For users of both DroneDeploy and Skyward, the sync feature is a big time-saver that prevents having to add data in more than one place. First, if you haven’t already, install the free SkywardSync app from the DroneDeploy app market. Then, you’ll be able to sync any log in DroneDeploy over to Skyward with just a click of a button.
This one-minute video shows the complete workflow:
Skyward Tutorial – DroneDeploy Flight Logging & Visualization from SkywardIO
Syncing Skyward & DroneDeploy
1. Within DroneDeploy, log in to Skyward using your Skyward credentials.
2. Select the Skyward organization to which you would like to sync a DroneDeploy log, and select to sync it to an existing operation or to a new operation. Click the Sync Logs button.
3. The following message indicates a successful sync.
Note: If there isn’t a corresponding operation in Skyward, one will automatically be created. Skyward will also automatically create records for aircraft, battery, and pilot (ie, DroneDeploy account holder) if you haven’t set one up already.
Skyward will pull in all of the following information from DroneDeploy:
- Aircraft + firmware information
- Battery + serial number + firmware + battery voltage & cycle information
- Flight path + altitude information
Naming conventions ensure proper syncing: If you have already added a battery, drone, or pilot to Skyward, your existing records will be updated every time you sync a relevant DroneDeploy log. To ensure the information syncs correctly:
- the battery’s serial number must be the same in both Skyward and DroneDeploy
- the aircraft nickname or the serial number must be the same in both locations
- the pilot’s name must be the same in both locations
If you haven’t included serial numbers in existing Skyward records, consider doing so before using this feature to ensure that your records aren’t duplicated.
Flight Visualizations
Skyward currently supports detailed automated flight logging with DroneDeploy.
1. Flights are now organized into their own tab. To view an animated visualization of a flight log, click the diagonal arrow icon.
2. See an animated view of the flight path, including altitude and how the flight tracks to battery voltage. Managers can use this feature to review their pilots’ work to ensure that everyone is flying safely and complying with the rules. And if the FAA requests your flight info, you’ll have a complete visualization logged in Skyward.