Airspace & LAANC Planner
Plan waypoints, review airspace status, analyze elevation, check sun position, and request LAANC authorization.
Plan safer, more informed drone routes
The Airspace & LAANC Planner combines waypoint design, airspace awareness, elevation analysis, sun-position planning, and LAANC authorization in one workspace. Use it to review the operating area, shape the flight path, and simulate the route before flight.
Flight Route Visualization
The planner displays numbered waypoints connected by a gradient flight path. Each waypoint includes an altitude label so you can review the planned route at a glance.
The map also shows:
- A simulated restricted helipad area.
- Class G airspace with a 300-foot authorization ceiling.
- The animated drone position during path playback.
These overlays help you compare the planned route with simulated airspace constraints and nearby operating areas.
Waypoint Planning
Create and refine the route directly on the map. Each waypoint supports flight and camera settings that define how the aircraft should move and capture imagery.
Create or edit a waypoint
Add a waypoint
Select the map control to add a waypoint. The new waypoint appears in the route and receives the next sequence number.
Select the waypoint
Select a numbered waypoint to open its editing controls. The selected waypoint is highlighted so you can distinguish it from the rest of the route.
Set the flight and camera behavior
Configure the waypoint using the available controls:
- Altitude: Set the height from 20 to 400 feet AGL.
- Gimbal pitch: Set the camera angle from -90° to 0°.
- Capture action: Choose Fly through, Hover and capture, 360° orbit, Reveal climb, or 360° panorama.
Delete a waypoint when needed
Select the waypoint you no longer need, then use the delete control. The route updates to remove that waypoint and reconnect the remaining path.
The route visualization updates as you change waypoint settings, allowing you to review altitude labels and the planned sequence before simulation.
Map Layers
Switch map layers to evaluate the route from different operational perspectives:
- Satellite: Review buildings, vegetation, roads, and other visible ground features.
- Aeronautical: Inspect the simulated aviation context and airspace presentation.
- Terrain: Compare the route with the surrounding terrain.
- Street: Use roads and street labels to orient the mission area.
Choose the layer that best supports the planning decision you are making, then switch layers as you review the route.
Airspace Status
The airspace panel summarizes the conditions associated with the planned mission area. It displays:
- Class G airspace status.
- LAANC ceiling.
- Authorization reference.
- NOTAM verification status.
- TFR verification status.
- The most recent synchronization time.
The panel gives you a planning reference for the simulated airspace data. It does not replace your responsibility to verify current operating restrictions before departure.
Check current NOTAMs and TFRs before every flight. Confirm that the planned operation complies with applicable FAA requirements and that the airspace information is current.
Elevation Analysis
Use the elevation panel to evaluate terrain and obstacle clearance along the planned route. The panel includes:
- A terrain profile.
- A line-of-sight profile.
- Maximum elevation.
- Obstacle buffer information.
- A graphical elevation chart.
Review the profile alongside the waypoint altitudes. If terrain or obstacles reduce the available clearance, adjust the route or waypoint heights before requesting authorization.
Sun and Lighting Planning
Use the sun-position slider to preview lighting conditions throughout the day. The control covers 6:00 AM through 8:00 PM and highlights Golden Hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Move the slider to compare the planned flight window with the desired lighting direction and quality. This is useful for selecting a time that supports the mission's visual objectives.
LAANC Authorization
The planner includes a simulated LAANC request workflow for reviewing the authorization path within the mission plan.
Open the LAANC modal
Open the LAANC authorization dialog from the airspace planning workspace. Review the mission area and the displayed ceiling before submitting the request.
Submit the authorization request
Submit the request from the modal. The planner processes the request locally and displays the resulting status.
Review the approval result
An approved request can return a message such as:
APPROVED: FAA-LAANC-REF-99419-AUTO
Ceiling: 300 FT AGL
Review the authorization reference and ceiling before using them in the rest of the mission briefing.
LAANC requests in the current implementation are simulated. The displayed approval reference and ceiling do not represent a live FAA authorization or an external LAANC submission.
Flight Path Simulation
Start the path simulation to preview how the drone follows the planned route. The animated drone moves through the numbered waypoints in sequence.
Use the simulation controls to:
- Start playback.
- Pause playback.
- Resume the route after pausing.
- Compare the animation with waypoint order, altitude labels, and capture actions.
Pause the simulation when you need to inspect a section of the route, then resume playback to continue the preview.