How to use 2D Capture with 3D Scan
Overview
Rapidly cover large areas with 2D Capture scans. 2D Capture is a planar scanning capability that captures imagery for orthomosaics and digital terrain models. This mode supports traditional capture patterns, but with superior obstacle avoidance and the 3D Surface Engine for accurate localization even in GPS-denied environments. 2D Capture is best for wide, flat area mapping.
Quick Steps
Before starting a scan, you will need to change the operating mode from Skills to 3D Scan. The operating mode will persist through power cycles.
To change operating modes:
Step 1 - Navigate to Device Settings |
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Step 2 - Select 3D Scan | ![]() |
Step 3 - Confirm Reboot Skydio will automatically reconnect to your controller and mobile device after rebooting |
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Step 4 - Select Start Scan and Agree to the disclaimer, acknowledging that you will comply with all relevant laws and FAA regulations. |
Before you fly:
- GPS will be required for scans higher than 65 ft (20 m).
- If needed, you can move backwards and re-do any steps in the workflow. Doing so will reset the steps you have already completed and discards any media that has been captured. You will not be charged for discarded media.
To use 2D Capture:
Move through the scan workflow using the Skydio 2 Controller or Skydio Enterprise Controller. The workflow pane will collapse when you are prompted to manually fly and the app will display available Controller shortcuts. |
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Step 1 - Select Scan Mode
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Step 2 - Name Scan Site (optional) The default scan name is composed of the scan mode you select followed by a UTC timestamp. Renaming the scan will replace the scan mode.
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Step 3 - Launch Select and hold the LAUNCH button to begin your flight. The drone will automatically climb to 16 ft (5 m) and hover. |
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Step 4 - Set Rally Point Once the scan completes, you will have the option to return to the Rally Point. Skydio will also return to the Rally Point when the battery level is low or the drone loses connection. Use Launch Point - the drone will return to the launch location instead of a manually set Rally Point. Set Manually - allows you to manually pilot the drone to a new location. |
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Tips for setting a Rally Point:
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Step 5 - Set Scan Floor The Floor defines the bottom of the area you wish to scan. It will also define the bottom of your reconstructed model in the Edge Model Viewer.
There are two ways to begin setting the Floor: Use Launch Height starts the Floor at 0 ft (0 m) below the launch height. Set Manually starts the Floor at the current height of the drone. Once selected, adjust the Floor as desired:
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The Launch Height is represented by a light gray AR plane. Done – sets the Floor in your desired location and proceeds to the next step Center Floor – moves the location of the Floor to the current altitude of the drone Level Gimbal– moves the camera gimbal pitch to 0° |
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Step 6 - Set Lateral Pillar Boundaries Set AR pillars to encompass the area to be scanned. The pillars bound the area laterally. It will also define the lateral area of your reconstructed model in the Edge Model Viewer.
A minimum of three pillars must be set to create an area boundary. |
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There are two options when setting pillars: Fly to the desired location and use the right shoulder button to select Set Pillar. Continue placing pillars to encompass the entire structure. By default, pillars are attached to the drone. The edges of the polygon defined by the pillars must not cross each other.
Set Pillar – Adds a new bounding pillar |
Fly to place pillars |
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Drag Pillars by holding the base of the yellow AR Pillar on-screen. This selects the active pillar and enables dragging. You may continue to set pillars by dragging or reconnecting the pillar to the drone by selecting “Attach.” Set Pillar – Adds a new bounding pillar |
Drag to place pillars |
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Step 7 - Set AR Observer The AR Observer allows you to set the point of view from which you can observe an augmented-reality view of the scan progress.
There are two ways to set the AR Observer:
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Toggle this icon to switch between the static AR Observer image and the drone’s camera feed at any time during the scan. |
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Step 8 - Review or Edit Settings View a summary of your scan settings:
Review your current settings and select Edit Settings to make any adjustments before the scan begins. You must have at least five photos to begin a scan. In a 2D Capture, the Height is relative to the Floor you set. Editing scan settings will impact the total flight time, number of photos and the required number of batteries. |
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Scan settings persist across scans of the same scan mode. If you plan to fly higher than the Height slider allows, fly to your desired altitude and select Set Height to Current. |
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Select Edit Settings and tap the Reset button in the top right corner to restore settings to defaults. This will not reset the Crosshatch or Perimeter.
If you enable the Perimeter setting, you have the option to specify the number of photos taken.
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Step 9 - Scan Select Begin Scan and Skydio will begin autonomously scanning the area. Your scan may require using several batteries to complete. For more information, read How to scan using multiple batteries. You may pause at any point during your scan:
Optionally toggle on the AR Coverage Mesh |
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Obstacle Avoidance is set to Standard—and cannot be changed—when Skydio flies autonomously. If you are manually piloting the drone, you have the option to adjust your obstacle avoidance setting within the Device Settings menu. |
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Step 14 - Scan Complete Once the scan completes, you will have the option to either:
Select Save to ensure that the media is grouped by scan and is available in the Skydio Edge Model Viewer. Wait for your drone to complete all post-flight tasks. |
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Explore More
Explore related articles for additional information
How to scan using multiple batteries
How to use the AR Coverage Mesh for 3D Captures
How to set the AR Observer in 3D Scan
If you have questions or need additional support—feel free to reach out! Skydio Support
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