Raptor Maps - How to Inspect a Solar Farm with a drone using DJI GS Pro and FLIR Zenmuse XT2

We explain and live demonstrate how to use a DJI M210 / M200 drone with a FLIR Zenmuse XT2 / XT thermal camera to inspect a solar farm. Using Raptor Maps software to inspect photovoltaics (PV) a pilot only needs to use 20% side overlap with saves a significant amount of flight time. In this video we go from takeoff to landing by setting up flight planning software on an iPad, Cendence, DJI Ground Station Pro and DJI XT Pro App. We review many flight parameters and camera settings specific to solar. Pilots may be surprised by the low overlap, but that is because Raptor Maps software is fundamentally different then most mapping / orthomosaic thermal missions. Pilots and thermographers that use the DJI Crystal Sky should also tune in to see various tips and tricks.

[@jbierling]

Seems this channel is pretty inactive, so I'm mostly adding this so maybe I can remember. This was a pretty nice video, but the most confusing thing for me was how do you know what direction the drone is facing so you can tilt the camera with the panels. The answer is in the GS Pro manual, "Course Angle: The angle of the main path. East is 0, with a positive value when it is counterclockwise." So > 180, the drone would be pointed some degree south and < 180, some degree north. He's using around 160 here.

[@ryanbliss4120]

Very helpful, thanks Eddie.

[@flysensellc6401]

Hi Eddie, Thanks a lot for this impressive video. In order to eliminate the impact of direct sun reflection from the panels, what camera angle would you suggest? Thank you

[@draalvi]

Thanks for this wonderful video. How about if I use a DJI-Inspire 1 V2 with XT Thermal camera for performing solar PV inspections. I already have got a DJI Inspire 1 V2 and would like to upgrade it in order to perform solar PV Inspections.

[@GiraffeChaser]

Can this be done for residential properties

[@jackstewart1553]

Nice video but how often are solar farms inspected?

[@Apocalypto1414]

Thanks for video, we do follow the same procedure. But found following problems in GSpro 1. It skips some images in same grid in either equal time/distance option. Though on screen clicking ring rotates but no image sound and no image in card 2. The time copter takes on every corner varies with no logic, I agree there must different weather parameters but still looks not correct

[@robertacosta1293]

Would it be possible to inspect with a dji inspire 1 with an xt camera and regular camera (on separate flights) before switching when able to a m200 with an xt2 or an m210

[@scoLev9]

Great video! How do you calculate GSD of the XT2?

[@eddieobropta3333]

Thanks. So you'll need to know the focal length of your camera so you can determine the field of view. If you're inspecting solar there are 3 common GSDs: 3.0, 5.5, and 15 cm/px. A chart with focal length and GSD is here: docs.raptormaps.com/docs/dji-zenmuse-xt2 The general equation is GSD = 2 * h * tan (f / 2) / p Where h = altitude, f = field of view, and p is the number of pixels. For 13 mm 640x512 Zenmuse XT2 this equation will look like GSD = 2 * h * tan (45/2 degrees) / 640

[@fw5478]

Hey Eddie, i´m from germany. Can you let me know, how do you evaluate the thermal pictures, after the flight. Thx a lot.

[@droneoccitanie]

Did you get an answer ?

[@fw5478]

@@droneoccitanie Not really.

[@zachmoore143]

Awesome video

[@reconaerialdroneservices]

Eddie, I understand that flying at 3.0 cm/pix is going to be slower and generate more image, which in turn is ultimately slower or takes more time to review but why wouldn't you want to fly at the IEC standard at all times? Thanks!! Also have do you guys have any info where one undertakes a solar park where a battery change is required? I mean is there any additional steps that we would have to complete in your software for it to read the data once the inspection is done? I do understand that the drone continues where it left off. www.reconaerialmedia.com