4.2
Horizon
mp
software
The built-in autopilot of the Sonobot allows to precisely drive the vehicle in the operating area to collect the necessary
measurement data. The mission plan that defines the route of the vehicle in the area can be repeated as often as needed to
monitor any changes of the area over time.
The
Horizon
mp
control software from the autopilot manufacturer MicroPilot
®
is installed on the field PC. It allows to plan
the autopilot route by defining the waypoints the vehicle should pass and to monitor the mission as it is being executed.
The supplied
Horizon
manufacturer’s guide contains detailed software description and instructions on using it to plan and
conduct autopilot missions. Please mind, that the autopilot and the software were originally intended for flying model
aircraft, so the document contains some details that are not relevant for a surface vehicle.
Sections below will provide you a quick-step-guide on planning and executing a Sonobot mission, including Sonobot-
specific details on configuring the operating area map, setting up and saving the route into a mission file and uploading it
into Sonobot’s autopilot.
The user interface of the software is pictured below:
Figure 26: Horizon: the user interface
Follow the instructions below to set up the operating area map, create the autopilot route and save it to a waypoints file,
transmit the waypoints to the autopilot, connect to it on-site and start the mission.
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