DJI Mini 5 Pro Mapping Mission
Complete step-by-step guide to planning and flying a mapping mission with RC2, Android phone, or iPhone
This guide shows you exactly how to fly a mapping mission with the DJI Mini 5 Pro — from planning to finished images ready for processing. The guide covers the RC2 controller, Android phones, and iPhone. No prior experience needed.
1Step 1: Create a dummy waypoint mission in DJI Fly
DJI Fly stores waypoint missions in a specific folder on your device's storage. To find the correct path and filename, you first need to create a simple dummy mission directly in the app.
Open DJI Fly. Tap the map icon in the top-left corner to enter map view, then select Waypoint mode. Draw a small square anywhere — it does not need to resemble your actual survey area. Save the mission and note the name DJI Fly assigns it (e.g. "Waypoint_20240315_143022").
Open your device's file manager and navigate to the waypoint folder to confirm the filename. The RC2 has a built-in file manager (Settings → General → File Manager). If you are flying from an Android phone, use a file manager app. If you are flying from an iPhone, open the Files app and navigate to On My iPhone → DJI Fly → files → waypoint. See Step 3 for the specific paths for each device.
Internal Storage / Android / data / dji.go.v2 / files / waypointHere you will find the dummy mission file. Note the exact filename — you will need it in Step 3.
2Step 2: Plan your actual survey area in the Forresten Flight Planner
Open the Forresten free flight planner. Draw the polygon for the area you want to map. Set flight altitude to 50 m (a good balance of detail and coverage for the Mini 5 Pro), frontlap to 75%, and sidelap to 70%.
The planner automatically calculates flight lines, speed, and image count — and shows you an estimated processing price. Click Download KMZ to save the file.
3Step 3: Rename and transfer the KMZ file to your device
Rename the downloaded KMZ file to exactly the same filename as the dummy mission you created in Step 1 (e.g. "Waypoint_20240315_143022.kmz").
Select your controller or phone below:
Connect the RC2 to your computer via USB-C. Copy the renamed file to:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/dji.go.v2/files/waypoint/Replace the dummy file with our KMZ file. Confirm the overwrite.
Note: The thumbnail in DJI Fly will not update — this is normal. DJI Fly caches thumbnails and will show the old one. The mission route itself is correct regardless.
Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable. Select "File Transfer" (MTP) in the notification panel on the phone — this gives unrestricted access to the file system and is the most reliable method.
Navigate in Windows Explorer or Finder (Mac) to:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/dji.go.v2/files/waypoint/Replace the dummy file with our KMZ file. Confirm the overwrite.
Note: On Android 11 and later, the Android/data folder may be hidden in a normal file browser. Type the path directly into the address bar in Windows Explorer, or use "Go to Folder" (⌘⇧G) in Finder (Mac) if you cannot navigate to it normally.
On iPhone, the transfer is done through the Files app — no cable to a computer is needed. Download the KMZ file directly on your iPhone from the flight planner in Safari (tap Download KMZ). The file will typically land in Downloads in the Files app.
Long-press the file → Rename, and give it exactly the same name as the dummy mission from Step 1. Long-press the file again → Copy. Then navigate to:
On My iPhone → DJI Fly → files → waypointLong-press in the empty folder → Paste. Confirm that the dummy file is replaced.
Note: Alternative (with cable to Mac): Connect your iPhone via cable, open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, go to the Files tab, find DJI Fly in the list, and drag the renamed KMZ file into the waypoint folder. On Windows, use iTunes instead of Finder.
4Step 4: Open the mission in DJI Fly and verify the route
Open DJI Fly → Waypoint → My Routes. Find the mission with the name you chose in Step 1. Tap it to open. You will now see the actual flight path from our planner — not the dummy route.
Verify that the route covers your area correctly before continuing.
5Step 5: Configure the camera
In the mission settings in DJI Fly — or in the camera settings before starting the mission — set the following:
- Resolution
- 50 MP
- File format
- JPEG (disable RAW — double file size, unnecessary for mapping)
- Interval
- 5 seconds (use the timer/interval function in DJI Fly)
Camera exposure: Ideally set the camera manually — ISO 100, shutter 1/1000 s (bright day), aperture f/1.7 (fixed on Mini 5 Pro). If you are unsure: use Auto mode, but lock the exposure (tap the padlock in DJI Fly after focusing), so exposure does not shift between frames during the flight.
6Step 6: Set speed and take off manually
DJI Fly does not always import the recommended flight speed from the KMZ file — the route is correct, but the speed may have been reset. Check that the flight speed matches what the flight planner showed for your mission. Adjust it manually in the mission settings if needed.
Take off manually. Fly up to your planned mission altitude (e.g. 50 m) and position the drone over the mission start point.
7Step 7: Camera down, check the image, start interval shooting
Tilt the gimbal to -90° (straight down toward the ground) using the gimbal wheel. Open the camera view and verify that a test image looks good: the terrain should fill the frame, the horizon should not be visible, and the image should be sharp and correctly exposed.
Start interval shooting by activating the timer function in DJI Fly (5 seconds). The drone will now take one photo every 5 seconds.
8Step 8: Start the mission
Tap Start/GO in DJI Fly. The drone will now fly the route automatically and photograph along the way. Monitor battery and signal throughout. The drone will automatically return to home (RTH) at low battery.
When the mission is complete: land, retrieve the SD card, pack all JPEG images into a ZIP file, and upload to Forresten for processing.
Ready to plan your mission?
Draw your area, get the KMZ file, and see the estimated processing price — all for free.
Open the Flight PlannerFrequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a mapping mission with the standard DJI RC-N2 and a phone?
Yes. The process for Android and iPhone using the DJI RC-N2 (the controller without a screen) is identical to the guide above. You plan in our planner, download the KMZ, and move it to the DJI Fly waypoint folder on your phone.
Is 50 MP resolution necessary for mapping?
Yes, for the Mini 5 Pro, using 50 MP JPEG significantly improves the Ground Sample Distance (GSD), allowing you to fly higher while maintaining high detail. This makes your missions more efficient.
Why do I need to create a dummy mission first?
DJI Fly uses a specific naming convention and folder structure that varies slightly between devices. Creating a dummy mission ensures the correct folder is created and gives you a template filename to replace with your actual mission.
What happens if the drone loses signal during an automated mission?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro will continue the mission autonomously if signal is lost, provided you have configured the "Signal Lost" behavior to "Continue" or "RTH" in DJI Fly. It is always recommended to maintain visual line of sight.