March 29, 2022

For Skydio 2/2+ users, this update will be released gradually over the course of 1 week. If you do not see the update in the App Store or Google Play by January 11, 2022, please contact Skydio Support.

For more information visit:

Access 3D Scan Software Manuals

New

3D Tower Capture

Introducing 3D Tower Capture, a best-in-class solution for automated data capture of telecommunications towers and other vertical structures. This specialized capture mode drastically speeds up the scan setup process and results in an efficient, orbit-based capture of your tower.

Instead of setting up several pillars to create your scan boundary, simply set a center pillar and radius to create a cylindrical scan boundary. During a 3D Tower Capture, Skydio defaults its flight path to begin at the top or bottom of the tower and flies a spiral path around the Z axis.

Optimize X and Y Scan Passes

In any 3D Capture mode, you now have the option to toggle on Optimize X,Y. This means that during the X and Y scan passes, redundant imagery captured in previous scan passes will be skipped. Avoiding duplicate photos decreases the total scan time and total number of photos captured while still maintaining full coverage.

Support for Thermal Images (Skydio X2 Color/Thermal only)

Capturing thermal images is now supported on Skydio X2 Color/Thermal. Navigate to the Camera Settings menu and tap to change the IR JPG setting from Off to On.

Safe Distance

Enable Safe Distance to set a minimum distance the drone will stay away from objects and structures during autonomous flight (3.3-9.8 ft / 1-3m). For example, setting a Safe Distance is useful when you want to avoid flying near or through obstacles, such as a lattice tower, while Skydio explores the scan area. Use in any situation where you need to avoid objects such as wiring or thin antennas. Safe Distance is not active when piloting manually.

Take Best Photo

Skydio will intuitively and automatically adjust the Distance to Surface if it runs into obstructions at any point while scanning, allowing you to capture images in tight spaces. The GSD will also automatically update as Skydio adjusts the Distance to Surface value. This setting is on by default for all scan modes.

Extend Capture Area

Enhancements

UI/UX Improvements

You now have the ability to enter the 3D Scan mode from the Fly Screen. After powering on your drone, simply select Use 3D Scan to begin automatically rebooting.

After completing your scan, directly enter the Edge Model Viewer with the new Review Scan option.

Not sure which scan mode to use? With Guided Mode Selection, tap the question mark to view more information about each scan mode.

New VehicleName in Photo EXIF Data

Easily differentiate between the Skydio X2 Color and Skydio X2 Color/Thermal camera models with updated naming in the embedded EXIF/XMP image data.

• If you are using a Skydio X2 Color the VehicleName is displayed as X2 Wide
• If you are using a Skydio X2 Color/Thermal the VehicleName is displayed as X2 Narrow

Fixes

General Bug Fixes

• Multi-battery resume no longer relies on the location of the AR Observer, so you can more confidently set your optimal AR Observer location.

January 4, 2022

For Skydio 2/2+ users, this update will be released gradually over the course of 1 week. If you do not see the update in the App Store or Google Play by January 11, 2022, please contact Skydio Support.

New

Skydio X2D Encryption Support

Introducing full support for encryption on your Skydio X2D. Before starting your flight, insert a security key to encrypt your data. After completing a scan, land and insert the security key to decrypt your media and access your scan data.

Enhancements

Capture Report Update

The Capture Report now includes information about which drone was used to fly in a specific scan, giving you additional valuable data for your post-scan review. 

UI/UX Improvements

New text field entry for 2D GPS Capture Height. You now have the ability to manually enter your desired Height over Launch during a 2D GPS Capture. 

Fly to your desired Height and select "Set Height to Current" or input a valid number between zero and your designated Height Ceiling into the text field. 

October 14, 2021

• Introducing 2D GPS Capture as a new 3D Scan capture mode. You now have the ability to preplan your flight using a top-down map view. 
• This release brings performance improvements and stability updates to enhance your flying experience.

For more information visit:

Access 3D Scan Software Manuals

Getting Started on Skydio Cloud

September 28, 2021

Skydio is proud to announce exciting new features and enhancements to 3D Scan* in our software release version 15.9.

*Additional license required - To purchase Skydio 3D Scan contact a Skydio Sales Representative

Access Skydio 2 Enterprise Operator Manuals here.

Access Skydio X2E Manuals, Checklists, and Guides here.

New

Android Support

3D Scan is now supported on Android 9.0 (or higher) devices. Install the Skydio 2 Enterprise App for Android and ensure you have been provisioned with your Autonomy Enterprise Foundation (AEF)™ software add-on and 3D Scan™ software add-on.

3D Scan on Skydio X2

In addition to Android support, 3D Scan is now available on all Skydio X2 variants. Contact a Skydio Sales Representative to purchase the 3D Scan software add-on.

Adjustable Z Gimbal Pitch

By default, the gimbal angle during a Z Contour Slice scan pass is now set to 15 degrees below the horizon. This downward-facing image capture can lead to better reconstructions for certain structures like cell towers. Adjust your Z Slice gimbal pitch as-needed.

Enhancements

Adjustable Exploration Speed

Before the Explore phase begins, you now have the option to decrease the speed at which Skydio 2 or Skydio X2 performs this initial inspection. Adjust the flight speed from 1.1 mph - 5.6 mph (0.5 m/s - 2.5 m/s). The Explore phase should be a small fraction of the total scan time.

DNG Image Capture

DNG photos may now be captured when Stop for Photo is enabled. Access these files post-flight by connecting your drone or the Media Card to a laptop or computer.

Floor and Ceiling

You no longer need to select "Move Floor" or "Move Ceiling" to update the current placement of these bounds. Fly to the desired location and the Floor/Ceiling will move with your drone as it flies. Additionally, you will notice a gray AR plane that denotes the launch height, making it easier for you to visualize where to set the Floor/Ceiling.

Draggable Pillar Placement

In addition to flying to place pillars, you may now easily drag them to encompass the structure you wish to scan. By default, the pillar is attached to the drone and will move as you fly. Enable dragging by holding on the screen to select the active pillar. You may continue to set pillars by dragging or select "Attach" to reconnect the pillar to the drone.