Data Collection with the Mavic 2 Pro and Pix4D Capture

 Date: 9/21/2024

    The DJI Mavic 2 Pro, unlike the Skydio S2, does not include a mapping feature in its software. However, using the Pix4D Capture app, we can perform such mapping missions with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro platform and compare these missions with those conducted with the Skydio S2 platform. When performing the same scan with a different platform and software, there are bound to be differences. While we cannot see the difference in scan quality until the data is processed, we can compare other factors such as dataset size, time to complete mission, individual quality of single images, and overall user experience.

            The chosen study area was the turf farm, the same site as in the Skydio 2D mapping mission. While the site was the same, one important factor that may affect the data is the difference in weather conditions. During the Pix4D capture flight, conditions were 90 degrees with relatively zero wind and no cloud cover (Figure 1). During the Skydio 2D mapping flight, conditions were 80 degrees, light breezes, but overcast (Figure 2). Shadows and reflections off smooth surfaces such as vehicles caused by direct sunlight can impact the quality of the data.

Figure 1: Pix4D Capture Mission (Sunny)

Figure 2: Skydio Mission (Overcast)

 

 

Two flights were conducted for this mission. The first flight consisted of a lawnmower pattern single grid 2D mapping mission. This flight was conducted at 200ft AGL, with a frontal and side overlap of 80%, and a camera angle at 90 degrees (nadir) yielding a GSD of 1.41 cm/px. A total of 112 images were taken (Figures 3 and 4). For comparison, the Skydio S2 accomplished this same mission with the same settings in only 62 pictures and a GSD of 1.01 in/px (2.57cm/px). Given that the Skydio had a higher GSD and less pictures, one would assume that the Pix4D capture program will generate a higher quality scan. Only once the data is processed will we truly be able to tell which produced the higher quality scan.

Figure 3: Flight 1 information

Figure 4: Flight 1 settings

 

            Flight 2 was conducted with the same settings as flight 1 (80% frontal overlap, 80% side overlap, 200ftAGL), except this time with a crosshatch pattern and 80 degrees gimbal angle yielding a GSD of 1.43cm/px (Figures 5 and 6). A crosshatch flight was not conducted with the Skydio, so there is no accurate comparison of this mission between the two platforms at this time. However, adding crosshatch and tilting the gimbal allows for higher quality 3D models of surfaces as opposed to flying in a single direction lawn mower pattern at nadir. The Mavic 2 Pro and Pix4D capture app accomplished this flight in 8 minutes, capturing a total of 189 images.

Figure 5: Flight 2 Information

Figure 6: Flight 2 Settings

 

 

Mission Times

Driving/setup	30 mins
Flight 1	4 mins
Flight 2	8 mins
Total	42 mins

 

Dataset

	Images	Size
Flight 1	112	1GB
Flight 2	189	1.66GB
Total	301	2.66GB

 

Data gathered in flights 1 and 2 will be processed in Pix4D at a later date. Processed results from flight 1 will be compared with the Skydio 2D map capture to determine which platform produced higher quality results.