Flight Direction Control/Rotation Tool

NOTE:  You are reading an article about an old app called "Flight App for DJI".

This is different from the Flight1 and Flight1x app, which are flight apps actively being developed by Skycatch.

To read articles about Flight1, please see this link.

To read articles about Flight1x, please see this link.

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Use this feature to orient the direction the drone traverses the flight area.

Depending on the shape of the area, it may make more sense to orient for shorter or longer legs, adjust for wind, or fly parallel to certain features on the ground (such as roads, trees, buildings, power lines, etc).

To use the feature:

1. Tap the flight zone shape, then in the pop-up tap Edit.
2. A yellow handle is displayed in the center of the flight zone -- this is the flight direction tool.
3. Press your finger to the ball at the end of the tool and pull it either clockwise or counter-clockwise to adjust the direction of the flight path. As you move the handle, the flight paths update instantly and always ensure the correct overlap.
4. When you are complete, tap anywhere outside the flight zone to exit Edit mode.

Here is a quick video showing the tool in action:

Some examples of how our customers are already using this feature

1. X-pattern/Cross-hatch: fly the same flight zone twice, at leg directions that are perpendicular to each other (ex: mission 1 flies north/south and mission 2 flies east/west), and then combine the photos into one data set when uploading for processing. You'll find better 360 coverage of vertical structures this way, without needing to slow down for oblique shots.
2. Linear flight areas: when the length of the flight area exceeds the reach of the DJI telemetry, adjust the flight direction to be diagonal or perpendicular to the area to maintain radio contact.
3. Partially obstructed views: often on construction sites, a building or crane may obstruct part of the line of sight view to the drone as it traverses the flight area. Set up a flight direction with this tool that optimizes for your line of sight.
4. Changing terrain elevation: in areas with steep elevation changes, use this tool to fly parallel to the face of a steep hill, which is safer than flying directly towards it.
5. Adjusting the location of the first waypoint: changing the direction of flight will also adjust the location of the first waypoint, labeled "Route 1" on the screen.