The steps below describe how to create a .kml/.kmz file with Google Earth Pro and how to make it available in the app in order to plan a flight. It is possible to import:
- A .kml file containing vector data only, e.g. a georeferenced polygon corresponding to the flight boundaries.
- A .kmz file containing raster data and optionally vector data, e.g. a georeferenced background image to use a base map plus a polygon.
The procedure is the following:
1. Go to Google Earth Pro webpage.
2. Click Agree and Download.
3. Install the program. It might also be needed to uninstall Google Earth (default edition).
4. Start Google Earth Pro.
5. Drag and drop a georeferenced .tif image (GeoTIFF). Make sure the .twf geolocation file is stored in the same folder.
6. In the pop-up, click Scale.
7. In the window New Image Overlay, click OK.
8. On the toolbar at the top, click to draw a polygon.
9. In the window New Polygon, edit the name and while the window is still display, left click to add points on the map. Click OK to finish the drawing.
10. On the left sidebar, right click Temporary Places and click Save Place As...
11. Enter the file name and select the export format .kml/.kmz and click Save.
12. Connect the mobile device to the computer using a USB cable.
13. Copy the .kmz file to the device. The location could be something like device_name\Device Memory\Pix4D.
14. Open the app and go the Project List to open an existing mission or create a new project. For more information: (Android) How to use the Project List.
15. In the Project view of the project, tap and Load KML...
16. Browse the device's memory to select and load the desired file.
17. In the Project view, tap to start planning a new mission with the georeferenced .tif image and polygon in the background. It opens the Map view.
So:
No capability to import on iOS devices?
No ability to replicate "heading" degree if flight plan needs to be cut into multiples and same heading needs to be used?
No cloud storage of flight plan (if multiple devices need to be used as controllers)?
No desktop planning?
One or all of these capabilities would help, a lot!
I want an easy to use mission planner
I want an easy mission planner