How to import and view custom map layers on the Skydio X10 Controller
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Adding a custom map layer enables you to display critical information, such as mission boundaries, wildfire zones, or asset locations, as visual overlays on the Skydio X10 Controller. Use customer map layers in flight to improve situational awareness and stay aligned with operational requirements.
Supported map formats include:
- KML/KMZ
- GeoJSON
- GeoTIFF
- GeoPDF
- MBTiles
Getting Started
In the Map Library, you will see two sections, Base Maps and Map Layers:
- Base Maps - Displays the maps that were downloaded via Information > Download Maps (e.g., Mapbox tiles)
- Map Layers - Displays imported map files that will be used as custom layers
Please note the following:
| Map layers are visual only and do not affect flight paths or mission logic. | Newer imports are listed above previously imported layers. Layers cannot be reordered. |
| Layers dynamically hide or display depending on the zoom level to maintain optimal rendering and readability (i.e., layers disappear at lower zoom levels). | Large or vector-heavy files may cause short lag when enabling or disabling. |
| Unsupported or corrupt files will display an import error. | The name of the map file is the name that will display on the X10 Controller and cannot be changed. |
| KML/KMZ styling (color, shading) may not always be preserved. | Deleting old layers frees storage and improves performance. |
| For best visibility, import opaque layers first, followed by transparent ones. | After importing, map layers persist between flights, reboots, and users. |
Map file details and transparency
Map layers are visual references only. They do not modify flight paths, mission logic, or geofence boundaries.
- Layer order: Newer layers display on top of previously imported layers. Reordering is not currently supported.
-
Transparency:
- Vector formats (KML, KMZ, GeoJSON) support transparency and can stack visually.
- Raster formats (GeoTIFF, GeoPDF) are opaque and may obscure layers beneath them.
- For best results, import large raster layers first, then overlay transparent vector layers.
-
MBTiles: May contain either raster or vector tiles. Transparency depends on how the file was created.
- Vector tiles → transparent
- Raster tiles → opaque
- Zoom-dependent visibility: Some layers will automatically hide when zoomed too far in or out. This is expected behavior to maintain map readability.
- Persistence: Layers remain available between reboots and user sessions, as long as they are not manually deleted.
- Performance: Rapidly toggling multiple large layers may cause short UI lag or slower rendering.
[accordion heading="Map file types"]
| File Type | Description | Transparency | Use Case |
| KML / KMZ* (.kml, .kmz) |
Vector-based files defining, paths, polygons and markers (KMZ is simply a zipped KML) | Transparent | Flight boundaries, assets, or line data (e.g., power poles, inspection paths). |
| GeoJSON (.geojson) |
Vector format (JSON) for geographic features (points/lines/polygons) | Transparent | Airspace limits, restricted zones, operational boundaries. |
| GeoTIFF (.tiff, .tif) |
Raster image format (TIFF) with embedded geolocation data | Opaque | High-resolution survey or satellite basemaps. |
| GeoPDF (.pdf) |
Georeferenced PDF file format, often raster-heavy (may contain vector overlays) | Opaque | Official government or agency maps (e.g., USFS wildfire boundaries). |
| MBTiles (.mbtiles) |
Single-file SQLite database format for storing map tile sets (can contain raster or vector tiles) | Depends on content: if the MBTiles pack contains vector tiles, transparency is possible; if raster tile set, likely opaque | Offline map tilesets, packaged basemaps for mobile/field use, custom tile layering |
*Notes on KML/KMZ files:
- KML/KMZ are treated as vector overlays and rendered in white for maximum visibility:
- All objects in a KMZ are shown as a single layer, regardless of how the KMZ was structured. If you want multiple independent layers, separate the features and save them as individual KML/KMZ files. You can then import them in the desired order to control which layers appear on top.
- KML/KMZ layers are displayed in two dimensions on the controller map. If a file includes 3D elements, such as altitude or extrusion, those features are projected onto the map surface for clear viewing. This ensures all imported data aligns correctly within the 2D operational map view.
- KMZ files that contain ground overlays (raster imagery embedded inside the KMZ) are not currently supported. The controller’s current import workflow processes only the vector elements of KMZ files and does not extract or render embedded raster imagery. If your KMZ includes imagery, export or convert that data into a standalone raster format such as GeoTIFF, GeoPDF, or MBTiles, which the controller fully supports.
[/accordion]
How to import map layers
Step 1 - Save map files to a USB-C drive
- For example, you can find official wildfire map files from the U.S. Wildland Fire Data FTP site, managed by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
Step 2 - Insert the USB-C drive into the back of the controller
Step 3 - Navigate to Info > Map Library
Step 4 - Under Map Layers, select Add New Map Layer (+) to load supported files
- The name of the map file is the name that will display on the X10 Controller
- Upload opaque map layers before transparent ones
[note] Large files (e.g., GeoPDF or GeoTIFF) may take several minutes to upload depending on file size. As a general guideline, allow about one minute per 10 MB of file size during import. [/note]
Viewing and managing map layers
During flight, select the Map Settings Icon > Layers to view a list of your layers. Use the eye icon to enable or disable markers.
- Toggle, preview, or remove map layers at any time
To enable or disable a map layer inflight:
Step 1 - Select the Map Settings Icon
Step 2 - Select Layers
- A list of imported layers will appear
- Use the eye icon to show or hide layers
To delete a map layer:
Navigate to the Map Library, select the layer, and select Delete.
- Removing unused layers frees up storage space
Tips and best practices
- Press and hold on the name of a layer to automatically center and zoom the map to that layer’s boundaries (the map will center even if the layer is currently not visible)
- Upload opaque map layers before transparent ones to maintain layer visibility
Explore More
How to use Map Capture with Skydio X10
How to import maps to Skydio X10D
How to maintain your Skydio X10
Skydio, Inc. A0613
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