Overview #
In most cases, DJI drone video files will have a companion .SRT file containing GPS data that is already synced with the video and can be loaded directly into any Remote GeoSystems software version for interactive playback without additional geotagging.
However, the .SRT file usually contains just enough data to only show the drone/camera platform location and cannot also show the Camera Target Footprint (CTF) location where the camera is actually looking on a map.
To see both the DJI drone platform flight track and the CTF locations of its camera, geotagging using the Flight Record Log .TXT or AirData-converted .CSV files will be required, as these files contain additional metadata that allows users to see and adjust the “camera target footprint” (CTF) location on the map.
With newer DJI drone and firmware, you will likely need to start by uploading the encrypted Flight Record Log .TXT files to AirData (https://airdata.com/). AirData lets you convert the newer encrypted Flight Record Log .TXT file to a non-encrypted .CSV supported by LineVision Desktop.
While the companion .SRT file is not technically required to geotag DJI drone videos against the Flight Record Log .TXT or AirData-converted .CSV, using the companion .SRT file will usually make the process easier by taking the guesswork out of syncing a video frame to a specific flight track point on the map.
Video Available: Watch the video below to see a visual tutorial of the instructions in this documentation.
Feature Availability #
This feature is available in the following Remote GeoSystems software:
- LineVision Desktop (All Editions)
- Video GeoTagger PRO
- Video GeoEditor
Feature Prerequisites #
MP4 DJI Video
Flight Record Log .TXT File (Converted to .CSV by AirData)
Companion .SRT file.
While the companion .SRT file is not technically required to geotag DJI drone videos against the Flight Record Log .TXT or AirData-converted .CSV, the companion .SRT file does contain video start time data and will usually make the video geotagging process easier by taking the guesswork out of syncing a video frame to a specific flight track location on the map.
Geotag DJI Video Using Flight Record Log .TXT/.CSV Files #
You can geotag the DJI drone video using the video’s actual start time, SRT file or or by referencing a frame in the video with the drone’s position on the flight track on the map. Both workflows begin with adding the applicable data to the software.
Load Data #
There are two methods for adding DJI data for geotagging – using the GeoTagger panel or the File menu.
Add Data Using the GeoTagger Panel #
The first method is to add data using the GeoTagger panel.
Click the GeoTagger tab at the bottom left of software interface (default layout) to open the GeoTagger panel as shown below.
Browse to and select the DJI drone video and its associated AirData .CSV flight record log file for geotagging.
You may optionally check the Enter Video Recording Start Time checkbox if you know the exact time in HH:MM:SS format (UTC time) when the video started recording on the drone.
Click the Load File(s) for Geotagging button.
Add Data Using the File Menu #
The second method is to add data using the File menu. Go to File > Open Video > Open Video for Geotagging and select the video to be geotagged.
Browse to and select the Skydio drone video and its associated .CSV flight record log file for geotagging. Click the Load button.
Once the data is added to the software, proceed to geotag the video using the start time (below) or using the map (further down in this article).
Click Open on the video and the following window will pop up to choose a companion file. Click Select Companion File and choose the Flight Record Log File (converted .CSV or .TXT file) that corresponds with your video.
On the window shown below, click OK.
This will now bring you to the GeoTagger module. Follow the same steps as Method 2 for the rest of the process, continuing with making sure the Enter Video Recording Start Time box is checked and clicking Load File(s) for Geotagging (per the screenshot below).
Method 2: GeoTagger Module #
You can start the process directly by going to the GeoTagger module and uploading your .MP4 into the Video box and your Flight Record Log file (AirData-converted .CSV or .TXT file) into the GPS file box. From here, make sure the Enter Video Recording Start Time box is checked and select Load File(s) for Geotagging.
The window below will pop up with options for geotagging the video. Select Auto-Geotag by Selecting Matching SRT File and browse to select the .SRT file that corresponds with the video.
The following window will appear to verify that you want to accept the geotagging. Click Accept Auto-Geotagging.
A window will pop up to show that a new .GPX file was successfully saved in the same location as the video. Click OK.
The new geotagged video will be loaded in your Media Browser. Click any point on the track to move the video to that exact time or use the video player slider to move the Camera Location Indicator.
Adjust Values for the Camera Target Footprint (CTF) #
Once the video has been geotagged, you may need to make adjustments to the camera target footprint so it more accurately represents where the camera is looking on the map. Referencing the image below, begin making these adjustments on the 2nd GPS point of the video track. Doing this on the 2nd GPS point will allow you to apply and keep the changes for the duration of the video.
(Optional) Export a MISB FMV/STANAG 4609-spec Video File #
NOTE: This feature is only available in LineVision Desktop Ultimate edition.
This is an optional step that will create new MISB FMV/STANAG 4609-spec .TS file. This is designed for users who plan to use the georeferenced DJI video outside of the Remote GeoSystems’ software suite in 3rd-party mapping platforms such as Esri’s ArcGIS and Booz Allen’s Gv/TAK specialized military mission planning software.
To use this option, right-click on the video item in the Media Browser panel and select Save as MISB FMV / STANAG 4609 Spec Video File. This will directly output a MISB FMV/STANAG 4609-spec .TS video file with the metadata embedded.
