3D Scan Quick Start Guide

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio 3D Scan
  3. Getting Started 3D Scan

Skydio 3D Scanᵀᴹ is first-of-its-kind adaptive scanning software seamlessly incorporated into Skydio Autonomyᵀᴹ. 3D Scan automates data capture of any scene with comprehensive coverage and ultra-high resolution, allowing crews to spend less time training pilots and more time performing higher quality inspections.

Skydio adaptively maps the scene and uses intelligent flight planning to build a live 3D model. With an augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven workflow, the drone plans a path to autonomously capture all surfaces using your specified settings. To create high-definition reconstructions, upload the images to a third party photogrammetry provider.

Getting Started

Equipment required for initiating a 3D Scan

     Hardware

  • Skydio 2/2+/X2
  • Skydio 2/2+/X2 Batteries
  • Controller / Skydio Enterprise Controller
  • Android or iOS mobile device with 1 GB available storage
  • UHS Class 3 microSD 128 GB memory card (2)
  •  

     Software

  • Skydio Enterprise app
  • Skydio Autonomy Enterprise software add-on
  • Skydio 3D Scan™ software add-on
  •  

Enable 3D Scan Operating Mode

Step 1- Ensure that both your drone and the controller are fully charged and paired

Step 2 - Install UHS Class 3 microSD memory cards 

    • Media
    • Flight logs

[note]  The SD cards on Skydio X2 come pre-installed. [/note]

Step 3 - Launch the Skydio Enterprise app

Step 4 - Connect to your drone

Step 5 - Check for available updates

Step 6 - Format the media and flight log memory cards

Step 7 - Navigate to the FLY screen and select the button that says Switch Mode. Select 3D Scan. 

Step 8 - Once in the 3D Scan operating mode, select Begin Flight

    • Note the drone position and orientation on launch 
    • You will need to use the exact launch orientation for multi-Battery scans
    • Launching from the Skydio case is highly recommended

Step 9 - Select one of the capture modes and follow the on-screen workflow to complete your scan

Multi-Battery Scans

Using the vision navigation system, Skydio will resume scans across multiple Battery changes without reliance on GPS. A Battery level at 18-25% charge (3 minutes of flight time) remaining, will initiate a Low Battery procedure and the drone will return to the Launch Point. We recommend doing scans that require no more than 4 batteries.

To change batteries mid-scan:

Step 1 - Land your drone and save the current scan

    • Allow for the completion of post-flight tasks
    • Do not power off until all post-flight tasks are complete. 

Step 2 - Power off your drone and replace the Battery

    • Do not remove the Media Card or the Logs Card between flights of the same scan. Removing either card when replacing a depleted Battery will result in your drone being unable to resume the scan.

Step 3 - Power on your drone and wait as Skydio automatically reconnects

Step 4 - Resume a scan after replacing the Battery

    • The drone must launch from the exact same position and orientation between each flight. Launching from a different location or orientation will result in errors when attempting to resume your scan. We strongly recommend taking off from the Skydio case.

[note] Using the same position and orientation is only required when launching. This is optional when landing. [/note]  [caution] Do not remove or swap the media or logs memory cards between flights during the same scan. [/caution]

Accessing Scan Data 

Step 1 - Retrieve the Media Card from your drone

Step 2 - Insert the media card into a microSD or SD card reader on your computer or device

Step 3 - Locate the card reader in your file manager

Step 4 - Select the scans folder

Step 5 - Locate the scan you wish to reconstruct

    • JPEG image file format
    • Folder titles include the scan name followed by a UTC timestamp. For example: scans/Scan_Name__2021-06-02T19-50-55..135854+00-00

Best Practices

    • Maintain software and firmware updates
    • Avoid flying in direct sunlight for extended periods of time 
    • Use caution when flying in hot or cold temperatures 
    • GPS will be required for scans higher than 65 ft (20 m)
    • You must exit the 3D Scan operating mode to regain access to Flight Skills

Explore More

Read the Skydio Safety and Operating Guide pre-flight—avoid thin branches, wires, large glass, and reflective panes.

How to scan using multiple batteries

3D Scan Settings Overview

Visual Geofencing in 3D Scan

How to use the AR Coverage Mesh for 3D Captures

How to set the AR Observer in 3D Scan

Accessing 3D Scan Data

Skydio, Inc. A0073

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