Zerdly

Photogrammetry Mission QA Checklist

Checks a drone mapping mission for flight plan, GSD, overlap, GCPs, check points and airspace.

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How to use this calculator

Checklist

Plan and QA a photogrammetry / drone mapping mission — flight plan, control, conditions and pre-flight checks.

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Flight plan
Ground control
Conditions & aircraft
Pre-flight

Still outstanding

  • Target GSD / flying height set
  • Overlap set
  • Area and buffer cover the site
  • Airspace approvals / NOTAM where required
  • GCPs planned and distributed
  • Independent check points planned
  • Targets visible and surveyed
  • Weather and light suitable
  • Batteries and storage adequate
  • Camera settings set
  • Site safety / JSA done
  • Firmware and calibration current
  • Test images checked

A field and study aid only — follow your organisation's procedures, project brief and QA requirements. Nothing here is stored.

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

  1. Work through flight plan, ground control, conditions and pre-flight items.
  2. Tick each as it's confirmed; the tool shows completeness and what's outstanding.
  3. Clear everything before you fly.

How it works

A successful photogrammetry mission is mostly planning: the right GSD and overlap, well-distributed surveyed ground control, separate check points, suitable conditions, and current firmware/calibration.

This is a browser-only planning/QA aid — follow your own and the regulator's flight and safety requirements.

Worked example

Mapping a 10 ha site. Target GSD and ~75/65% overlap set, GCPs and check points distributed and surveyed, weather suitable, airspace cleared, and test images checked before launch.

Frequently asked questions

How much overlap do I need?

It depends on the terrain and software, but around 75% forward and 65% side overlap is a common starting point — more over vegetation or low-texture surfaces.

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.

Related tools

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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.

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