Quantum Flight Pack - DJI Mavic 3E Training Hub
- Zach Pieper
- May 15, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
If you picked up a Quantum Flight Pack or you're running a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise on your jobsite, this is where to start. These videos walk through everything from the first power-on to a clean topo flight with RTK. Watch them in order the first time through. After that, bookmark this page and come back when you need a refresher on a specific step.
Topics Covered
Topographic Survey Flight Planning
Getting the flight plan right before you launch is what separates a clean data set from a re-fly. This video covers altitude settings, front and side overlap, and how to account for terrain variation so your photos come back with the coverage you need. Most topo flights on a construction site are straightforward once you know how to set them up.
Camera Settings for Topographic Flights
The Mavic 3E's camera settings out of the box aren't dialed in for construction topo work. This video shows you exactly what to adjust so your imagery is sharp, properly exposed, and usable for photogrammetry. A bad photo is a bad data point. This one is required viewing before your first flight.
RTK NTRIP Network Connection Set Up
RTK via NTRIP is how you get better accuracy without hauling a base station to every jobsite. This video walks through connecting the Mavic 3E to an NTRIP network so your photo geotags are locked as precise as possible. If you're not on a network that covers your area, you can set up an NTRIP from your own base station.
Camera Adjustments for Photography
Topo mapping mode isn't what you want when you're trying to grab a quick jobsite photo to send the owner or document existing conditions. This video shows you how to switch the camera over to photography mode and dial in the settings so your shots come back sharp and usable.
Calibrate the IMU, Gimbal and Compass Calibration
A drone that isn't properly calibrated will give you flight instability and even errors that show up in your data after the fact. It may not even take off. This video covers all three --> IMU, gimbal, and compass, and when each one actually needs to be done.
Firmware and DJI FlySafe Database Updates
Outdated firmware can lock you out of airspace you're legally allowed to fly, and it can introduce bugs that didn't exist on the previous version. This video covers how to update both the drone firmware and the FlySafe database so you're not standing on a jobsite with a drone that won't arm.
Quantum Flight Pack Overview
New to the Flight Pack? This is a quick tailgate talk walkthrough of what's in the kit and what each piece is for. Takes about five minutes and answers most of the questions we get on the first call after someone gets the package. Watch it before you dig into the rest of the videos.
Stay Updated
Bookmark this page and subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos as we add them. We cover drone workflows, GPS machine control, and data processing tips built for contractors, not surveyors.
Questions? Free Consultation Available
If you're trying to figure out whether the Quantum Flight Pack is the right fit for your operation, or you've got a specific workflow question, reach out. Email us or call 515-505-3510 ext. 702. We've processed drone data from hundreds of construction sites and can usually point you in the right direction pretty fast.
Related Resources
Quantum Flight Pack — full product and service details
Drone Data Processing Services — send us your flight data and we'll handle the rest
Ground Control Points: Full 5-Part Series — the GCP fundamentals every drone operator on a construction site needs to know
Education Hub — all QLD training resources in one place
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DJI Mavic 3E need RTK for construction surveying?
RTK gives you the most accurate photo geotags, which reduces your dependence on ground control points. That said, you still want a few GCPs on every flight to guarantee your drone data lines up with your machine control model and the engineer's plans. Even a PPK or RTK drone can drift from the correct coordinate system without ground truth to check against.
Can I use the DJI Mavic 3E with my GPS machine control system?
Yes. The Mavic 3E is what comes in the Quantum Flight Pack specifically because it integrates cleanly into a GPS machine control workflow. The drone collects the topo data, your machine control rover collects the ground control points then we process it into a surface, and that surface works directly in your software or we can run the calculations for you.
What overlap settings should I use for a construction topo flight?
A good starting point for most construction sites is 80% front overlap and 80% side overlap. Tighter overlap adds flight time but gives you more photo redundancy in areas with trees, equipment, or steep grade changes. The flight planning video above covers the specifics. Once you've built some experience you may be able to lower the flight overlap depending on the project requirements.
How often does the Mavic 3E need to be calibrated?
IMU calibration is typically needed after a firmware update or if you get a persistent error message not before every flight. Compass calibration is needed when you change locations significantly or get a compass error. The calibration video above covers when each one is actually necessary so you're not wasting time on site.
What file formats does the Mavic 3E output for drone data processing?
The Mavic 3E outputs JPG images with embedded geotag data. If you're flying with RTK or PPK, the geotag accuracy is much tighter. When you send your flight data to our team, we handle the photogrammetry processing and deliver a finished surface file compatible with your machine control system.