Terrain-Aware Return Procedure for Docked Drone Operations

⚠ ADVISORY NOTICE

This interim procedure helps maintain terrain awareness during return flights for docked drone operations. Use this guidance until a permanent software update is available.

Executive Summary 

If Terrain Following is enabled on DJI Dock operations, use "Go To" instead of standard Return-To-Home (RTH) whenever possible. This helps prevent unintended altitude climbs caused by DJI’s default RTH behavior, which references dock elevation rather than terrain.  

Overview 

During docked operations in areas with varied terrain, DJI's standard Return-to-Home (RTH) calculates altitude relative to the dock location rather than the ground below the aircraft. When returning over lower terrain, this can cause the drone to climb higher than intended.  

The procedure below allows Terrain Following to remain active for most of the return flight.

When to Use This Procedure

Use this method when operating:

• A docked drone in mountainous or hilly terrain
• Where mission elevation differs significantly from the dock location
• With Terrain Following required for altitude compliance
• Under altitude restrictions (e.g., Part 107 waivers with altitude ceiling)

Terrain-Aware Return Procedure

Prerequisites

• Terrain Following enabled in DroneSense Remote
• Adequate battery for return (recommend minimum: 40%)
• Stable aircraft connection
• No blocking geofences between current position and dock

Steps 

1. Verify Terrain Following is enabled and active.
2. Locate the Dock on the DroneSense map.
3. Use "Go To" Instead of RTH: Tap at or near the dock location and select  "Go To." Do not use the standard Return-to-Home button.
4. Monitor the Return Flight to ensure terrain-based altitude adjustments remain active.
5. Initiate RTH for landing once the aircraft is within approximately 50-100 meters.
6. Confirm successful landing in the dock.

Important Limitations

Best Practices 

• Start returns with ample battery to avoid low-battery RTH
• Maintain line of sight and strong signal strength
• Understand terrain elevation between the mission area and the dock 
• Set conservative RTH altitude as a backup
• Continuously monitor Height Above Terrain during the return flight

Questions or Issues 

For questions or issues related to terrain-following return operations, please contact DroneSense Support.