How to Set Up Your Drone for Measuring Inventory

Updated on October 29, 2026

These settings come from the Stockpile Reports flight specifications, the PDF linked from the image uploader. Check them before each flight.

Camera Settings

• Use the maximum image resolution available.
• Use auto-exposure mode, auto ISO, and default exposure compensation.
• Set white balance to Sunny or Daylight, even in cloudy conditions.
• Point the camera straight down.
• Turn off all image correction settings, such as dewarping.
• Save images as JPEG. The uploader accepts JPEG files only.

Flight Plan

• Use a mission-based flight app.
• Fly straight, parallel flight lines at a single altitude, with at least 4 flight lines. Align the lines with the longest edge of the flight boundary.
• Use at least 75% front overlap and 70% side overlap.
• Capture at least 50 images per flight.
• Fly at 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level when airspace allows. If that gives fewer than 50 images, fly lower until you reach 50.
• Fly the same site boundary every time, even when piles have been depleted.