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Introduction
SiteSee's standard procedure ensures precise scale control through two methods:
- The use of Ground Control Points (GCPs) and Aeropoints for capturing accurate results.
- The use of a ScalePoint.
Please consult SiteSee before deciding on the scaling mechanism.
The image below shows the ScalePoint.
Operating ScalePoint
The ScalePoint has no moving parts and requires no electronics. It is an accurately scaled strip that is automatically processed by the SiteSee system.
It is imperative that the entire documentation is read and understood thoroughly, as failure to meet the requirements will result in the capture being classified as a failure.
Placing the ScalePoint
The scale control strip should be positioned within the drone's line of sight and close to the tower, ensuring it is not obstructed by any nearby structures.
At the pilot's discretion and with appropriate permissions, the ScalePoint may be placed inside the perimeter fence near the tower.
If unsure about the placement of the scale control, conduct an initial test flight to verify that the scale control appears in the images within the drone's line of sight.
Illustrations to show good placement of the ScalePoint
Requirements met as placement is,
- Clearly within line of sight of the drone during mission
- Not obstructed by other structures such as fences, buildings and trees
- Placed on a flat surface
Requirements met as placement is,
- Clearly within line of sight of the drone during mission
- Not obstructed by other structures such as fences, buildings and trees
- Placed on a flat surface
Illustrations to show bad placement of the ScalePoint
Requirements NOT met as placement is,
- Obstructed by trees
- Not in line of sight of drone
Requirements NOT met as placement is,
- Obstructed by buildings and other structures
- Not in line of sight of the drone
Real Images are provided to show good placement of the ScalePoint
Good: Birds eye view showing the strip placed away from the tower and alternative places where strip can be placed.
- Avoiding the trees, fences and shelters
- ensuring a good view of the strip from the drone at different parts of the mission.
Good: View from drone during tower scan where strip can placed correctly
- Placed on an even surface ensuring good view of strip.
- There is distance between structures (trees, fences and shelters) around tower that might decrease visibility but close enough to tower that it will be captured in multiple parts of the mission.
This is an example of a poorly placed ScalePoint such that one April Tag has good visibility but the other Tag doesn't.
Good: The April Tag is visible and no grass or leaves obstructing it
Wrong: The sides of the April Tag is covered by grass and leaves. The full ScalePoint is not clearly visible
Real Images are provided to show bad placement to be avoided of the ScalePoint
Wrong: Birds eye view showing where not to be placed - near structures such as fences, trees and shelters. Place in the open where it is in line of sight of the drone and not blocked by structures.
Wrong: Not to be placed on elevated surfaces if it causes the strip to be at an angle giving a poor view of the strip. Ensure you place it on an even surface.
Wrong: Placed too close to a fence that will reduce the visibility of the strip at different parts of the mission.
Wrong: Placed right next to a shelter and fence causing poor visibility of the strip.
Wrong: Placed right next to a shelter and fence causing poor visibility of the strip.
Wrong: Placed directly underneath trees and not in line of sight of the drone
Troubleshooting
- Placed the strip in the wrong location: Move the ScalePoint to a location with better visibility and restart the mission.
- Strip got blown off/Something came over it: Use the holes on the boards to anchor the board onto the ground