Drone Flight Report / Methodology: How the Analysis Works
This page explains what happens between uploading a log and downloading a report, so you can judge whether the output fits your use case.
CSV and TXT files are read with common encodings and delimiters. ArduPilot
DataFlash .bin files are read from their GPS and attitude streams.
PX4 .ulg files are read as ULog data. Unsupported or corrupt files
are rejected with a user-facing error.
Every format is mapped into one internal schema: UTC timestamp, elapsed seconds, latitude, longitude, altitude, relative altitude, speed, heading, GPS satellites and GPS quality. Column names, units and common export quirks are normalised before analysis.
A report is only generated when the log has at least two valid GPS points, plausible latitude/longitude ranges, a usable trajectory and reconstructable flight time. Invalid coordinates are rejected rather than plotted.
Distance is calculated with the haversine formula between consecutive GPS points. Altitude statistics use the altitude field available in the log; the reference (above takeoff or above sea level) depends on the source format. Duration and speed are derived from the logged time and speed fields.
The wind layer combines regional historical weather data (Open-Meteo and NASA POWER). When the log contains its own wind estimate, that estimate is used as the primary source. The report also shows a flight-weighted wind value based on time spent at each altitude. This is a regional reference, not a local real-time measurement.
The score screens for GPS quality problems, timeline gaps, altitude jumps and implausible speed values. It is a heuristic review aid, not a certification or a maintenance diagnosis.
The original upload is processed in a temporary file and deleted immediately. Generated images and PDFs expire after 24 hours. Optional sharing is de-identified and off by default.
GPS accuracy varies by receiver and environment. Logged altitude references differ between vendors. Wind data is regional, not onboard. The report should be read alongside the original log and, where safety or airworthiness is at stake, a qualified professional.
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