© 2025 Eagle Eyes Search.

Eagle Eyes Pilot

An Android App with a built-in computer vision system, for piloting DJI drones.

  • ✓ Live sync your drone with CalTopo
  • ✓ Fly with reference to the CalTopo map
  • ✓ Spot color and motion anomalies on your controller display
  • ✓ Coordinate multi-drone missions with nearby drone alerts BETA
  • ✓ Livestream drone feeds and real-time locations over wifi or internet BETA
📱

Download

Get the APK

⚙️

Installation & Setup

5 minute guide

❓

FAQ

Common questions

📖

User Manual

NO LONGER UPDATED

Video tutorials

Eagle Eyes Pilot 1.7.1

Setting up Eagle Eyes Pilot 1.7.1 with CalTopo

Frequently asked questions

🔧 What drones, controllers, and devices is Eagle Eyes Pilot compatible with?
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Eagle Eyes Pilot is compatible with DJI drones that support the DJI Mobile SDK 5, and can also run in a limite "Background mode" (see below) on most DJI Drone controllers that support 3rd party apps.

Eagle Eyes Scan (and its successor Mirada) can process recorded images and video from any drone, and can also run real-time detection via HDMI input from controllers that support clean HDMI output.

This table shows the compatibility of Eagle Eyes Pilot and Eagle Eyes Scan/Mirada for each drone/controller combination. See explanation at bottom of table.

→ Scroll right to see Eagle Eyes Scan/Mirada compatibility.→

Eagle Eyes Pilot Compatibility

  • ✔ Fully Compatible and tested. Fully compatibile, tested in house.
  • ✔ Should be compatible, not yet tested. Expected to work based on DJI SDK support, but not yet verified by our team.
  • ◑ Background Mode compatible and tested. Background Mode lets you run Eagle Eyes Pilot in the background, so it can track to CalTopo and livestream from the drone while flying with the native piloting app. See Video.
  • ◑ Background Mode should be compatible. Expected to support Background Mode, but not yet verified by our team.
  • ✖ Controller does not allow 3rd party apps. The controller does not support installing third-party Android apps, including Eagle Eyes Pilot. You can still use Eagle Eyes Scan/Mirada to view footage post flight.
  • ✖ Drone/Controller not compatible with each other. This DJI drone/controller combo are not compatible with eachother.
  • ✖ Not yet... Not currently supported.

Eagle Eyes Scan/Mirada Compatibility

  • ✔ HDMI Livestreams + Post-flight footage. Supports real-time detection via HDMI input and processing of recorded footage.
  • ✓ Post-flight footage. Supports processing recorded images and video after the flight (no HDMI output available on this controller).

📱 Android Requirements: Android 7+ with processor comparable to Snapdragon 855 (Galaxy S10 level), 6GB+ free storage. Not compatible with Google Pixel 6/7 phones due to DJI SDK bug.

For more information on Compatibility see 📘 Eagle Eyes Pilot Manual.

Sources:

🦅 What is Eagle Eyes Pilot?
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Eagle Eyes Pilot 1.5.0 - Full Walkthrough

Eagle Eyes Pilot is an app for first responders that runs on DJI drone controllers and Android devices. It has built-in computer vision optimized for search and rescue. and it integrates the drone with ground operations by connecting to CalTapo for real-time mapping. More recent additions include airspace awareness and live streaming, which we cover in separate videos.

Eagle Eyes Pilot

Eagle Eyes Pilot is an all-in-one drone app for Search and Rescue that detects color and motion anomalies in real time, and streams images and the live drone track directly to the team's CalTopo map, while the drone is still in the air.

🕹 How do I activate my license for Eagle Eyes Pilot on my controller?
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Refer to our Setup instructions For Comprehensive details on how to download Eagle Eyes Pilot onto your drone controller. Activate your license. and configure Controller settings.

Starting the activation process:

  • The first time you open Eagle Eyes, you'll be prompted to complete the controller setup
  • Tap Connect next to the listed license to begin
  • Each license includes an expiry date. You can start activation anytime from the app's start screen, or switch to a different license

Activating your license (QR code method):

  • Scan the QR code using another device with a camera
  • This opens the activation page in your browser (you may be asked to log in first)
  • Select the license ID you want to use. You'll see how many device activations remain
  • If your license isn't listed, scroll down and enter your 20-character license ID (found in your activation email)
  • Choose Use this license for setup, scroll down, and confirm
  • After about 10 seconds, your controller will confirm successful activation

Troubleshooting (manual activation):

If you don't have a device with a camera or the QR scan doesn't work:

  • Note the 6-character code shown on the controller next to "or go to www.eagleeyessearch.com/activate – use code …"
  • On a computer browser, visit www.eagleeyessearch.com/activate and log in if prompted
  • Enter the 6-character code and follow the steps to complete activation
  • Keep your controller on and connected. You'll see a confirmation once activation succeeds

⏱ Important: Complete the activation process within 15 minutes. Each activation session times out after that period.

🗺 How do I connect to CalTopo?
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Connecting to CalTopo is optional. Separate from Eagle Eyes, CalTopo (also known as SARTopo) is already a great application for mapping and team situational awareness. If you have not tried it yet, we recommend creating an account and trying it out together with Eagle Eyes.

Connecting Eagle Eyes with CalTopo means everyone with access to the CalTopo map can see the drone's flight tracks and real-time location, and the drone pilot can fly with reference to the CalTopo map.

There are two ways to connect Eagle Eyes Pilot to CalTopo:

Option 1: Browser login. Quick, but temporary.

  • Anyone with a CalTopo account can do this. Sign in with your email plus 2FA on the controller.
  • The session expires, so you may have to log in again, often right as you are about to fly.

Option 2: CalTopo Service Account. A permanent login (recommended).

  • Set up once per team, then every member reuses it. No more signing in.
  • Requires CalTopo Teams and an admin to create it (see Requirements below).

Option 1: Logging in with a browser

This gets you onto a CalTopo map for the current session. It is the quickest way to start, but the login is temporary, so you may need to sign in again later.

  1. Select Fly in Eagle Eyes Pilot.
  2. Select the three lines at the top right of the screen.
  3. Select Connect to CalTopo.
  4. Sign in to CalTopo.
  5. Choose the map from Your Data in CalTopo (double tap to select).

Option 2: Setting up a CalTopo Service Account (permanent login)

A Service Account gives your whole team a permanent login to CalTopo on the controller, so nobody has to sign in again before a search. You set it up once per team, and from then on a new controller goes from a fresh install to fully set up in under a minute. The video below walks through the whole process.

Requirements

To set up a Service Account, you need:

  1. Your organization is on CalTopo Teams.
  2. You have admin access to your CalTopo team (or you work with someone who does).

This is a one-off. Once it is done, future team members only scan a QR code and pick the existing configuration.

Setting up the Service Account

On the controller

  1. Set up Eagle Eyes Pilot as usual: name the drone, tap Connect license, and scan the QR code to activate at eagleeyessearch.com.
  2. At the Configuration step, create a new configuration and set your units and coordinate system. You will then be asked if you want to set up a CalTopo Service Account. You can also add procedures and emergency contacts later in the process.
  3. Open CalTopo Service Account and leave that page open. Then move to a desktop or laptop for the next part.

On your laptop, in CalTopo (you must be a team admin)

  1. Go to eagleeyessearch.com/caltopo, which walks you through these CalTopo steps.
  2. Sign in at caltopo.com, open your team's Admin menu, and go to Details.
  3. Create a service account with Update permissions. (Update lets the drone add objects to a map and delete its own, but not anyone else's.)
  4. Copy the credential secret, account ID, and credential ID into the Service Account page.
  5. Create a connect key for live tracking: go to Access → Trackable Devices, create one, paste it in, and click Verify and connect. This lets your drone appear as a live shared location on the map.

Back on the controller

  1. Scan the QR code shown on the laptop to load the Service Account onto the controller. (You can also save it as a file or copy the code.)
  2. Tap Save configuration. After a few seconds the controller reports setup complete, and you are ready to choose a map and fly.

Adding more controllers later

Once your team has a Service Account connected through its license, new team members do not repeat the CalTopo steps. On a fresh install they grant permissions, name the drone, scan the QR code to activate the license, and pick the existing configuration. The permanent CalTopo login comes with it, and they are ready to fly. First time painful, second time not so bad.

🔀 Can I switch from my DJI drone app to Eagle Eyes Pilot and back midflight?
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Yes, you can switch between apps midflight.

From Eagle Eyes Pilot → DJI Pilot:
Use the in-app shortcut: Settings (hamburger menu, top-right) → Switch to DJI app.

From DJI Pilot → Eagle Eyes Pilot:
If you previously opened Eagle Eyes Pilot during this session, you can return to it by pressing the back button on the controller. It may take a few presses depending on what you did in DJI Pilot 2.

You can also swipe up on the screen at any time and toggle between apps manually.

🖥️ Black screen when connecting to drone
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We've seen that on the M30T and M350, the video occasionally does not load on startup - the user gets a black screen after clicking "Fly".

This may be fixed by switching to the DJI app and back, or by rebooting the RC controller. You can always fall back on the standard DJI piloting app if it persists.

If you are getting this issue, you can report it to info@EagleEyesSearch.com along with any relevant info (drone, controller, Eagle Eyes version, etc).

📴 Can I fly my drone offline and upload my drone's tracks to CalTopo?
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Yes, from within the Eagle Eyes Pilot app, this can be done even when flying offline. Your drone can be flown using either Eagle Eyes Pilot or DJI Pilot 2. Eagle Eyes Pilot automatically reads the DJI flight logs stored on your drone controller. Once you're back online, in just a few clicks, you can upload your drone's GPS tracks from that offline flight directly to your CalTopo map.

This feature is available for free and does not require a license. Note that real-time tracking to CalTopo does require a paid license, but offline tracking and seamlessly uploading recorded tracks remain free for all users.

Note: You can also download offline base maps from CalTopo and load them into Eagle Eyes so you have reliable reference maps when flying offline. This works by downloading MBTiles from CalTopo and uploading them into Eagle Eyes Pilot, allowing the map tiles to be stored directly on your controller for use without an internet connection.

⛽ How does livestreaming work with Eagle Eyes?
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Contents
→ How does Eagle Eyes Livestreaming work?
→ How do I start a livestream?
→ How do viewers open the livestream?
→ What does the Eagle Eyes Viewer show?
→ When are credits used?
→ What happens if credits run out?

How does Eagle Eyes Livestreaming work?

Eagle Eyes Livestreaming lets you share your drone's live video, detections, and map information with viewers on mobile or desktop. Viewers can watch in two ways:

  • Local viewing (free of charge): anyone on the same Wi-Fi network as the controller can watch without using credits.
  • Remote viewing (paid, available in Eagle Eyes Pilot 1.7.1 and later): anyone outside your local network can watch over the internet using the QR code, shared link, or livestream button in CalTopo. This uses livestreaming credits only while at least one remote viewer is actively watching.

How do I start a livestream?

From the Eagle Eyes Pilot home screen, tap the Live Stream card. If you are already in fly mode, tap the livestreaming icon at the top of the screen, or go to Menu → Livestreaming → Livestreaming (Beta). Then tap Start Streaming and wait for it to connect — a QR code and link will appear on the controller screen.

How do viewers open the livestream?

Viewers can:

  • Scan the QR code on the controller
  • Open the shared livestream link
  • Open it from CalTopo, if your team has a CalTopo service account set up

In CalTopo, click on the drone on the map, then select the livestream option. The livestream opens in a new browser tab.

What does the Eagle Eyes Viewer show?

The Eagle Eyes Viewer shows a split-screen with the live drone video on one side and a synced map on the other. The map shows the drone's location, altitude, orientation, and connected CalTopo map features. The viewer can also show detections from Eagle Eyes Pilot, so viewers can follow detected objects alongside the live drone feed and map. Both the video and map panels can be expanded to full screen, and a quick link to the current CalTopo map is included.

Opening a livestream from CalTopo and viewing detections in the Eagle Eyes Viewer.

Livestreaming is currently in beta. The livestreaming feature is included with Eagle Eyes Pro licenses, but remote viewing over the internet uses livestreaming credits.

When are credits used?

Credits are only used for remote viewing over the internet. You are charged only while at least one remote viewer is actively watching — if nobody is watching remotely, or everyone watching is on the same local Wi-Fi network as the controller, no credits are used. Local Wi-Fi viewing never uses credits.

What happens if credits run out?

Remote internet viewing stops until you top up your balance, but local Wi-Fi viewing keeps working for free, even with a zero credit balance. While streaming, Eagle Eyes Pilot shows your credit balance and whether your current stream is using credits or streaming for free. For best results, use a stable internet connection such as Starlink, Wi-Fi, or a strong mobile hotspot.

Please reach out at info@EagleEyesSearch.com

📐 How do automated flight missions work?
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Contents
→ What are flight missions?
→ Which mission type should I use?
→ Line & Corridor missions
→ Grid missions
→ Setting grid parameters
→ Review, fly, or export
→ Saved missions
→ Processing the imagery afterward

What are flight missions?

Flight missions are available in Eagle Eyes Pilot 1.7.1 and up. They let the drone fly a search pattern automatically and capture photos or video as it goes, instead of flying every pass by hand. You plan the mission on the map, review the preview, and launch.

Why fly an automated mission:

  • Uniform coverage: systematic coverage of the search area, tuned for terrain and vegetation.
  • Eliminate human error: automated flight paths keep passes consistent and close the gaps manual piloting leaves.
  • Liability protection: documented coverage proves the area was thoroughly searched.

Which mission type should I use?

Eagle Eyes supports the following flight mission types:

Line & Corridor

  • Best for linear features: trails, roads, rivers, and shorelines
  • Cover IRT assignments quickly
  • Ideal early in the search, when the subject may still be responsive

Grid

  • Uniform, thorough coverage of open areas and defined search segments
  • Systematic coverage tuned for terrain and vegetation
  • Use when more time has elapsed or the subject is unresponsive

Line & Corridor missions

A Line mission flies a single path along a feature. A Corridor mission flies parallel passes on either side of that feature for wider coverage. Both are based on a line drawn in the Eagle Eyes Pilot app or imported from CalTopo, and both support photo and video with configurable overlap.

Building a Line or Corridor mission

  1. Tap the line on the map, then tap the Line Mission icon to open the mission dialog.
  2. Select the Line or Corridor mission type.
  3. Enter the altitude and speed you want the drone to fly.
  4. Set the camera parameters for your search (photo or video, with overlap).
  5. Set return-to-home behavior, review the checklist, upload to the drone, and fly.
Open a line mission: tap a line on the map, then the line-mission icon.

Open a line mission: tap a line on the map, then the line-mission icon.

Grid missions

A Grid mission flies back-and-forth parallel passes to cover an area uniformly. It is based on a polygon drawn in the app or imported from CalTopo. If you need to draw one, tap the draw tool, sketch the polygon, tap Finish, name it, choose whether to upload it to CalTopo, and save.

Building a Grid mission

  1. Tap a drawn area or polygon on the map, then tap the Grid icon.
  2. Choose a Grid, Square, or Star search pattern.
  3. Enter the altitude and speed you want the drone to fly.
  4. Set the camera parameters for your search.
Open a grid mission: tap a drawn area, then the grid icon.

Open a grid mission: tap a drawn area, then the grid icon.

The Generate Grid dialog, with a live mission preview.

The Generate Grid dialog, with a live mission preview.

Setting grid parameters

Fine-tune the pattern with grid line spacing, overlap percentage, IR camera, grid orientation, and the start corner (NW, NE, SW, or SE). The Mission Preview updates in real time as you adjust, showing flight altitude, estimated photos, area coverage, flight distance, and estimated flight time.

Review, fly, or export

When the pattern looks right, you have three options:

  • Generate Grid: preview the flight path on the map before committing.
  • Fly Mission: run the checklist, upload to the drone, and launch.
  • Export KMZ: save the flight plan for use in other mapping software.

While the mission flies itself, you or a teammate can watch the feed and the map for detections as coverage proceeds.

Saved missions

Missions you create are saved so you can return to them later.

  1. Tap the Saved Missions icon in the map toolbar.
  2. View the saved missions list with flight details.
  3. Start, resume, view, or add notes to any mission.
Find saved missions in the map toolbar.

Find saved missions in the map toolbar.

Processing the imagery afterward

To review all the imagery a grid mission captures, process it after the flight in our desktop app Eagle Eyes Scan, or in Eagle Eyes Mirada.

⚡ How do I Use Eagle Eyes Pilot and Scan together?
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You can use Eagle Eyes Pilot and Scan together. The benefit is that you will be able to transmit live video and live coordinates to a nearby laptop for analysis. You can do this by either piloting the drone directly in Eagle Eyes Pilot, or by flying with DJI Pilot 2 while running Eagle Eyes Pilot in the background. Connect the controller to your computer using an HDMI cable and capture card for the video feed, while live coordinates are transmitted wirelessly.

You don't need to run Eagle Eyes Pilot on the controller to get a live feed into Eagle Eyes Scan. But doing so enables live coordinate transmission, which adds map integration and tracking capabilities in Eagle Eyes Scan.

The video below explains the setup and process.

🌗 What is Background Mode in Eagle Eyes Pilot?
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Background Mode lets Eagle Eyes Pilot run alongside the DJI Pilot 2 or DJI Fly app — so you can fly with DJI's controls (waypoint missions, advanced flight features, etc.) while Eagle Eyes continues to run detection, broadcast telemetry, sync to CalTopo, and livestream in the background.

Walkthrough video

When to use it

  • You want to fly in the DJI app while still tracking to CalTopo and livestreaming through Eagle Eyes
  • Your drone is not supported by the DJI SDK (e.g. 2-series DJI drones, Mini 5, non-enterprise Mavics, etc.) and you still want CalTopo livestreaming
  • You're flying an Autel drone (coming soon)

How to enable it

  1. From the home screen, tap ... → Set up controller → Advanced options → Background mode
  2. Restart Eagle Eyes when prompted

We also recommend turning on Show Overlay in DJI App so Eagle Eyes detections are visible on top of the DJI app's interface.

What works in Background Mode

Feature Status
Detection✅ Full functionality
Telemetry broadcast✅ Full functionality
CalTopo sync✅ Full functionality
Livestreaming✅ Via screen capture
Camera / gimbal control❌ Controlled by the DJI app
Flight missions❌ Use the DJI app

For more detail, see the Advanced Features training module.

🛰 ️ How do I access the drone telemetry display in Eagle Eyes Pilot?
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📍 How to drop a marker in Eagle Eyes Pilot and use it as a reference for returning to an area after a battery swap?
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The easiest way is with the pin/camera icon under the map on the right side of the Pilot app view:

Pin/camera icon under the map

Tap it and a dialog will pop up.

By default, "Capture View" is selected. Open the dropdown and choose No photo, just add a marker.

Dialog with dropdown selection

Tap Capture then OK, and a marker will save at your current location.

Marker saved at current location

If your drone has a laser rangefinder:

Laser rangefinder options

With "Mark object using laser measurement" toggled ON, the marker drops at the laser strike point.

With it OFF, the marker saves at the drone's current location.

Laser measurement toggle options

To return to a saved point after swapping batteries:

  1. Open the map again from the right side.
  2. Tap the saved point.
  3. Tap the "++" circle icon. A red line will draw from your drone's location to that point, helping you navigate back.
🎯 How do I recalibrate or re-center the gimbal in Eagle Eyes Pilot?
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Eagle Eyes Pilot has a setting to recalibrate and re-center the gimbal.

  1. In the piloting view, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen.

Three horizontal lines menu

  1. When the drop-down menu appears, scroll down and select Drone.

Drone menu selection

  1. From there, you'll see the options to:
    • Recenter Gimbal
    • Calibrate Gimbal
    • Turn the Navigation Beacon on or off
    • Adjust the Spotlight

Gimbal and drone options

Looking for more answers?

Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for all questions and answers.

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