Creating Waypoint Routes

1.1 Drone Operation Center – Waypoint Routes

Before you start:
Waypoint Routes in AirHub allow you to create precise and repeatable flight paths for your drone. These are especially valuable for first responders, public safety teams, and inspection operators who need consistent data collection or systematic area coverage.

A single route can include a simple point-to-point path, a complex survey grid, or a combination of both.
Routes can be flown semi-autonomously using the AirHub Ground Control app or fully automatically through a compatible Ground Station.

1.2 Understanding Route Components

Waypoint routes in AirHub are structured around three key components:

Take-off Waypoint
• Always the first point in any mission.
• In a Pilot Mission, the first waypoint you place on the map defines the take-off location.
• In a Ground Station Mission, the take-off waypoint is automatically set to the Ground Station’s position.

Waypoint
• The standard point used to define custom, point-to-point flight paths.
• Each waypoint connects to the next, forming the complete route.

Pattern
• A collection of automatically generated waypoints within a defined polygon.
• Commonly used for mapping, surveying, or search and rescue missions.

1.3 Adding and Configuring a Take-off Waypoint

In Ground Station Missions, the take-off waypoint is automatically created at the Ground Station’s location once selected.
For Pilot Missions, you can manually define the take-off point by following these steps:

1. Open an existing mission or create a new one.

2. Navigate to the intended flight area on the map.

3. In the action bar, click the Waypoint icon and select Waypoints.

4. Click on the map to place your first point.
   • This first point automatically becomes the Take-off Waypoint.

5. Open the Waypoints tab in the mission planner and select the first waypoint.

6. In the settings panel, configure:
   • Speed: The initial ascent speed.
   • Take-off Height: The target altitude for ascent.
   • Safe Take-off Altitude: Minimum height before horizontal movement begins to clear obstacles.
   • Lat/Long: The precise coordinates of the take-off location.

1.4 Adding and Configuring Manual Waypoints

Manual waypoints define the flight path your drone will follow after take-off.

1. After placing your take-off waypoint, continue clicking on the map to add more points.
   • Each new point connects automatically to the previous one.

2. Open the Waypoints tab and select a waypoint (excluding the take-off point).

3. In the settings panel, configure:
   • Heading Mode: Controls the drone’s orientation (options: Follow Wayline, Smooth Transition, or Fixed).
   • Speed: Sets the travel speed between waypoints.
   • Altitude: The altitude at that specific waypoint.
   • Lat/Long: The exact coordinates of the waypoint.
   • Waypoint Actions: Add automated behaviours such as:
   – Take Photo
   – Start/Stop Recording
   – Hold Position
   – Rotate Gimbal
   – Other custom mission actions

1.5 Adding and Configuring a Waypoint Pattern

A Pattern automatically generates an efficient grid of waypoints within a defined area. This is ideal for mapping, inspection, or area surveillance missions.

1. Open your mission and navigate to the intended area.

2. In the action bar, click the Waypoint icon and select Pattern.

3. Draw a polygon on the map to define the survey area.
   • AirHub will automatically generate a grid pattern inside the boundary.

4. Open the Waypoints tab and select the pattern in the list.

5. In the settings panel, configure:
   • Speed: Flight speed across the grid.
   • Altitude: Constant flight altitude for the pattern.
   • Spacing: Distance between grid lines.
   • Angle: Orientation of the grid.
   • Fly in both directions (Cross-hatch): Enable to add a second, perpendicular grid for higher coverage density.
   • Actions: Enable automated actions, such as taking photos at regular intervals during flight.

Tip:
To record video throughout the entire pattern:
• Add a manual waypoint before the pattern with a Start Recording action.
• Add another waypoint after the pattern with a Stop Recording action.

1.6 Summary

Waypoint Routes in AirHub enable drone pilots and organisations to plan repeatable, safe, and efficient flight paths for various use cases, from infrastructure inspections to emergency response missions.
Whether using manual waypoints for control or automated patterns for efficiency, AirHub provides the flexibility and precision required for professional drone operations.