Abstract: Described herein are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), systems, and methods for capturing panoramic images using cameras onboard a UAV. For example, an embodiment pertains to a UAV including a flight control system, a propulsion system operatively coupled with the flight control system, and an image system comprising navigational cameras and a gimbal camera. The image system is configured to capture a first set of images of a scene using the navigational cameras, stitch the first set of images together to create a first panoramic image of the scene, identify a flight plan for capturing a second set of images with which to create a second panoramic image of the scene using the gimbal camera, capture the second set of images of the scene using the gimbal camera, and stitch the second set of images together to create the second panoramic image.

Abstract: Technology for generating and displaying a graphical user interface for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed herein that generates and updates a representation of a spline flight path. In various implementations, a graphical user interface detects user interactions with a remote control device directing the flight control subsystem of the UAV to record keyframes and to compute a spline based on the keyframes during flight. The graphical user interface displays a real-time perspective of the UAV with a representation of the spline and the keyframes overlaying the view. The graphical user interface continually updates the representation as the UAV flies and when the spline is updated as the keyframes are updated.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises a flight control system and an electromechanical system directed by the flight control system. The flight control system is configured to track a position of a beacon that is in motion and monitor a difference between an actual position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and a desired position of the unmanned aerial vehicle relative to the position of the beacon. The flight control system configures one or more flight objectives based on one or more factors comprising whether the difference between the actual position and the desired position exceeds a threshold, wherein the flight objectives comprise a velocity objective and a position objective. The flight control system also commands the electromechanical system based at least on the one or more flight objectives.