Mission planning is first carried out in ArcGIS Pro to allow for precise measurement of polygons, locations of features, and airspace considerations. KML files are exported.

• Thin yellow: Dawson Reserve boundary

• Red circle: FAA COA authorized 1/10 nautical mile radius circle (red point is center of airspace)

• Thick yellow: LiDAR flight path 

• Blue points derived with GNSS delineate Agua Hedionda Creek

Green polygon is the LiDAR area of interest and light blue points are quadrat locations for sampling for separate mission.

Next, KML files are imported to SPH Engineering's UgCS route planning software. All relevant parameters are set and verified. 

The screenshot above is for a flight to scan the canopy of Agua Hedionda Creek in Dawson Los Monos Canyon Reserve.