It's just another graphics issue

DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated to any company and I do not take any responsability for anything that may happen if you use these scripts/workflows