When DJI released its flagship consumer drone, the Mavic 3, the excitement was palpable. With its massive 4/3 sensor and a 45-minute flight time, the possibilities seemed endless. However, the much-anticipated Software Development Kit (SDK) faced delay after delay, eventually resulting in its cancellation. Many drone enthusiasts, myself included, began to lose hope of using the M3 for anything more than a point-and-shoot camera.
But DJI surprised us all with a late 2022 update that included DJI Waypoints, using the same WPML language found in the M30 and M3E series drones. Though the Mavic 3 still lacks an SDK or native mapping capability, several tech-savvy users have exploited the Waypoints feature to introduce mapping capabilities to the M3 and M3C.
It’s important to note that the methods described in this blog post are not endorsed by DJI, as they expect users to purchase their enterprise series drones for mapping and photogrammetry capability. However, we believe in making the most of the technology we have. These solutions require some technical expertise, as they involve taking advantage of the DJI Waypoint system. To get started, you’ll need a basic understanding of your controller’s file system (whether Android or iOS) and some knowledge of Python for the final solution. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry! The first two methods should still provide valuable insights.
UGCS
UGCS, developed by SPH Engineering, is a premium software solution for drone enthusiasts. While the software comes with a relatively steep price tag, it stands out for its user-friendly interface and streamlined process. To help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs, UGCS offers a free trial. By utilizing UGCS, you can effortlessly create a flight plan, export it for the Mavic 3E, and import it using the method outlined in the accompanying video tutorial. This method presents the fastest and most straightforward approach to begin mapping with your Mavic 3.
Ancient.Land + Litchi + Litchi Utilities
This approach may require more time and effort, but it is considerably more cost-effective. The primary expense involved is purchasing the pro version of Litchi for around $25. To begin, create a map on Ancient.Land and export it as a CSV file. Next, import the CSV into Litchi and export it once more in Litchi’s specific CSV format. Following this, visit Litchi Utilities to convert the file into the DJI WPML format. Finally, employ the same import technique described in the first method above. This budget-friendly alternative offers a more hands-on approach to mapping with your Mavic 3.
QGroundControl + djiMappingConverter
The final method comes courtesy of Marco, a resourceful DJI forum member. For this approach, you’ll need to download the complimentary mission planner software, QGroundControl. Once you export your KML mission file, execute Marco’s Python script to generate the required WPML KMZ file for DJI. Then, simply import the file into DJI Fly using the same technique mentioned earlier. This custom solution offers another alternative for those looking to expand their Mavic 3’s mapping capabilities.
While DJI may not officially endorse these methods, they open up new possibilities for Mavic 3 owners looking to utilize their drone’s full potential. By exploiting the DJI Waypoints feature, you can unlock mapping capabilities without investing in the more expensive enterprise series drones. Whether you choose an app-based approach, CSV conversion, or Python scripting, the Mavic 3 offers a world of opportunity for photogrammetry enthusiasts willing to put in the effort. Happy mapping!