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Pattern generators create waypoint sequences automatically from a boundary polygon and configuration parameters. Draw a shape on the map, pick a pattern type, adjust the settings, and apply the generated waypoints to your mission.
Survey pattern showing parallel lines inside a polygon boundary

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How It Works

1

Draw a boundary

Use the polygon or circle tool from the map toolbar to draw the area you want to cover.
2

Open the Pattern Editor

With the boundary selected, click “Generate Pattern” in the toolbar. The Pattern Editor panel opens on the right.
3

Choose a pattern type

Select from the available patterns: Survey, Orbit, Corridor, Structure Scan, Expanding Square, Sector Search, or Parallel Track.
4

Configure parameters

Each pattern has specific settings (spacing, altitude, overlap, angle, etc.). Adjust them and see the preview update on the map in real time.
5

Apply to mission

Click “Apply” to add the generated waypoints to your mission. The pattern becomes part of your waypoint list.

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Available Patterns

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Survey

Generates parallel flight lines (lawn-mower pattern) to cover an area. This is the standard pattern for photogrammetry, mapping, and crop monitoring. Configuration:
The GSD calculator automatically computes Ground Sample Distance based on your camera, altitude, and overlap settings. See the GSD section below.

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Orbit

Generates a circular flight path around a center point. Use this for inspection, videography, or point-of-interest observation. Configuration:

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Corridor

Generates a path that follows a corridor (road, pipeline, power line) with parallel lines on either side for coverage. Configuration:

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Structure Scan

Generates a multi-altitude orbit for scanning a vertical structure (building, tower, cliff). The drone circles at several altitudes to capture the entire surface. Configuration:

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SAR Patterns

Three search-and-rescue patterns for covering an area systematically:
Starts at the center (last known position) and spirals outward in an expanding square. Best when the target’s probable position is well known.Parameters: Start point, leg length, spacing, altitude, expansion factor.

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Landing Generators

Two specialized patterns for approach and landing:
  • Fixed-Wing Landing: Generates a landing approach with configurable glide slope, final approach altitude, and runway alignment.
  • VTOL Landing: Generates a VTOL transition and descent pattern with configurable transition altitude and descent point.

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GSD Calculator

The Ground Sample Distance (GSD) calculator helps you determine the right altitude and line spacing for photogrammetry missions. Inputs:
  • Camera sensor dimensions (width and height in mm)
  • Focal length (mm)
  • Image resolution (width and height in pixels)
  • Flight altitude (meters AGL)
Outputs:
  • GSD (cm/pixel)
  • Image footprint on the ground (width and height in meters)
  • Required line spacing for desired overlap
  • Estimated photo count for the survey area
Several camera profiles are built in (common drone cameras), or you can enter custom sensor specs.

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Pattern Preview

As you adjust parameters, the map shows a live preview of the generated pattern:
  • Waypoints are displayed as numbered markers
  • Flight lines connect the waypoints
  • The boundary polygon remains visible
  • Statistics (total distance, number of waypoints, estimated time) update in real time
The preview is non-destructive. Nothing changes in your mission until you click “Apply.”

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Pure Functions

All pattern generators are implemented as pure functions. They take a configuration object and return a list of waypoints with statistics. No side effects, no store access. This makes them easy to test and compose.