Do I need a phone plan?

davidzimagery · Oct 18, 2017

I've been searching for an answer to this, but so far haven't found a complete explanation. Here's the situation. I'm in discussions with an engineering firm (contractor) that does mapping surveys for material quarries. The mapping is used to track changes in the quantities of materials in those locations for their clients. The contractor wants me to install the Map Pilot app to my controller device. That app is an Apple only app. They provide the flight patterns that are used to record what they need. I use Android devices through US Cellular. The contractor will pay me to put an Apple device on my plan. The problem is, if for any reason, this relationship is discontinued, I will be stuck with the Apple device contract obligation. I guess the primary question, is do I have to have a device that is part of any cellular plan? What is missing, if I do use a stand alone device? And, I'd have to buy said device, so I'd still be stuck if we part paths. Am I missing a simpler option? I can use my Android phone hot spot,to transfer the photographs from the quad's mini SD card to their facility using a lap top..

Meta4 · Oct 18, 2017

p3pflyer said:
I've been searching for an answer to this, but so far haven't found a complete explanation. Here's the situation. I'm in discussions with an engineering firm (contractor) that does mapping surveys for material quarries. The mapping is used to track changes in the quantities of materials in those locations for their clients. The contractor wants me to install the Map Pilot app to my controller device. That app is an Apple only app. They provide the flight patterns that are used to record what they need. I use Android devices through US Cellular. The contractor will pay me to put an Apple device on my plan. The problem is, if for any reason, this relationship is discontinued, I will be stuck with the Apple device contract obligation. I guess the primary question, is do I have to have a device that is part of any cellular plan? What is missing, if I do use a stand alone device? And, I'd have to buy said device, so I'd still be stuck if we part paths. Am I missing a simpler option? I can use my Android phone hot spot,to transfer the photographs from the quad's mini SD card to their facility using a lap top..

You should not need any phone plan at all.
I'm not familiar with Map Pilot but use DroneDeploy on an Android device to carry out similar flights.
At worst, if you need to have some sort of connection to a Map Pilot server to upload a mission or something like that ( not sure you would), all it would take is a minute to use your phone as a hotspot.

tml4191 · Oct 18, 2017

If you do need to get an Apple product, just get a cheap or used Ipad.

schlepprock · Oct 18, 2017

Go used but of course check it out before buying. I bought my iPad Pro from the Facebook Market for about half price.

davidzimagery · Oct 19, 2017

Thanks for the ideas! I thought there must be a way, but didn't know where to start.

FlashBuddy · Oct 19, 2017

ipad Pro seconded. Faster and more efficient processor than a cheap iPad means less likely to overheat and crash mid flight.

After using both iPad and Android tablets I can say from my experience that the iPad is a better fit. It has been repeatedly pointed out here that DJI developed around iOS and later ported to Android.