Operation (All Micasense Cameras)

Guide for operating all of the Micasense cameras currently integrated with IFT aircraft. While the different camera models take different images, they are controlled and operated in the same way.

IMPORTANT - Remove WiFi dongle prior to flight

Note: Data captured on the Micasense cameras using The Universal Micasense Kit will have geotag location from the provided DLS's GPS, not the aircraft GPS.

Best Practices for Data Collection

Consult the Micasense Mission Planning Best Practices Guide to gain complete knowledge on the optimal settings and practices for flying a mission with Micasense cameras, and how to tailor them to your mission’s specific needs.

Retrieving Images from the Camera

Micasense cameras do not require any post-processing or geotagging within IGC. Simply remove the CF Express card and connect it to a computer using the included CF Express card reader. For more info on how the files are organized on the card, see the File Storage section of the Micasense User Guide. Note: If using the Dual, make sure to perform this process for both cameras.

Post-Processing Retrieved Images

To see a list of recommended workflows for processing images taken with Micasense cameras, see the Micasense Camera Image Processing Workflow Guide.

IGC Camera Profiles

Below are tables detailing the recommended parameters for each Micasense camera for image capture during flight. These can be entered in the Custom Camera profile when planning a survey. RedEdge-P and RedEdge-P Dual Altum-PT For complete knowledge on which camera parameters to use, or if the camera you are using is not listed above, consult the Micasense Camera Parameters for Mission Planning Guide.

Example Survey Mission with Micasense Cameras

Example guide of planning a Basic Survey mission with Micasense cameras. This example assumes you already know the basics of mission planning within IGC.

In the Plan tab of IGC, create a Survey. We will be surveying a small section of a field with tall obstacles present.
Under Mission Start, set the desired altitude you wish to fly at. We selected 30 meters to avoid the obstacles in the drone’s flight path.
Tap the Vehicle info drop down, and input the desired hover speed. This is the speed at which the drone will fly throughout the entirety of the survey. The necessary hover speed depends on the altitude of the drone, with lower altitudes requiring a slower speed. The recommended speed at 30 meters altitude is 5 meters/second.
Navigate to the Survey tab and select your preferred survey type. We will be using Basic for this example. For further details of the different mission options, please visit the following page regarding mission planning.
Set the desired overlap settings. IFT recommends to set both the Front Lap and Side Lap to 75% as a starting point, but depending on the mission also consult the Micasense camera documentation for further detail.
Tap the camera icon, select Custom Camera profile, and enter the parameters for your specific camera. (For info on which parameters to use, see IGC Camera Profiles above. For this example, we input the parameters for the RedEdge-P / RedEdge-P Dual.
Finish setting up the mission by dragging the ends of the box to cover the area being surveyed. Tap Upload to upload the mission to the drone’s autopilot, and a green progress bar at the top of the screen will begin. Once the green progress bar completes, the mission is ready to fly. Return to the “Fly” tab, and either slide mission to start, or takeoff first then slide to start mission.