Custom Map Layers
In the Dronelink web app there is the map layer button that lets you choose Mapbox vs HERE map layers. There is also a "ADD LAYER" button. Is there any documentation for how to add a new layer? Ideally I would like to add my own GeoTIFF files I have created using WebODM so I can use up-to-the-minute maps to plan future missions. The reason being is that currently online map providers do not have the recent changes to the area I am flying in.
I've searched the forums as well as more generic Mapbox documentation but the only thing I can find is the option to upload GeoTIFFs to my Mapbox account but I don't know how to link Dronelink to a Mapbox user account.
Any help would be appreciated.
-Brad
Comments
24 comments
That feature only supports KML/KMZ files right now.
You might take a look at QGIS, an open source GIS program. The learning curve is a little steep, but importing a GeoTIFF file is easy, and you can add additional geo-referenced layers.
Another approach is to import the GeoTIFF into Google Earth as an overlay. Because the GeoTIFFs are so huge (usually), they will need to be imported as "superoverlays", which in reality is just a collection of KMZ files that are created as the GeoTIFF is imported and converted from the collection of smaller TIFF components.
I have a very similar request / topic for the same reason - I am mapping glacier areas that are changing very rapidly and having the previous mapping run as the basis for the next plan would be a great advantage. The Mapbox and HERE layers are about 5 or 6 years old and some glaciers have retreated by up to 500m in the meantime.
I am already running my own WMS/WMTS server so it would be ideal to be able to add a custom layer from this server. This would also benefit other customers who suffer from old / low-res data in Mapbox but might have access to more current / accurate local map sources from Open Government Data initiatives.
Hi! When I try to add a layer, an error comes out "Unable to Add Layer". I'm adding files KML&KMZ
Can you provide the file you are trying to import?
Yes! And how?
Upload to dropbox / google drive / etc and provide a link?
This file appears to contain images. The map overlays feature only supports basic shapes like lines and polygons.
OK, thanks!
I love that I can add layers, so helpful! But, how can I remove map layers I have added?
Refresh the browser.
Just bumping the comment left by Stefan Mantler...
The ability to specify a third party map/tile layer via the usual WMS/TFS URL format would be a really useful addition to the Base mapping layer capability. This was one of the first things that I sought to do as soon as I had worked out how to setup a mapping mission (about 5 mins into my first use). In many jurisdictions, the National/State or Local Mapping Agencies have setup orthorectified imagery that would provide a significantly better mapping underlay than that provided by Mapbox.
I think a list of freely available mapping services and/or the ability to define a correctly specified custom url would be a welcome feature improvement for many dronelink customers.
BTW, as a new user to Dronelink, I am very impressed with the design and UX of this software. I tested six other similar packages before settling upon Dronelink as my s/w of choice. Really well done (from an IT guy to an IT guy)... :o)
Agree - this is a great application with huge potential. now if we could get a definition for each field in the app - that would be great.
Agree - this is a great application with huge potential. Now if we could get a definition for each field in the app - that would be great.
I am also looking for the work process to create a custom map for mission planning. I need to plan missions around buildings that are not yet there... We use Revit and AutoCAD and can easily export a number of standard file types. I also have access to ArcGIS. I'm an architect, not a surveyor, so I'm learning a lot... Any suggestions on what my workflow should be?
-Mike
I paid for this app only because I thought I could load custom maps. I'm very disappointed that this feature refers only to vector data. I also work in Glaciers like Stephan Mantler that commented two years ago, and for that case or anywhere where the available maps layers are not fit (too old or two coarse), this feature would be extremely useful.
If you are not happy with your purchase you can request a refund here.
Mike Bahr Did you ever receive the workflow? I am also looking for the same information.
Is this feature planned for future Dronelink versions? It would be really nice to be able to import WMS layers from servers directly into Dronelink. It would be much more comfortable for missionplanning if I could for example import geozones and no-fly-zones als WMS Maplayer. Otherwise the app is great and it works very well.
I asked for similar enhancement. See here and upvote for it.
https://support.dronelink.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/9400691004947-Add-Airspace-Map-layer-like-the-FAA-s-Visualize-It-or-B4UFLY-Airspace-map
Okay Jim McAndrew, basically exactly what Brad said right at the top two years ago… any updates on timeframe?
this would seriously bump up the value for close survey work ie a recently built structure that needs to be surveyed. You want to perform a full survey + facade, but you can’t accurately position your facade without the initial survey, which would have to be uploaded to the dronelink map.
cheers
We have not currently prioritized working on this so cannot give any estimate on when or if it might get implemented. In the meantime, if the KML overlay isn’t sufficient, you might want to considering looking to using on the fly for in-field mission planning, or using geo-rectification:
https://support.dronelink.com/hc/en-us/articles/4416141457171-How-to-Enable-Drone-Offsets-Mission-Alignment-Georectification-
Hi I also bought the software thinking I could add my own overlay image (geotiff) for an uptodate image layer to plan over it but after paying there's no way to do it, even if I setup my own WMS server. requesting refund.
+1, having the ability to add custom map layers as GeoTIFF images or WMS/TFS URL would be absolutely a great feature even for a hobbyist as me! I just flew a mission and processed it using WebODM. I now have a highly detailed up-to-date orthophoto map of the area, which would be very useful to use as a base layer for planning subsequent missions. If importing your own map layer was possible, I would use it in my workflow every time and do a first flight just to get a detailed orthophoto map of the area, and then immediately use that to plan much more precise second mission!
Please sign in to leave a comment.