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Week 06 M300 thermal mapping

Thermal Mapping Mission Report

Platform: DJI Matrice 300 (M300) Sensor: H20T (RGB + Thermal IR) Application: Thermal Mapping & GNSS Static Base Setup

Introduction

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This mission focused on conducting a thermal mapping survey using the DJI Matrice 300 equipped with the H20T sensor. Unlike standard RGB imagery, thermal mapping requires higher overlap due to lower bit depth and the nature of infrared data capture. The purpose of this outing was to plan and execute a mapping flight that could provide thermal and visual datasets suitable for later analysis. A secondary objective was to establish ground control through the setup of a GNSS base station, collecting static data to be used later for accurate georeferencing. This step ensures that the resulting dataset can be aligned precisely with real-world coordinates.

Study Area

The mission was conducted at the assigned blue study area (see Figure 1), using a parallel lawnmower grid pattern. The site consisted of relatively flat terrain with clear visibility. Weather conditions were excellent—sunny skies, minimal cloud cover, and light winds—providing optimal flight conditions. Although the flight was carried out successfully, the original setup area could not be used due to large crowds attending a pesticide presentation. As a result, the team relocated and established the operation at a safer, less crowded location nearby. This alternative area allowed for proper flight setup while still covering the designated study zone.

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Table 1. Field Notes – Site Conditions

Table 1

Table 1

Factor

Observation

Factor

Observation

Site Conditions

Open field, minimal obstructions

Mission Assignment

Thermal mapping of designated blue polygon

Potential Hazards

Crowds from pesticide demonstration, nearby tree lines

Airspace

LAANC approval obtained for flight

Weather

Sunny, clear, light winds

Ground Equipment

GNSS base station + additional survey equipment deployed

There are no rows in this table

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Methods

Mission planning was completed using the DJI Pilot 2 app on the controller. A parallel lawnmower flight grid was selected at 60 m altitude, with 90% frontal and lateral overlap to compensate for thermal imagery limitations. The camera was set at 90° nadir (straight down). Before flight, LAANC authorization was obtained to ensure the mission complied with airspace regulations. The flight crew worked together to prepare the M300 for the mission. I was responsible for installing the H20T sensor onto the aircraft, while Clayton and Eli assembled the M300 and prepared it for flight. Once ready, Clayton and Eli piloted the aircraft as I observed and monitored the setup, mission progress, and data capture. Survey equipment was also set up alongside the GNSS base station, which continuously recorded static data throughout the mission for later use in georeferencing.

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Screenshots were taken throughout the setup and mission execution for documentation (see Figure 2).

Data Collection Outcomes

The mission was completed without difficulty. Weather conditions contributed to smooth flight operations, and the relocation away from the crowded area ensured a safe and efficient setup.

Table 2. Mission Metrics

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Expected Deliverables

The deliverables from this mission include: - RGB and thermal ortho mosaics of the study area - Ground-controlled georeferenced dataset (using GNSS base station data) - Mission documentation including screenshots, field notes, and metadata This dataset will be used in future labs to explore thermal analysis applications, assess ground control accuracy, and develop workflows for integrating thermal IR with RGB mapping outputs.

Conclusion

The thermal mapping mission using the M300 and H20T sensor was carried out successfully under ideal weather conditions. While initial setup at the preferred location was not possible due to crowding from a pesticide presentation, the relocation site provided a safe and effective alternative. LAANC authorization was obtained prior to the mission, and survey equipment was deployed alongside the GNSS base station to support later georeferencing efforts. Our crew worked collaboratively: I installed the H20T sensor, Clayton and Eli built and flew the M300, and the entire team contributed to monitoring, documenting, and backing up the collected data. The mission demonstrated both the value of teamwork in field operations and the importance of planning for unexpected conditions.

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