Photogrammetry Mission QA Checklist
An evidence-led QA record for a drone mapping flight: project facts, sectioned review rows with evidence and owners, independent-checkpoint findings and a printable mission brief.
Project and review scope
A planning and QA record for one mapping flight, from scope through processing handover. It records what a person verified and the evidence they cite; it is not certification, regulatory approval or an automated inspection of any file.
Independent checkpoint plan
- Note: Independent checkpoint count not stated.
Review status: Not reviewed
Review progress 0 of 22 applicable rows verified (0%)
Outstanding critical findings
- Airspace approvals / NOTAM where required — Not started
- Site safety / JSA done — Not started
- Independent check points planned — Not started
- Control CRS and height method recorded — Not started
- Test images checked — Not started
Review rows
Scope and deliverables
0/1 verifiedDeliverable acceptance criteria recorded
Aircraft and camera readiness
0/3 verifiedBatteries and storage adequate
Camera settings set
Exposure, fixed focus.
Firmware and calibration current
Flight design
0/4 verifiedTarget GSD / flying height set
Airspace approvals / NOTAM where required
Critical
Weather and light suitable
Site safety / JSA done
Critical
Independent check points
0/3 verifiedIndependent check points planned
Critical
Checkpoint observations independent of adjustment control
Independent checkpoint separation recorded
Where checkpoints sit relative to control.
Ground control
0/3 verifiedGCPs planned and distributed
Distribution chosen for the project, not a universal count.
Targets visible and surveyed
Control CRS and height method recorded
Survey method, CRS and how heights were obtained.
Critical
Exposure and sharpness sample
0/3 verifiedTest images checked
Unacceptable test images stay unresolved until a person verifies them.
Critical
Image sample exposure and sharpness reviewed
Image-quality notes recorded
Blur, exposure, glare or shadow issues observed in the sample.
Coverage and overlap
0/2 verifiedOverlap set
Record the forward and side overlap chosen for this project — there is no universal value.
Area and buffer cover the site
Image backups
0/1 verifiedImage backups verified and processing handover identified
Processing handover
0/2 verifiedExpected deliverable acceptance criteria handed to processing
Mission brief and remaining actions exported for the processing team
Add your own row
Keep, share and print
Nothing leaves your browser. Saving on this device is optional and only happens when you press it.
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Fill in the project facts you know — date, platform and camera, area, CRS and vertical datum, target GSD, the overlap you chose and your control and checkpoint plan. Anything blank prints as Unknown.
- Work through each section and set every row to Verified, Action required or Not applicable (with a reason). Add evidence references, an owner and a review date as you go.
- Enter how many independent checkpoints are planned, then export a JSON record, print the mission brief with its outstanding actions, or save it on this device.
How it works
Each row has one of four statuses. Review progress = verified rows ÷ applicable rows; a Not applicable row with a reason leaves the denominator, but an N/A without a reason still counts as unresolved. An empty or all-N/A list shows Not reviewed, never 100 %.
Critical rows — airspace authorisations, site safety, the control CRS and height method, independent checkpoints and the test images — must be verified by a person before the record can be marked Ready for reviewer. A stated count of zero independent checkpoints is shown as Action required.
The tool records what you checked and the evidence you cite. It does not inspect images, set a universal overlap or GCP count, or certify regulatory compliance; project and jurisdiction requirements control.
Worked example
A 10 ha mapping job. Project choices: 75 % forward and 65 % side overlap, five GCPs around the boundary and centre. The checkpoint count is entered as 0, so the record shows Action required with “No independent check points are planned” in the outstanding findings — and that finding stays on the printout and in the exported JSON until three checkpoints are added and verified.
Frequently asked questions
What has actually been checked?
Only what a person marked Verified, with the evidence they recorded. The checklist is a structured record of review; it does not open or analyse your images, flight logs or control files.
Can I use my own project requirements?
Yes. Record your overlap, GSD and control choices in the project fields, add your own rows with stable IDs, and mark rows that do not apply as N/A with a reason.
Does a complete checklist prove the work complies?
No. “Ready for reviewer” is your declaration that the applicable rows are verified. Approvals, accuracy acceptance and legal compliance are decided by the project, client and regulator.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Photogrammetry Mission QA Checklist. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/photogrammetry-mission-qa-checklist/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
Designed to run locally in your browser. Tool inputs are not intentionally stored by Zerdly unless stated otherwise.