Checklist: UAV Lidar & Photogrammetry mapping

Mission details

Mission type:

• Topographic mapping
• Corridor mapping
• Volumetric analysis
• 3D modeling
• Infrastructure inspection
• Other: _________________

Platform type: _______________________________________________

PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS

Mission planning

• Weather conditions verified (wind < ___ knots, no precipitation)
• Flight area map reviewed & waypoints programmed
• Takeoff and landing site identified and secured
• Airspace restrictions checked (altitude limits)
• Ground control points (GCPs) layout verified
• Safety zones established

Mission parameters

• Flight altitude set for required GSD: _____ cm/px
• Forward/side overlap configured: _____% / _____%
• Flight lines planned and verified
• Camera/Lidar settings optimized for conditions
• Projected flight time: _____ minutes
• Battery reserve margin: _____% (at least 20%)

Sensor configuration

Lidar system:

• Scanner alignment verified
• IMU/GNSS connection stable
• Point density requirements confirmed
• Scan angle/pattern configured

Photogrammetry system:

• Camera calibrated (known calibration parameters)
• Focal length/aperture optimized
• Shutter speed appropriate for flight speed
• ISO settings optimized for lighting

RISK ASSESSMENT

GREEN 0 – 23 = Low (Pilot in training w/ mentor)
AMBER 24 – 44 = Caution (Trained Pilot)
RED 45 – 60 = High Risk (Seasoned Pilot or No Go)

1 = Best case | 10 = Worst case

Total score: ____________

UAV PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Power systems

• Check general condition of UAV for damage
• Inspect propellers for cracks/wear
• UAV batteries fully charged
• Insert UAV battery
• Ground station/tablet batteries charged
• Transmitter batteries charged
• Total battery reserve time noted: _____ minutes

Systems integration

• Lidar/camera securely mounted and aligned
• Sensor power connections verified
• Data storage media formatted and inserted
• UAV on level ground away from metal objects
• All systems power up correctly
• Stable connectivity between all devices
• Latest firmware versions confirmed

Calibration & testing

• IMU calibration completed
• GNSS receiver acquiring satellites
• Gimbal stabilization test
• Sensor operational test
• Controller stick response test
• GPS lock confirmed (> 7-10 satellites)
• Flight spotter briefed and positioned

🎥 Sensor-specific checks

Lidar:

• Scanner initialization successful
• IMU data streaming confirmed
• Point cloud preview available
• System time synchronization verified

Photogrammetry:

• Camera focus set to infinity/manual
• Image format set to RAW/JPG
• Intervalometer/trigger timing tested
• Lens clean and free of debris

IN-FLIGHT CHECKS

• Start mission timer
• Power on all sensor systems
• Update home point
• Take off to safe altitude
• Hold hover for system verification
• Perform sensor functionality check
• Verify data recording/streaming
• Begin mission flight lines
• Monitor sensor performance every 2-3 minutes
• Verify complete area coverage
• Mission parameters maintained

POST-FLIGHT CHECKS

Immediate actions

• Power down sensor systems
• Power down UAV
• Power down transmitter
• Inspect UAV for damage
• Download sensor data
• Verify data integrity and completeness

Data management

• Create backup of raw data
• Verify image/Lidar data quality
• Check for coverage gaps
• Document flight conditions and parameters
• Transfer data to processing workstation

Equipment maintenance

• Clean sensor lenses/windows
• Charge UAV, transmitter, and ground station batteries
• Store UAV and sensors properly
• Complete flight log and mission report
• Schedule data processing workflow

DATA QUALITY VERIFICATION

• Required ground coverage achieved
• Image sharpness/GSD verified
• Lidar point density meets specifications
• No systematic errors detected
• Next mission requirements assessed

Mission success: [ ] Complete [ ] Partial [ ] Failed
Data quality: [ ] Excellent [ ] Good [ ] Acceptable [ ] Poor

Pilot Signature: _________________________
VO Signature: _________________________
Date: _________________________