Guide · photogrammetry
Overlap, height & GSD for drone mapping
Overlap, flight height and ground sample distance (GSD) decide whether your orthomosaic or 3D model works. Here are the rules of thumb MavicMapper uses – and the GSD each supported DJI drone reaches.
Recommended overlap
| Job | Front / side overlap | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Fast 2D map | 70 / 60 % | single nadir grid |
| Orthomosaic | 75 / 65 % | single nadir grid, gimbal −90° |
| 3D model | 80 / 70 % or more | crosshatch or oblique 4/5 |
| Forest, crops, water | 85–90 / 80 % | single grid, higher overlap for low texture |
GSD formula
GSD = sensor width × flight height ÷ (focal length × image width). Footprint across = sensor width × height ÷ focal length. Line spacing = footprint across × (1 − side overlap); photo spacing = footprint along × (1 − front overlap).
GSD (cm/px) by drone and height
| Drone · camera | 40 m | 60 m | 80 m | 100 m | 120 m | Height for 1 cm/px |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mavic 3 Pro · Hasselblad | 1.07 | 1.60 | 2.13 | 2.67 | 3.20 | 3751 m |
| Mavic 4 Pro · Hasselblad 100 MP | 0.40 | 0.60 | 0.80 | 1.01 | 1.21 | 9944 m |
| Mini 5 Pro · Wide 50 MP | 0.71 | 1.06 | 1.41 | 1.76 | 2.12 | 5671 m |
| Mini 4 Pro · Wide 48 MP | 0.70 | 1.05 | 1.39 | 1.74 | 2.09 | 5736 m |
| Lito X1 · Wide 48 MP | 0.70 | 1.05 | 1.39 | 1.74 | 2.09 | 5736 m |
Speed: motion blur and photo interval
In continuous capture the fastest sharp speed is the smaller of blur limit (max blur px × GSD ÷ shutter time) and interval limit (photo spacing ÷ minimum photo interval). MavicMapper also caps waypoint legs at the drone’s limit and switches to stop & shoot automatically when DJI Fly’s 1 m/s minimum cannot be reached. ⚡ As fast as possible searches the fastest shutter / ISO / speed within your limits.
Frequently asked questions
What overlap should I use for drone photogrammetry?
About 75/65 % front/side for 2D orthomosaics with a nadir gimbal; 80/70 % or more with crosshatch or oblique patterns for 3D models; 85–90 % for low-texture areas like forest or water.
How do I calculate GSD?
GSD = sensor width × flight height ÷ (focal length × image width). MavicMapper calculates it live for the selected drone and camera.
What limits mapping speed?
Motion blur (shutter time vs. GSD) and the camera’s minimum photo interval vs. photo spacing – plus the drone’s waypoint speed limit.
Plan it with MavicMapper – free
Free offline DJI waypoint mission planner for Windows. No account, no subscription, no cloud. Plan, preview in 3D, export a DJI Fly KMZ and upload it to your controller over USB.