How to use Visual Geofencing in 3D Scan

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio 3D Scan
  3. Flying 3D Scan

 

The Visual Geofence gives you the ability to further constrain the drone to a safe flight area while scanning autonomously. By default, Skydio will remain within an area defined by the scan volume and the scan distance.

When toggled on, the Visual Geofence will keep the drone strictly within the scan boundaries. Using its visual navigation system, Skydio will always enter and exit the 3D volume from the same location (without the use of GPS). Skydio will honor the Visual Geofence during the Explore phase, the scanning process and the transition between the two. 

3d_visual_geofence.jpg

Use Case Examples

Avoid flying over a bridge deck

  • ensure the Ceiling is set to the level of the bridge deck
  • toggle on the Strict Ceiling geofence

Avoid flying over private property

  • toggle on the Strict Wall geofence

 

Quick Steps

Setting the Visual Geofence is a workflow step during a 3D Capture or 3D Tower Capture scan setup. To set the Visual Geofence, independently toggle strict or default geofence settings: Ceiling, Floor, and Walls. Enabling a strict geofence blocks flight outside of the scan volume along that boundary line.

  • Strict Ceiling - maximum height geofence
  • Strict Floor - minimum height geofence
  • Strict Wall - lateral (pillars) geofence

CS_3DS_3DTwr_media_UI_set-visual-geofence2.png

[note] Skydio will skip image capture locations that are located outside any of the toggled geofence boundaries. This may result in gaps in coverage. Visual Geofencing is not available for 2D Captures. [/note] 

Safe Distance

When setting the Visual Geofence, you will see the option for another setting called Safe Distance. Enabling Safe Distance allows you to set a minimum distance the drone will stay away from objects and structures during autonomous flight. Safe Distance is not active when piloting manually.

CS_3DS_3DTwr_media_UI_safe-distance.png

[note] Safe Distance can be set between 3.3-9.8 ft (1-3m). [/note] 

For example, enable this setting if you want to avoid flying near or through obstacles, such as a lattice tower, during exploration or while scanning.

The Safe Distance value cannot be greater than the specified Distance to Surface. Use the smallest possible Safe Distance value for best results.

[note] By default, Skydio 3D Scan uses Standard Obstacle Avoidance. Enable Safe Distance to increase the distance Skydio stays away from obstacles. Enabling this setting may lead to gaps in coverage of some areas, such as concave surfaces. Ensure Take Best Photo is enabled to assist in capturing all surfaces. [/note]

Explore More

Explore related articles for additional information:

Using Take Best Photo with Skydio 3D Scan

Understanding Modify Scan Volume

3D Scan Settings Overview

Using the Optimize X,Y setting with Skydio 3D Scan

 Skydio, Inc. A0046

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