Jun 09, 2026

AC3 Bee Hunting: Steps for Capturing Images with the MAVIC 3 Thermal Drone to Create Orthomosaics

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kxygxrm7og8j/v1
  • 1Arecibo C3;
  • 2Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Río Piedras;
  • 3Escuela Secundaria UPR;
  • 4Escuela con Causa Rosalina Caraballo;
  • 5Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico;
  • 6Escuela Pedro Falú Orellano
Jaime W Abreu-Ramos
Icon indicating open access to content
QR code linking to this content
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kxygxrm7og8j/v1
Protocol Citation: Jaime W Abreu-Ramos, Jesús Castro-González, Amilcar Vélez-Flores, Brenda Mojica-Figueroa, Cynthia Torres-Ramos, Michael Vegas-Vazquez, Ariana Rodríguez-Flores, Lizbeth Alvarado-Vargas, José L Agosto-Rivera, Jesús Castro-González 2026. AC3 Bee Hunting: Steps for Capturing Images with the MAVIC 3 Thermal Drone to Create Orthomosaics. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kxygxrm7og8j/v1
License: This is an open access  protocol  distributed under the terms of the  Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: June 09, 2026
Last Modified: June 09, 2026
Protocol  Integer ID: 318756
Keywords: UAV mapping, Mavic 3 Thermal, Drone photogrammetry, Bee hunting, Orthomosaic, Ecological monitoring, Aerial surveying., thermal drone, ac3 bee hunting, resolution imagery for orthomosaic generation, drone, steps for capturing image, autonomous flight mission, orthomosaics this protocol, orthomosaic generation, capturing image, executing autonomous flight mission, resolution imagery, dji mavic, orthomosaic
Funders Acknowledgements:
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321760
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321761
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321759
Abstract
This protocol outlines a standardized, step-by-step workflow for planning and executing autonomous flight missions using the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal (M3T) drone to acquire high-resolution imagery for orthomosaic generation. Developed under the 'AC3 Bee Hunting' project, the methodology covers critical pre-flight operations, including polygon demarcation via the smart controller, operational parameters, and image storage.
Attachments
Icon for Figures.pdf
Figures.pdf
1.4MB
Use the drone and controller to complete the following steps.
Turn on the drone and controller (see Figure 1).
On the controller, select the flight route option (see Figure 2).
Conceptual planning of the flight mission
Visit the site in person and define the flight area.
On the controller screen, create points to define the segments of the polygon (concave or convex) by dragging points on the screen until the entire study area is covered (see Figure 3).
Choose the Wide-Angle camera type (this is the conventional visual camera) (see Figure 4).
Select the flight altitude based on the resolution required for the project and the structures at the site (see Figure 5).
Place the drone in the takeoff area and make sure there are no people or objects that could interfere with the flight mission.
Begin the planned mission by pressing the Start button on the controller (see Figure 6).
Monitor the battery charge percentage. If it drops below 25%, return the drone and replace the battery.
Once the mission is complete, the drone will automatically return to its takeoff location.
Image storage
Remove the MicroSD card.
Insert the card into a computer and save the images locally and in the cloud for future orthomosaic creation.
Protocol references
Jaime W. Abreu Ramos:
Headed the project team and the writing and editing the final protocol. Managed all troubleshooting related to protocol development and successfully obtained financing for the drone acquisition.
Jesús Castro González: Significantly drove all troubleshooting efforts related to protocol development and participated in writing and editing the final protocol.
Amilcar Vélez Flores: Instructed the team on the geographical principles and practical methodologies necessary to generate orthomosaics.
Brenda Mojica Figueroa: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Cynthia Torres-Ramos: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Michael Vegas Vazquez: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Ariana Rodríguez Flores: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol and facilitated training for the deployment of the publishing platform.
Lizbeth Alvarado Vargas: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol and facilitated training for the deployment of the publishing platform.
José L. Agosto-Rivera: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol.

Acknowledgements
This protocol was supported by the NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement and the technology account of the University High School (UHS).