G-FlightPlanner — drone photogrammetry mission planner

Draw a boundary, pick your drone camera, set GSD and overlap, and generate a lawnmower flight plan with photo trigger points.

Exports KML · Litchi CSV · Waypoints CSV · GeoJSON · Printable summary sheet.

Planning-grade output. This tool generates a mission file you can import into Litchi, DJI Pilot 2 or UgCS to fly. Always verify local UAV regulations (Uganda CAA, Rwanda RCAA, etc.) and obtain permits before operating.

1 · Flight boundary

Paste coordinates (one pair per line)

Coordinate CRS

Add as

Import KML / GeoJSON

Draw or paste a flight boundary polygon to begin.

2 · Camera & mission parameters

Camera preset

Target GSD (cm/px)

Altitude AGL (m)

Footprint and spacings appear here.

Front overlap (%)

Side overlap (%)

Flight direction (°, auto = longest axis)

Flight speed (m/s)

Boundary buffer (m, outward)

Usable flight / battery (min)

Crosshatch (double grid for 3D models)

Mission statistics

No plan generated yet.

Show photo points on map

Exports

Frequently asked questions

What GSD do I need for drone photogrammetry?

For most mapping and surveying projects 2 to 5 cm/px is a good target. Cadastral and volumetric work often needs 2 to 3 cm/px, while general topographic mapping is fine at 5 cm/px. Lower GSD (finer resolution) requires lower altitude and more photos, batteries and flight time. G-FlightPlanner computes the altitude for your chosen camera and GSD automatically.

How high should I fly my drone for mapping?

Fly at the altitude that gives your target GSD for the camera sensor. G-FlightPlanner calculates it from GSD = (sensorWidth × altitude × 100) / (focalLength × imageWidth). In most jurisdictions including Uganda under the Uganda CAA, the legal ceiling is 120 m AGL — the tool warns you if you exceed it. Typical mapping altitudes are 70 to 110 m AGL.

How many batteries will my drone mapping mission need?

G-FlightPlanner estimates flight time from total flight distance and your flight speed, adds 20% for turn overhead, then divides by the usable minutes per battery you set (default 20 min). For a 25 ha site at 2.5 cm/px GSD with a Mavic 3E you will typically need 2 to 4 batteries. Always land with reserve power — never fly the full rated time.

Is it legal to fly a drone for mapping in Uganda?

In Uganda, commercial drone operations require a permit from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), drone registration, a licensed remote pilot, and adherence to altitude limits (120 m AGL), no-fly zones and privacy rules. G-FlightPlanner generates planning-grade files only — you must verify current regulations and obtain permits before flying. Import the exported mission into Litchi, DJI Pilot 2 or UgCS to execute.