UAS Checklists (LiDAR)
Contact Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@talltimbers.org) for suggestions or questions
Zenmuse L1 Sensor – Matrice 300 RTK
Unmanned Aircraft System: DJI Matrice 300 RTK
Flight Software Covered: DJI Pilot 2
Date Updated: 21 April 2025
Admin Notes: This checklist does not replace the need to study and understand aircraft and operations manuals. Verify use with Tall Timbers Geospatial Lab.
Sensor Manual: Zenmuse L1
Contact:
Jennifer Rogers jrogers@talltimbers.org
Karen Cummins kcummins@talltimbers.org
MISSION PLANNING
Save KML/KMZ from Google Earth (specifically)
Deposit file onto Google Drive
In controller, open browser and download file from Google Drive
In Flight Route import route
Set Camera to Zenmuse L1 LiDAR Mapping
Consider desired Point Cloud Density (points/m2)
Safe Takeoff Altitude – SEE Flight Route Altitude
IMU Calibration – ON
Flight Route Altitude –2x tree height ~200ft
Speed – ~8 mph
Adjust Course Angle for most efficiency (fewest turn–arounds)
Elevation Optimization – ON
Upon Completion – RETURN TO HOME
Advanced Settings –
Overlap – 80%/80%
Adjust margins or verify flight extent larger than area of interest
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST
Log–
Check out GPS HERE
Check out UAV HERE
Real Time Kinematics (RTK) Pole –
Battery charge – CHECK
Air bubbles – CENTERED/BALANCED
Orient – FRONT FACING NORTH
Power – ON
Mode – 5
Preflight brief (introductions, roles, purpose) – COMPLETE
Wind, temperature, density altitude – CHECK
“Preflight checklist” – ANNOUNCE
Launch and recovery areas – DEFINED
Radio – MONITORING AS APPROPRIATE
Controller – CHARGED, CONFIGURED, ON
Controller antenna – UNFOLDED
Sensor Lens Cover – REMOVED
Sensor – VERIFY DUST FREE/CLEAN
Flight batteries – CHECK CHARGE
Propellers – SECURE AND CORRECT
Airframe properly assembled– CHECK
Aircraft SD card – INSERTED, HAS CAPACITY
Master flight mode – “P”
“Power” – ANNOUNCE
Drone master power – ON
Controller – CONNECTED
Sensor Status –
Compass status – CALIBRATE (ONCE PER DAY)
IMU status – CHECK/CALIBRATE/WAIT
Real Time Kinematics (RTK) Controller Setting –
RTK Positioning – ON
Maintain Positioning Accuracy Mode – ON
Select RTK Service Type – D–RTK2 Mobile Station
UAV Health Management System – NORMAL/GREEN
Flight battery cell balance – WITHIN 0.03
Main Flight battery voltage – WITHIN 0.1
Battery warnings/failsafe levels – SET (~10%, 30%)
Return to home altitude/mode – CHECK, AS APPROPRIATE
Failsafe lost link – SET (RETURN TO HOME)
Obstacle Avoidance – ON, CHECK SETTINGS
Controller status “Green”– CHECK
“Preflight complete” – ANNOUNCE
TAKEOFF CHECKLIST
“Takeoff checklist” – ANNOUNCE
GPS position – SATELLITES AMPLE
Master flight mode – P
Sensor feed – SWITCH/CHECK VISIBILITY
Crew and observers – CLEAR OF UAS
“Launching” – ANNOUNCE
Arming – EXECUTE
Takeoff – EXECUTE
Hover (20 FT) – ESTABLISH
Flight controls – CHECK
Home location – CHECK
DURING FLIGHT
Ground Control Points [Targets] (GCP) – 3 PLACED
GPS (For RTK and GCP) –
Follow tutorials – HERE
External battery – CONNECTED
Main Trimble Power – ON
Trimble App – OPEN/LOCATION STATUS CONNECTED
Correction Status – IN USE
Horizonal & Vertical Accuracy – <10cm
Point – NAMED/SAVED
Battery Swaps
At >30% Battery
Pause Mission
Return to Home
Hot swap batteries
Resume Mission
APPROACH AND LANDING CHECKLIST
“Landing” – ANNOUNCE
Landing airspace and area– CLEAR
Hover – ESTABLISH
Land – EXECUTE
“Power Off” – ANNOUNCE
Master power – OFF
QUALITY CHECK AND INITIAL PROCESSING
Transfer data to server
Load in DJI Terra
Export as LAS