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All about DJI's Tap Fly intelligent drone flight mode

Updated: Apr 29, 2023

DJI is a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and associated technologies. Among the advanced features offered by DJI drones is TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode. This feature is designed to provide drone operators with greater control and ease of use during flights, making it ideal for capturing stunning footage. In this blog post, we will discuss DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode in detail and its benefits.


Summary:


Tap Fly Intelligent Flight Mode DJI
DJI Tap Fly in action

What is DJI Tap Fly mode?


DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is an advanced flight mode that allows you to control your drone's flight path by tapping on your mobile device's screen. When activated, the drone will fly in the direction of your tap, allowing you to focus on capturing high-quality footage. DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is ideal for pilots who want to capture stunning footage with ease and precision.


Interestingly, the same intelligent flight mode doesn't operate in the same way for each drone wo we will look into them individually.


How does DJI Tap Fly mode work?


TapFly can only be activated once your drone has been launched and is operating in standard Positioning Mode (this is your default flight mode). To activate TapFly, you need to enter the Intelligent Flight Modes menu by clicking the remote control-shaped button on the left-hand of the DJI GO app screen. Once you have entered the menu, simply click on the TapFly option.


The effect is similar to having a drone moving along a dolly. Using TapFly, you can focus on composing shots while not having to worry about flying your drone. This Intelligent Flight Mode is not as common as some other intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack and Point of Interest flight modes. DJI App and equipped a few drones to date - find out which ones


To use DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode, follow these steps for most DJI drones:

  1. Connect your DJI drone to the remote controller and turn on both the drone and controller.

  2. Launch the DJI app on your mobile device and connect it to the remote controller.

  3. Ensure that the GPS signal is strong and the drone's sensors are calibrated before takeoff.

  4. Choose the TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode from the flight mode options in the app.

  5. Tap on your mobile device's screen in the direction you want the drone to fly.

  6. Adjust the altitude, speed, and camera angle settings as needed for your shot.

  7. Launch the drone and let it fly in the direction of your tap while you focus on capturing stunning visuals.

  8. When the flight is complete, safely land the drone and end the flight mode in the DJI app.


With the Spark


On your Spark drone, TapFly is available in two sub modes, Coordinate Mode and Direction.

  1. In Coordinate Mode, you can tap a specific location on the screen and the Spark will fly to this location at the set altitude. The altitude can then be controlled using the on-screen slider or, if using a mobile device alone, by tilting the screen. New areas can be set by tapping the screen at any time. Once the location is reached, your Spark will hover until a new instruction is given.

  2. In Direction Mode, simply tap the screen in a direction and your Spark will fly this way. The direction can be changed by tapping the screen again, using the slide on your smart device or with the remote controller.

The speed can also be controlled in either sub mode in the screen of the mobile device. Your Spark will only have forward facing Obstacle Avoidance so make sure you’re aware of your surroundings in the mode.




With the Mavic Series


On the Mavic Pro, the only available option for TapFly is the Direction Mode. Tap a specific direction and your aircraft will fly this way. The speed and altitude can be controlled during flight.



With the Phantom Series


With the Phantom 4 Series, simply tap the screen to fly your drone in a specified direction. You will have the option of flying Forward, Backward and Free Modes.

  • Forward is the same as the Direction Mode on the Spark and Mavic with the same functionality.

  • Backward Mode is the same as the Direction Mode but with the aircraft flying backwards.

  • Free Mode allows you to fly the drone in any direction but face the camera in any direction during flight.



How to use DJI Tap Fly mode?


At the slowest speed setting, flight in Tap Fly is so smooth and steady that you can even shoot time-lapse videos. Even though the length of video you can capture is still limited by how long your drone can fly in a single battery charge, even a 20-minute time-lapse video shot from your drone can be a very interesting and unique piece of footage.


Look at time-lapse videos shot from drones showing clouds drifting across the sky or even cars moving through a busy highway. By playing around the settings of Tap Fly and being creative with how you move your drone and gimbal, you can certainly come up with unique shots that maximize the capabilities of Tap Fly.



Benefits of DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode


Easy to use

DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is easy to use, even for novice pilots. This mode eliminates the need to control the drone's orientation or position, allowing you to focus on capturing high-quality footage. Simply tap on your mobile device's screen, and the drone will fly in the direction of your tap.


Greater control

DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode provides greater control when flying drones. This mode allows you to control the drone's flight path, speed, and altitude with ease, resulting in more precise shots.


Safe

DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is safe, as it eliminates the need for the pilot to look down at the remote controller while flying. Instead, the pilot can focus on the drone's surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents or crashes.


Versatile

DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is versatile, allowing you to capture a wide range of shots. This mode enables you to fly the drone in various directions, providing endless possibilities for capturing stunning footage.


What to be aware of when using DJI Tap Fly mode?


Drone Speed

The default speed for this mode is 3 km per hour. Now that seems slow but and you will be tempted to go faster but keep in mind that you can always fast forward while editing your video. We highly recommend keeping it slow while filming while keeping an eye on your battery level.


Direction

As you're setting your drone to fly in a straight line, ensure yourself that there are no obstacles on the way so you an fly safely towards your destination. Best is to avoid using this mode around animals and other people.


Altitude

If you've set your drone to fly a little upwards then you will be fine. If you're moving forward whilst descending then keep an eye on your altitude as you might come very close to the ground and not all drones will sense it early enough. To avoid any troubles, stay at least 5m above ground at all times.


Sensors

If your drone isn't equipped with side sensors, then its your job to be aware of what around it while circling. Always keep your drone in sight and try to stay clear from any high obstacles such as electric poles or roofs for e.g.


Which drones have DJI Tap Fly mode?


DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is available on a range of DJI drones, including the DJI Mavic, DJI Air, DJI Phantom and DJI Inspire. However, it's important to note that not all DJI drones have this feature, so it's essential to check your drone's user manual or specifications to confirm whether it has DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode.


Compare All DJI drones in one place and choose the best one for you here

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In conclusion, DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is an advanced flight mode that provides greater control and ease of use when flying drones. This mode is ideal for capturing stunning footage, providing a safe and visually stunning flying experience. DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode is easy to use, even for novice pilots, and versatile, allowing you to capture a wide range of shots. If you're looking to capture high-quality footage and take your drone flying skills to the next level, consider using DJI TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode. With this feature, you can create stunning visuals that will impress and captivate your audience.


✅ We hope this blog post helped you understand a more about this DJI intelligent flight mode. If you want to learn more, check out all our tutorials. Please leave a comment or update Drone Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone! Have fun and safe flying!


Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.


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