Unlike Scanlink which uses a safety buffer to obstacles of about 3 m, the Mission Planner app adds a safety buffer of only 1 m (3.3 ft) to the obstacle height and periphery. For example, if you enter an obstacle height of 10 m (33 ft), the drone will not descend to an altitude lower than 11 m (36 ft) while above this obstacle.
In addition to its obstacle avoidance sensors, your drone uses its barometric altimeter and GPS system to determine its proximity to the obstacles you have entered. Because the accuracy of both systems typically varies within 1-2 m (3.3-6.6 ft), and possibly much more on windy days, it is strongly recommended that you use a safety buffer larger than the default of 1 m (3.3 ft). This can be done in two ways:
- Increase the default buffer in the main menu by tapping on
> General >Settings > Distance to keep away from obstacles. - When inputting the obstacles, draw their periphery slightly wider than it actually is and add at least about 1-2 m (3.3-6.6 ft) to their actual height (as measured with your drone).
Windy ConditionsIn windy weather, tree branches can move significantly. Allow for such movement when entering obstacles.
Always Launch Drone from the Same Take-Off PositionRemember to always launch your drone from the take-off position you have marked when planning the flights. It is important that this is the same position as the one from where you launched your drone to measure the tower and obstacle dimensions.