Turn Your DJI Drone Into A Mapping Machine For FREE!

[@DylanGorman]

Making an update here to address a handful of comments that I have been receiving on this video. What I am showing you in this video is specifically a workaround for the DJI Mini 4, DJI Air 3/3s, and ANY DJI Mavic 3/Classic/Pro/Cine line. If you own a DJI Mini SE/2/3/3 Pro or DJI Air 2/2s or Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom, then use software like Litchi/ Drone Deploy/ Drone Link/ Map Pilot Pro. These other options are either free or have a 1 time cost. There are no "lies" in this video, it is specifically aimed towards the newer DJI drones that have released that do not have compatibility with the other software that I just mentioned. I hope this clears up any confusion.

[@mikecooper3998]

I have a DJI mini 4 drone with RC2 controller and I could not get the route map to load into my controller. I could not find a way to exit the DJI application, the icons you show in the video are not there on my unit, and no back button, I tried them all. I also tried to hook the controller up directly to a computer via USB-C as suggested by some and that does not work either. Any ideas on the RC2 controller to make this all work?

[@drone2day-theworldfromabov381]

I also would live to use this with the RC2, hope you can help out!

[@Orcaben1]

@@mikecooper3998 I'm having the exact same issue and no one can give me any answers!

[@Orcaben1]

I cannot exit the dji application on my RC-2, i cannot see the internal files!

[@erivaldodossantos1469]

In case of low battery in the middle of mission, what happens? Will it return to the home point for me to change battery and continue the mission ?

[@stefanwoermcke6828]

Actually there is no need to do a flight to get the basic waypoint mission (at least for the RC2 controller): 1) turn on the controller (no need to start your drone) 2) click on „connection guide“ 3) click on „camera view“ and from there just hit the waypoint mission symbol on the left side. Now change to the map view, click on two random spots on the map, and save your waypoint mission - that‘s it!. Another important thing: in your case you only have one waypoint mission (the one that you created). after a while you may have multiple waypoint missions, and that‘s the part where it get‘s tricky: now you have multiple folder with cryptic names in the waypoint folder, no reference to the name you gave for your waypoint mission! How to find the correct folder from here? Just check the creation date, and then you have it! Hope this helps for the people new to this process (I did this process multiple times, after a while you get used to deal with this strange folder structure 😉 )

[@aviosmedia]

Thanks. One thing - you can click on the first waypoint and tell it to start taking photos - that way you don't have to remember to press the start capture.

[@DylanGorman]

That’s good to know!

[@VillageAerial]

How about a video on who uses the result of these maps...construction firms, developers, etc. And how do they use it, how do you market to them and make yourself known to them, etc.

[@ats-3693]

I work for a drone survey company, among other things we make high resolution terrain maps for mining companies so they can work out volumes of rock above mineral ore bodies, this determines whether the mine will be open pit or underground tunnels.

[@davidebrambilla6566]

Connecting the RC2 via USB-C to your computer will shortcut few steps. You can first go into the waypoint folder of the RC2 and copy the filename, you rename the one on your local drive, then copy and paste (override) your renamed .kmz file on the original controller's folder

[@AIR3_AVIATOR]

With the RC-2 remote controller, I couldn’t display the home screen like I can on the MAVIC remote controller, so I’ll try connecting a USB cable to see if that works.

[@carlhoward5469]

ISO is NOT "...artificial light that is adding to each image that we capture." ISO is a setting for the sensitivity of the imaging chip. The higher the value, the more sensitive, so less light is needed foe the exposure.

[@davekimmer5428]

ACKCHYUALLY

[@Redlinemunk]

The drone shot of the drone was meta AF. Thanks for the tips, great video!

[@DylanGorman]

Appreciate it!

[@princeofprintness2892]

This was excellent! I will try this later in the week on my DJI AIR 3. I will let you know my results. Much appreciated, safe flights!

[@miestermind]

I need you to really understand the gravity what's the impact of this video?It's like one of the most actually informative videos I've seen in a long time. Mega value

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful

[@uplink44]

Awesome video, that's so cool! So to get nice 3d model all I would need to do is change the camera angle to -45'? Any other settings that need adjusting?

[@KP-ni8bh]

Very impressive, well done. I would caution anyone seeking to make money doing this that, in some states, unless you are a licensed engineer or surveyor, you must be careful and not sell anything that could be interpreted as authoritative.

[@tomroume3178]

Fantastic video. Thanks. But, you only concentrated on the smart controller...what about the DJI RC2? Does it work the same? Also, can you export the 3D image?

[@daemn42]

Should be the same. They're both just a device running DJI Fly app in android.

[@LeeDeakin-k9f]

That’s amazing I e got the air3s and wanted to do mapping but couldnt afford a more expensive drone I’ll be trying this thanks a lot 💪😎

[@JamesLaws-Cinematographer]

Dylan, I've appreciated your work for so long that I subscribed long ago...but I'm envious because so many people are giddy over this and I'm not. I used the RC-2, which is doable I know, but I don't know how you downloaded the KMZ file into the SD card and overwrote the "2-waypoint file." I got confused when you put created a KMZ folder on your Google drive, so I'll give it another shot tomorrow. I have a M3E, but I've drooled over doing mapping with my AIR-3. I'll sleep on it and give another shot tomorrow... Phenomenal sharing my guy!!!

[@uplink44]

If you hook up controller directly to a laptop, I believe you'll be able to copy over (and change name) from sd card to internal storage in the file explorer. Should be much easier.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

I did this with my Mini, it came out amazing and accurate

[@dougcairns]

Thank you Dylan...I have been looking for a free way to do this. Question - How do you host the generated maps for viewing on a website or to share with clients?

[@davidgonzales180]

The files you end up, are they useful or usable to architects, landscape architects, planners, etc? Or are they just cool. Many thanks for the tutorial!

[@DylanGorman]

They can be! You just need more data which can be gathered manually or with more overlap on the mission planning

[@MainelyElectrons]

Awesome! Hopefully DJI doesnt patch the work around, super excited to try this today

[@DylanGorman]

They shouldn’t so your all good to go!

[@BadwolfFPV]

theres litchi if they do, if your model is supported

[@TicTac-g7m]

​@BadwolfFPV Yeah, I bought Litchi and it's great. Haven't done the waypoints yet, but next season I will as that's what I got it for. My only major wish: That I could program it to auto land, wait for a predetermined time, then take-off again to a set altitude and broadcast and reconnect. That would rock. Not to mention being useful.

[@simonwesterlund1]

@@DylanGorman What do you mean they shouldn't? I agree they should leave it but they absolutely can. It's a very easy thing to patch, they literally just need a metadata file to store some kind of calculation from the checkpoints file, like distance or even how many waypoints there are. So don't be surprised if this is patched within the next set of updates.

[@DylanGorman]

@@simonwesterlund1 This tool has been availble for over 6 months, which is why I eluded to saying that it they shouldn't remove it. I don't control what DJI does or doesn't do with their own software unfortunately.

[@marvinh2354]

Nice explanation and well paced! You've earned a subscriber. Thank you for the info.

[@DylanGorman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@PhilippePerruchot]

me too 🤗

[@LSURGaming]

hello im planing on using this, so amazing... I was wondering if I have a longer Mission that may require a change the battery of drone is there a way to continue the mission where it left off? should I do two separate waypoint missions? Thanks for this

[@erivaldodossantos1469]

Same

[@previ26]

Same

[@StaceyArmstrong-bt2xn]

This is great, Dylan! Thank you. Any chance Reality Capture allows you to add GCPs so you can line up your photogrammetry map on the earth?

[@DylanGorman]

Yes there is a way to add GCPs, however, Reality Cature likes to confuse you on how that exactly works but they do have a great 3 part web series on how to do it. It is available directly on their KZbin channel. "Reality Capture Ground Control Points" is what I would look up.

[@tommystravels64]

Wow! This is awesome! Thanks bro! Wish I knew about this before I came back from my holidays! This would have been great to capture some of the beach houses and bars! Liked & Subscribed! 🤘

[@DylanGorman]

Well now you know! You should try it out in the future

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

I’m glad I kept my Mavic Pro.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Me too.

[@dwaynestarling8327]

Great video, enjoyed the content. Motivation to knock the dust off the drones again.

[@atown4428]

Drone taking a video of your drone. Nice. Great video. I do this for work and there’s some great stuff here.

[@Go4Gold1000]

Thanks a lot for this very interesting video! One question: Is the 3D-model-quality you get out of your images (I used your images and reproduced what you created) the maximum or is this just what you get with standard settings? I´m completely new in this topic but I expected a more detailed model. And another question please: what is the reason to use the camera 90 degress and downwards and not for expample 45 degrees? Especially the vertical walls are not very detailed and more another angle could help?

[@lonniesfilmmaking333]

Thanks so much 😊 ❤ Process sounded a bit hard and tedious

[@stevehorvat69]

Great video, thanks. You mention it will work with the Mini 4 Pro. In this also possible with the Mini 2? 🤞

[@PhilippePerruchot]

Looks so easy, Great video Thanks man.

[@AZ-Drone]

Thanks! Nice to have some options again!

[@DylanGorman]

Options are all we can hope for!

[@daveinmontana77]

Thanks for getting this online Dylan... still waiting for SDK for my Mini 4 Pro! Hahahahahaha

[@NilsTillander]

Maybe you could have mentioned the limitations of this approach, in particular the maximum number of waypoints (which forces you to only have each line edge, leading to the weird wavy flight). Also, those drones don't have a global shutter, so it's nice to remember that you'll have rolling shutter effects that may or may not be an issue depending on cases.

[@LaurentiuGavrea]

Your excellent tutorial made me to subscribe your great learning channel with many thanks for your valuable content!

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you! More stuff to come!

[@rangerjo3834]

Nice ! Will this work with a mini 4k ? With an rcn1c

[@dimitrisagelakis4575]

Does anyone know if this will work with the Air2S? Great video! Thank you!

[@scavos]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@DylanGorman]

You bet!

[@ryangehrke8019]

Do us Mini 2 SE owners have any similar opportunities to use waypoints and to make similar models?

[@indigo14-d3w]

I would also like to know the answer to this question

[@MartynBellamyMusic]

Brilliant video... I have a Mini 4 pro with the RC2 which always boots the DJI fly app. How do I get out.of that to the Android system behind it or should I pair my Mini 4 Pro to a RC -N1?

[@gerryrozema8338]

You suggest dronelink wont work with low end drones, works fine with my mini-2. Use it to take a series of shots, then load them all into WebODM, let the system crunch numbers for a while, and voila, really nice set of informative maps of the area we flew.

[@snowe..]

he said the opposite.

[@eutaxcollector]

Incredible! Thanx for this video .

[@Chevallum]

Thank you for the video. Great information. I have an older DJI Mavic (M1P). Would it work?

[@DylanGorman]

I would use Drone Deploy or Drone Link, it will be way easier!

[@hilgieloza563]

Thank you for the tutorial... But it stops in the middle of the map that i make.. how do i fix it sir? And what i supposed to do sir?

[@Stone1108]

Excellent; info, production, knowledge, and most of all your presentation style. One definitely going to try this. You mention the air2S, I just can’t bring myself to sell this drone, even though I also use a M3. Can the AIR2S be used with the software also? I know we can setup weigh points anyway. but this software look really good. 👏

[@DylanGorman]

For the air 2s I’d look at using Drone Link, it works really well and has 10x time features

[@tinybirdai]

Thank you for such useful content

[@kettch42]

I have an old DJI 3 which seems to be near the end of its life and did this manually. What a pain, especially when it keeps losing connection and returning home. This is waaaay better. But my question-- how is the connection on the Mavic, and how far away does it let you get? If you lose signal, does it continue the waypoint mission?

[@JoeBidermann-w8e]

Does this workflow work for the first generation Mavic Pro?

[@stevemakeithappenvideos]

good information. new subscriber

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

Thank you!

[@cyberintrepid]

Excellent, excellent video! Thanks a lot! I suscribed

[@DylanGorman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@huwevans4452]

Brilliant info - just brilliant, thank you.

[@DylanGorman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daveinmontana77]

Speaking of Mini 4 Pro... will the steps above work on that? I'm still interested in the Mavuc 3E... ; )

[@commentatron]

Just tried it this morning - it works.

[@JMLG01]

Awesome Tutorial! Do you know an app for Mac (similar to Reality Capture)?

[@DylanGorman]

That is free, no. But you can use WebODM for basic 2D maps, Metashape for 3D models or Pix4D for both but these all cost money to some degree. WebODM have free options.

[@luizadolphs6084]

You got yourself a follower

[@D_Beaux_FPV]

Where are you on the X650 dev kit? I’ve got mine running RTK now, and about to start doing TDLAS gas leak detection with it once I’ve tortured it a little more to gain confidence in its ability. Mines on PX4, but I’m tracking your development on it. Curious where you go with it.

[@DylanGorman]

It’s coming 😅, I had to put my life on pause all of last month with 2 hurricanes that hit us. I have all the new hardware in so it should be another few weeks!

[@D_Beaux_FPV]

@@DylanGorman sweeeet!

[@erivaldodossantos1469]

In case of low battery in the middle of mission, what happens? Will it return to the home point for me to change battery and continue the mission ?

[@Pokzy]

Is there any alternative for Mini 3 Pro ?

[@TonyLing]

It would be awesome to create image tiles for OpenStreetmap, subject to flight restrictions.

[@tf1389]

Great video. Thank you

[@E_f_S]

Great video! Does this work with Mavic air 2 or mavic air 3s?

[@DylanGorman]

This works for the air 3s but not the air 2

[@E_f_S]

@DylanGorman thanks. I have to upgrade :(

[@dronearon3085]

You can use other software to create mission kml kmz not necessarily use that waypoint software web base

[@DylanGorman]

Which ones? This is the best one that I have found, unless I didn’t do enough digging.

[@DroneManMurphy]

@@DylanGormanI’ve looked for months and haven’t found any software that works as easy as Waypoint, so you’re definitely on to something great for everyone without an Enterprise drone! 😊👍

[@nickalex636]

How?

[@hilgieloza563]

Can you make ah tutorial how to make a folder of images to be transfer to the realitycapture sir?

[@Georg_Hofer]

Great video. Thank you so much!!!

[@DylanGorman]

No problem!

[@dalamar2196]

Thanks for sharing. I have a DJI phantom 4 multispectral, using android tablet. Will try this, but if fails do you know a way to create a map for this drone?

[@DylanGorman]

You can mission plan directly on the smart controller for the Phantom 4 Pro Multispec. Or you can use Drone Deploy

[@FrankAlgermissen]

Thx 🙏🏼 for unlocking this cool feature. Only wondering if the “Home” Button on the upper right corner (beside Settings) is available on RC 2 too or on Pro Controller only. Cannot get access to it but instead a workaround via “Audio” tap left icon then etc. to come into all the sub-folders.

[@DylanGorman]

It should be available on all of them. The smart controllers are only running as android tablets.

[@FrankAlgermissen]

@ Well, unfortunately not. Although it’s the newest FW out there (09.Nov.2024) it won’t be shown 😳🤷🏼‍♂️ Only the ⚙️ for Settings. Anyone else an idea 💡? Maybe dependent on local FW (Germany) versions?

[@jimmycarter7913]

Thanks for a great video. Will this work with a Mavic 2 Pro?

[@DylanGorman]

No, look at Drone Deploy or Drone Link for that drone.

[@jimmycarter7913]

@@DylanGorman Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

[@jimmycarter7913]

@@DylanGorman Therefore there's no free software to use with my M2 Pro, as Drone Deploy is horrifically expensive and Drone Link is USD119. Is that right?

[@SavageWarrior97]

Could this software work for a mini 3 pro? Or is there a limitation for that generation of drone?

[@pondfisher9632]

Would this work to create a 2D map printout? I have never done any mapping but was wanting to create an updated map printout of my grandpas farm. Just don't want to go through the trouble of creating the waypoint mission and capturing all the images if I wont be able to take it somewhere to have a large map printed out.

[@toddwarner2739]

very good Vid. thank you for sharing.

[@AIR3_AVIATOR]

With the RC-2 (AIR3), it’s not possible to display the home screen on the remote controller’s display. As mentioned in the comments below, does this mean I’ll need to connect it to a PC with a USB-C cable to copy the KMZ file? I look forward to a tutorial video on the steps for the RC-2.

[@djtrotte]

Thank you, very informative. I wish the trick worked with the M3Pro though. Even this workaround means I need to get on the upgrade train 😂

[@DylanGorman]

It works with that drone too!

[@djtrotte]

@DylanGorman well then, time for me to go hack

[@flare_nvme]

can I use this software to analyze crop looking for weeds and so on?

[@oldman8277]

Invaluable, thanks much!

[@DylanGorman]

Very welcome!

[@OtevaOl]

So instead of paying us to do mapping for them they make it as if there giving you a way to take pictures for them for free. Got it 👍

[@samdarama4843]

To create a dummy mission you don't need to have the drone in the air or even connected. In waypoint mode simpy tap on the map to create a waypoint.

[@richard8181]

Thank for. Great video, I am onto it NOW getting mapping 🫡

[@staruml]

Great share. Thank you

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@spartanaerialservices]

Great stuff!!!

[@DylanGorman]

Thanks Fred!

[@pretorianargargentina1408]

Hi! great Vid! Question: How about the Avata 2?

[@DylanGorman]

It doesn’t work with that drone

[@Visual4uProductions]

Amazing thank you and such a well made Tutorial!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jekjr1957]

I utilize Pilot PE and map with a Mavic 2 Zoom. It works great.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

But that's because the M2P sdk was available for 3rd party use. Sadly, the newer drones don't have that option available.

[@jekjr1957]

@@YellowRoseDrones Since I made the above comment I tried to fly again and I could not get it to work either. I have flown it many times but now I get error codes and it won't work either. :(

[@borasathsou5685]

will the map accurate enough ?

[@davidebrambilla6566]

What abou taking an additional set of pictures but with gimbal at -45°? Or maybe less inclination?

[@lexfrancis5916]

Thanks for this info. I can't find a way to exit the dji fly app on the RC2. There's no home button, and I can't force stop the app because there's no "app management" menu in settings. Anyone have suggestions?

[@davidebrambilla6566]

Connecting the RC2 via USB-C to your computer will shortcut few steps. You can first go into the waypoint folder of the RC2 and copy the filename, you rename the one on your local drive, then copy and paste (override) your renamed .kmz file on the original controller's folder

[@keatonduwelius7209]

@@davidebrambilla6566 where do I find this folder? Im plugged into the controller and all I see is the sd card and a bunch of flighlogs

[@royalestatesllc4704]

Gratitude! 💪🏿

[@DylanGorman]

Always!

[@JennOuttDoors]

I have a DJI Mavic 3 CINE do you know a 3rd party app that I can do mapping speciffically with this drone? I am having issues finding one that works. thanks

[@raptr49]

Thank you for this workaround, but its not too convenient if you need to fly many different missions. You'd think that DJI would just release the SDK for all drones. I'm sticking to my Mini 3 Pro for the time being and use DroneLink and either Maps Made Easy or more recently Web ODM.

[@DylanGorman]

I wish it were simpler, however this is the best workaround that I have found.

[@HoustonBrownPhotography]

What software, Realitycapture is for Windows, can I use to build the end product if I am not on a PC? Did I miss something?

[@JoeRendaRealty]

I have a mini 4 pro . I can seem to get into the file system of the RC2 controller . I can see the SD card and new file to upload but can't seem to get to the area to load it into ???

[@danielbre-q2v]

How did you fix the holes that appeared on the roof in the 3D model? I am generating a cesium model and I also get those holes for white color objects.

[@TheColonelJJ]

Will this work with the old Crystal Sky display?

[@commentatron]

So, will this software, RealityCapture, render a simple orthorectified image from my high-res photos? I flew a waypoint mission with the settings you recommend (-90 camera, 180 ft. altitude etc.), and rendered it out with the same result you showed. However, it produces a fairly crude 3D result, doesn't it? Thanks!

[@DylanGorman]

You need to fly lower and use a -65 angle for the flight for a better 3D model. I would also include some manual flights up close to the subject and then throw all of those photos into reality capture to generate your 3D model

[@commentatron]

@@DylanGorman Thanks. What about the flat, orthorectified image (non-3d, just stitched together)?

[@PurpleCarrotSociety]

U earned a subscriber. thank you for the info.

[@DylanGorman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jerrywaz6014]

Will this work for the mini 3?

[@youtubejack]

Would mavic pro still do adequate enough photos for mapping and photogrammetry?

[@kwmir]

How can one create a file for flying Mini 2 autonomously? Any thoughts and guidance would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[@jasongale-zt7fw]

Thats cool as thanks

[@bigninjabeast3091]

Is there any alternative to reality capture? I have a laptop that doesn’t have a nvidia gpu.

[@f1pitpass]

thanks! subbed

[@DylanGorman]

Thanks for the sub!

[@3xblahblah]

That's so cool

[@telebeater]

Is there a way to do a standard Litchi Type mission without mapping?