Flightplans
Last updated
Last updated
A Flightplan is just a list of flightlines, and each flightline consists of a list of waypoints. Flightlines with static height can contain just 2 waypoints (beginning and end), whereas terrain-following flightlines usually consist of waypoints spaced at some interval.
SpatialExplorer can import and manage multiple flightplans at the same time.
Flightplans can be created using , Topoflight Planner, or by exporting paths/lines (LineStrings in KML terminology) from Google Earth.
To upload a flight plan, use File->Open and select the KML/KMZ you wish to use:
After opening the KMZ, specify that it should be used as a Flightplan. In the MissionGuidance Plan Import dialog you can select which flightlines to use. SpatialExplorer automatically splits the KML at turns greater than 45 degrees, as well as adjusts lengths.
By default SpatialExplorer assumes that the CRS of the KML complies with the KML standard guidance (WGS84 ellipsoidal positions with EGM96 heights). This is true for all KMLs from Google Earth. If your KML references a different CRS, input that CRS into the KML Georeference field:
Flightlines that were checked in the Plan Import step will then be imported:
Confirm the general location of the Flightplan using the OpenStreetMap terrain:
Next, set the mission to the correct acquisition altitude (AGL), this will provide an altitude center to the mission guidance window that the pilot will use for acquisition orientation. In the mission guidance settings you can adjust the acceptable boundaries vertically and horizontally. The altitude setting is here:
The colors represent the four different stages a flight line can be in, the four stages are:
Yellow - Schedule selected flightline - this schedules the selected flightline to be flown next.
Red - Activate selected flightline - this is typically done automatically and indicates that the line is actively being scanned. As the pilot enters the yellow flight line, it’ll turn red indicating it is in the process of being acquired.
Blue - Mark selected incomplete - This is the default color for flightlines. This indicates the flightline is not acquired yet.
Green - Mark selected complete - this is typically done automatically and indicates that the line has been completely scanned. As the pilot exits the currently red flightline at the full extent of the flightline it’ll turn green indicating the flight line is completely acquired.
After the altitude is set, select which flightline you want the pilot to start first. This selection is made by utilizing the yellow circle "" on the flight plan window and it schedules your selected flight plan to be completed next. Once selected this will automatically update the mission guidance window for the pilot and guide them to the nearest entry point to the flightline. You will also see that the flightline selected will change in accordance to your selection See image below:
