# Spexi Powered by LayerDrone Spexi and LayerDrone together are creating a standardized, always-updated, high-resolution Earth imagery data layer. Spexi creates the pilot applications that interface with LayerDrone’s decentralized open network protocol. As a pilot flying with the Spexi Platform (Spexi App and Explorer), you’ll be able to contribute imagery to the LayerDrone Network and earn while you fly. This documentation tells you everything you need to know to get started flying with the Spexi Platform. You’ll learn where you can fly, who can fly, what you need to fly, and how to earn rewards on the LayerDrone Network. The workflow is straightforward:

Fly missions → upload imagery → earn rewards.

Pilot launching a drone on the LayerDrone network

# What is Spexi? Spexi is the company that built the Spexi Platform – the apps that allow pilots to contribute to the LayerDrone Network and customers to use the imagery. [Learn more about Spexi’s imagery products.](https://www.spexi.com/imagery-solutions) Spexi is also the founding core contributor of LayerDrone.
# What is LayerDrone? The LayerDrone Network is decentralized drone-imagery infrastructure that coordinates when and where images are captured, checks that uploads are valid, and distributes rewards to pilots who fly, capture, and upload imagery on the blockchain. Managed by the non-profit LayerDrone Foundation, LayerDrone is like the operating system. When you fly with the Spexi App, you: * Become a member of the LayerDrone network * Contribute flight data to the LayerDrone network * Receive rewards from the LayerDrone foundation All through the Spexi App. \ Learn more: [layerdrone.org](http://layerdrone.org)
# Become a Drone Pilot on the Spexi App Join thousands of pilots using Spexi to contribute to the LayerDrone Network! To fly using the Spexi App you must: ✅ Be located in the United States or Canada ✅ Be legally authorized to operate commercially in your region ✅ Have the right equipment to capture standardized imagery {% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-info" %} LayerDrone is planning global expansion to other countries – we will update you when other locations are available! {% endhint %}
# What You Need to Fly ### License Requirements In the USA, pilots are required to have a [part 107 license](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot); In some countries (like Canada), pilots flying sub-250g drones may be able to operate without a formal license but you must still fly safely and within local rules. 🇨🇦 Canada – No license required, but knowledge of local airspace rules is recommended.\ To learn more about Canadian drone regulations, [click here](https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally). 🇺🇸 United States – A Part 107 license is required to fly commercially.\ To learn more about USA drone regulations, [click here](https://www.faa.gov/uas). ### Compatible Equipment Your drone setup must be compatible with the Spexi App: * **Supported drones:** DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, or Mini 4 Pro (sub-250g class) {% hint style="info" %} UPDATE: DJI Mini 2 will no longer be supported after May 31st 2026 {% endhint %} * **Controller:** Must use a mobile device-based controller (e.g., DJI RC-N1, RC-N2, or RC-N3). Controllers with built-in screens are not supported. * **SD Card:** Cards rated at least U3 / V30 are recommended. These ratings guarantee a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s for rapid photo capture. Endurance-rated cards (Max Endurance, PRO Endurance) are built for continuous writing and will maintain their performance significantly longer under heavy use.
* **Android Mobile device:** Android device running the [Spexi App](https://explorer.spexi.com/download) * Computer with internet to upload image data to the [Spexi Explorer](https://explorer.spexi.com/). For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome or another Chromium-based browser (such as Microsoft Edge or Brave). These browsers provide the most reliable performance and compatibility with the Spexi Explorer.
{% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-info" %} There are two versions of the Spexi App: one for the [DJI Mini 2](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spexigonmobile), and one for the [DJI Mini 3, 4, and Pro versions](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spexigonmobile.sdk5). Make sure to download the right app for your drone. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} ### Why Only Sub-250g Drones? We have chosen to standardize on the sub-250g drone class for a variety of reasons, including: * They are easy to fly and have global distribution. We estimate there have been millions of DJI Mini 2 / Mini 3 / Mini 4 drones sold worldwide. * During flight, they produce very little noise and are barely audible once they reach the altitude required for image capture. * Many countries worldwide classify sub-250g drones as low risk, meaning pilots can fly them legally with fewer operating restrictions. In the future, we plan to add more drone models and brands to the platform.

DJI Mini 3 PRO drone

DJI Mini 2 drone

# I’m Ready, What’s Next? {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Set Up Your Spexi Account * First, [download the Spexi App](https://explorer.spexi.com/download) to your Android device (make sure it is the correct version for your drone) * Create a pilot account using an email or by linking your existing metamask wallet. If you use an email address, a digital asset wallet will be automatically created for you when you sign up. This wallet is where your USDC rewards will be deposited. If you link an existing metamask wallet, your USDC rewards will be deposited in that wallet.
Once your account is set up: * Confirm your contact details * Review eligibility and equipment requirements. License approvals typically take less than 24 hours. If your approval remains pending, open a [support ticket](https://spexi.freshdesk.com/support/home). * Access missions on the map {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Request and Fly Test Missions New pilots can request six, one-time paid missions to: * Test your drone setup at a nearby location * See what it’s like to fly with the Spexi App * Become familiar with capturing missions using the automated flight plan * Ensure uploads and approvals work smoothly on the [Spexi Explorer](http://explorer.spexi.com) These test missions are designed to help you get comfortable flying on the LayerDrone Network with the Spexi App so you’re ready for future mission launches. {% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-check" %} You’ll receive an email when you create your account with instructions on how to request your onboarding missions. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Join the Community (Highly Recommended) To stay updated on new missions and flight opportunities: * Join the [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/rCNp9Mhedm) * Opt in for [mission notifications here](https://rl7l9.share.hsforms.com/2NK8lHFdCQjGFySvAec7NqQ) These are the best ways to know when new regions go live or when new missions are launched in your area. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %}
# Finding Available Missions Pilots can view missions either in the Spexi App or Explorer (on desktop). Missions are deployed within Spexigons, the \~25-acre hexagonal capture areas on the map. Pilots can either reserve a mission to fly using their [Reputation Points (RPs)](/fly-and-earn/rewards-and-earnings#reputation-points-rp-rewards) or go fly any available missions on a first-come, first-served basis. ## **Spexigon Colors Explained** Spexigons are color-coded to indicate the status of missions. Gold and White are the two colors you should look for if you want to fly missions. *** ![](/files/27vHAxktnxWHrE9NEMLi) **Valuable - USDC Reward Available**: Gold spexigons are “valuable” and offer USDC rewards. These are active capture opportunities that can be flown or reserved. *** ![](/files/AmTUbXkLHbbGWur7fP5A) **Open Capture - Points Reward Available**: White spexigons can be captured for Reputation Points. They are available to fly but do not currently carry a USDC reward. Learn more about [Reputation Points](/fly-and-earn/rewards-and-earnings#reputation-points-rp-rewards). *** ![](/files/nCwrnk2TrOTOjRVRGL35) **Reserved**: Pink spexigons have been reserved by another pilot, so they are temporarily unavailable to fly or reserve. *** ![](/files/T6bch2MEgUm31EaNJRDY) **Locked**: Purple spexigons are locked until a future capture window opens. They are not currently available to fly or reserve. *** ![](/files/qzZsiWU6vzeEPm46F28T) **Awaiting Submission**: Orange spexigons have already been flown and captured by another pilot and are awaiting imagery upload or processing.
# Before You Fly ### You are fully responsible for operating safely and legally. You must follow: * Local aviation regulations * Airspace restrictions * Safe flight practices {% hint style="warning" %} **Important Safety Note:** Obstacle avoidance is disabled when flying with the Spexi app. As a pilot you must maintain situational awareness at all times and avoid obstacles manually during Spexi Flights. {% endhint %} ### **Taking Back Manual Control** You can immediately regain control of your drone by: * Pressing the Return-to-Home (RTH) button on the controller * Switching the mode on the controller

 * Pulling down on the left power stick ### **How Missions Are Designed for Safety** Missions are designed to work within the current civilian aviation regulations and best practices that all airspace pilots must follow. There are three main network design decisions to help ensure safe operations: #### Airspace Missions should not appear: * Near take-off and landing areas of airports/aerodromes

 * Over restricted airspace (CYR areas, prisons, military bases) #### Flight Altitude Missions capture imagery at: 80 meters (\~260 feet) above ground level (AGL) with terrain following enabled. This provides optimal image resolution while remaining safely below the 400-foot regulatory limit. #### Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Spexigons are sized at approximately 25 acres so missions can be flown within visual line of sight. At all times, pilots are meant to act as the primary Detect and Avoid (DAA) function. This ensures pilots can make an emergency descent or maneuver in the unlikely event a manned aircraft enters their vicinity. {% embed url="" %} # How to Fly a Mission Once you have selected a mission, the Spexi app guides you through the entire capture process. Mission flights are automated and standardized, so your primary role is to ensure safe operation. Here’s what you need to do to fly: {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Choose a Safe Launch Location Before starting the mission: * Confirm you are authorized to fly in the local airspace – pilots are responsible for ensuring safe, legal operations for all missions. The presence of a LayerDrone mission does not guarantee airspace legality or operational safety. * Select a safe takeoff and landing area within or near your chosen Spexigon, with clear surroundings. Depending on the location and environment, you may be able to fly several Spexigons from one location. However, in other cases, you may need to move around in order to maintain line of sight and connection with your drone. * Check weather conditions and visibility. High cloud cover is generally not a problem for drone operations, as long as pilots fly below the clouds. Avoid fog or very low cloud cover entirely, and if it’s raining, snowing, or too windy, you should choose a different time to fly. * Ensure your batteries are sufficient for the mission. Adverse weather conditions can affect battery performance. * Power on your drone, controller, and mobile device {% hint style="warning" %} **You are fully responsible for operating safely and legally at all times** {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Connect to the Spexi App Open the Spexi app and connect your supported DJI Mini drone using a compatible phone-based controller. Once the drone is connected and ready, the app will allow you to begin the mission. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Press “FLY” to Begin When you are ready, press “FLY” in the Spexi app. You can start the mission from the ground after takeoff or while already airborne. Once initiated, the app takes control of the mission sequence, though pilots can always take manual control of the drone if needed for safety by: * Pressing the Return to Home (RTH) button on the controller * Switching flight modes * Pulling down on the left control stick If you need to take over manual control, you can pick up where you left off, as long as you’re within two hours. The Spexi App will give you the option to continue flying the mission you were on.

Spexi mobile app

{% endstep %} {% step %} ### Automated Terrain-Following Capture After launch, the Spexi app runs a pre-programmed flight pattern over the Spexigon. Missions are standardized and automated, including terrain following to maintain a consistent altitude above ground level (AGL). This ensures imagery is captured at the correct height even when terrain changes.

Spexigon displaying changing flight path altitudes for automated terrain-following capture

You do not need to: * Create waypoints or manually plan the route. * Control the flight path You must still: * Maintain visual line of sight * Monitor the drone and the airspace * Be ready to take control if needed Obstacle avoidance is not active during Spexi missions.

What you'll see when flying with the Spexi App

{% endstep %} {% step %} ### Fly More Missions After completing a mission you can continue flying additional nearby spexigons. Fly as many missions as you like! The Spexi App will close missions outside of “flying hours” when the sun angle creates too much shadow. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} {% embed url="" %} # After You Fly Uploading your imagery is the final step to earning rewards on the LayerDrone Network. It also locks the Spexigon you captured so another pilot cannot take your reward. {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Download Images from Your SD Card After you complete a mission: * Power down your drone and remove the SD card * Insert the SD card into a computer or card reader The imagery you captured during the automated mission is stored here and needs to be downloaded manually to your computer. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Upload via the Spexi Explorer on your laptop or desktop computer Go to the [Spexi Explorer](http://explorer.spexi.com). Log in with the same email or wallet you used in the Spexi App, then upload your images. The system automatically matches your flight record with your images for upload. The Spexi Explorer works best in the Chrome browser.

Spexi Explorer upload screen

Upload your data once you’ve finished flying for the day. Once your imagery is successfully uploaded and matched, the Spexigon you captured turns purple on the map and the flight status becomes “verified”. Only submissions that successfully upload and verify are eligible for rewards from LayerDrone.
{% endstep %} {% endstepper %} {% embed url="" %} ### Get Support if You Need It If you encounter issues with uploading or verification: * Use the in-app chat function to find answers to common questions * Join the [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/rHbmThhENW) and learn from experienced pilots * Submit a [support request](https://spexi.freshdesk.com/support/signup) for a specific issue with the Spexi App or Explorer # Rewards & Earnings When using the Spexi App to access and fly missions on the LayerDrone Network, pilots earn USDC rewards and Reputation Points (RPs) for completed and verified missions. USDC and RP rewards are displayed in the Spexi App. {% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-info" %} USDC and RP Rewards are from the LayerDrone Foundation, which is the network the Spexi app is built on. {% endhint %} ## **USDC Rewards** USDC is a digital currency equivalent to the U.S. dollar and how LayerDrone rewards pilots. In the Spexi Explorer and App, pilots can see the USDC reward available for each mission on the LayerDrone Network. Reward amounts may vary based on location, customer demand, and other network factors. To earn USDC rewards, a pilot must capture and upload imagery. After imagery is verified by LayerDrone, USDC rewards will appear in a user’s wallet: * If you connected a MetaMask wallet when setting up your Spexi account, the USDC rewards issued by LayerDrone will be sent to that wallet. * If you did not connect your own wallet, a digital asset wallet was automatically created for you when you created your pilot account and is accessible through your Spexi account. USDC rewards will be deposited there. In both cases, your rewards will be visible in the Wallet section of the Spexi App and Explorer.
### **Withdrawing USDC** If you wish to withdraw your USDC rewards, you can send the USDC to an account on a cryptocurrency exchange (such as [Coinbase](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account)) and transfer the funds from there to your connected bank account. The following video shows how to send your USDC from the Spexi App to Coinbase, or you can review the instructions below: {% embed url="" %} To send your USDC rewards to an exchange account from the Spexi App, click on “Send USDC now” to open your wallet. From there, click Send, and paste in the address from your exchange account – make sure you use the address for USDC on the Base network. Choosing a different network could result in loss of funds.
This transfer requires a small amount of ETH to pay the transfer fee. Prior to launch of USDC rewards, LayerDrone added a small amount of ETH to each pilot wallet to cover initial transfers. New pilot wallets are also funded with a small amount of ETH after the first flight is completed. You can see your ETH balance within the wallet in the Spexi app. LayerDrone also provides [step-by-step instructions](https://support.layerdrone.org/cashing-out-usdc-to-your-bank) to help users new to digital currencies get set up and withdraw USDC from their wallet to a centralized exchange, and from there, into their bank account. {% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-check" %} Tips for a smooth withdrawal * We recommend using [Coinbase](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account), especially if you are new to using cryptocurrencies. * Make sure you send your USDC on the Base Network. Using other networks could result in a loss of funds. {% endhint %} ## **Reputation Points (RP) Rewards** Users also earn Reputation Points (RPs) for contributing to the LayerDrone Network. In the Spexi Explorer and App, pilots can see the RP rewards available for each mission. Typically, each verified mission is worth 25 RP, but RP may vary depending on location, customer demand, and other network factors. RPs are displayed within the Spexi App when uploaded imagery is successfully verified. Pilots can use RPs within the Spexi Platform to reserve Spexigons for future flights, as described further in [Reservations](/beyond-the-basics/reservations#using-rps-to-reserve-missions). RPs will be removed from a user’s account if a user cancels or does not fly a reserved mission – each occurrence will result in a loss of 30 RP. ## **Safeguard Your Rewards** {% hint style="warning" %} **For your security, no one from our team will ever initiate a DM asking for access to your wallet. We will never ask for your private key or wallet seed phrase. Never share this information with anyone.** {% endhint %} If you need support: * Use the in-app chat function to find answers to common questions * Join the [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/rHbmThhENW) and learn from experienced pilots * Submit a [support request](https://spexi.freshdesk.com/support/signup) for a specific issue with the Spexi App or Explorer # Reservations To help with planning ahead, pilots have the option to reserve missions they wish to capture. Once a mission is reserved by a pilot, it is held for a period of 48 hours, during which other pilots cannot capture it. Pilots can make reservations through the Spexi App or Explorer: reservations begin when a pilot selects a Spexigon and confirms a reservation, and are considered “complete” when the data is uploaded and verified. {% hint style="info" icon="memo-circle-info" %} You are not required to reserve a mission in order to capture it using the Spexi App, but doing so removes the chance that another pilot will arrive and capture the mission before you do. {% endhint %} ### Using RPs to Reserve Missions In order to reserve missions, pilots first need to earn Reputation Points (RPs) from LayerDrone. RPs are part of the pilot rewards for verified missions, and some missions may be rewarded exclusively with RPs. For every 100 RPs earned, a pilot will unlock the ability to reserve 1 mission using the Spexi Platform. The more RPs you have, the more missions you can reserve at a given time. If you reserve missions, make sure you can get out to fly them – failure to capture a reserved mission will result in a loss of RPs and may impact your pilot rating. ### **Pilot Rating** The pilot rating is the last thing a pilot needs to successfully make a reservation through the Spexi App. The rating is out of 5, and that is where it starts for new pilots. As long as your rating is above 3.5, you’ll be able to use your RPs to reserve missions. The rating will go down for only two reasons: 1. If the flights you complete fail verification. 2. If you make reservations, but then fail to complete them. Your rating will go back up as you complete more verified missions, and continue to make and complete reservations. Remember, you don’t have to make reservations in order to fly missions – but as long as your reservation rating is above 3.5 and you have enough RPs, you’ll be able to make reservations. # Flight Execution ### **What to expect** Pilots can launch the drone manually and then press “FLY” or start a mission from the ground. We recommend starting missions from the ground. Once you press FLY, the Spexi App starts sending commands to the drone, and the autonomous mission begins. The drone will ascend (or descend, if the drone is already in flight and above the starting mission altitude) to mission altitude, and then begin following the flight path displayed. ### **Terrain Following** Missions are designed to maintain a standard altitude above ground level (AGL) and will follow the local terrain up or down accordingly. This may mean that you need to increase your max altitude ceiling in the DJI Fly App for terrain increases. Alternatively, you may need to move to a lower take-off point if the mission path would drop the AGL height below the take-off point.

Spexigon displaying changing flight path altitudes for terrain Following

{% hint style="info" %} Spexigons are preset to be flown at an altitude of **80m AGL (Above Ground Level) and always have Terrain Following activated.** When you see your altitude changing during flight, don't worry, that's your drone following the terrain and keeping itself at 80m AGL at all times. 👍🏼 🚁 {% endhint %} ### **Common errors & troubleshooting** Here are some common errors that pilots may encounter, and some tips on how to address them. #### Drone not connecting * Make sure you have a phone based controller with the Spexi App running on an Android device * Make sure the DJI Fly App is closed (you may need to remove “auto-open” permissions from the DJI Fly App). #### Too Far from the Home Point * The app uses the home point to calculate the AGL of the drone, if you have moved too far from the home point without updating it, you may need to land the drone and update the home point to reset the altitude calculation. #### Camera Error * Ensure camera settings are on Auto in DJI Fly, and that the DJI Fly App is closed #### Drone stopped mid mission * Check your max altitude in the safety settings of the DJI Fly App. * Ensure your firmware is up to date, check for legacy geofencing #### Move to a lower altitude * Standard mission altitude is 80m AGL, if there is significant terrain relief (altitude drop) within a zone, the DJI safety parameters will not let the drone descend below the home point. You’ll need to launch from a lower location within the zone, in order to start the mission. # Pilot Links Below are some resources pilots may find helpful. This list is not comprehensive and other resources may be available as well. ### **Pilot Training** 🇨🇦 **Canada** 🇨🇦 -[ FLYY ](https://flyy.ca/) - Get 20% off with the below links! * Basic -[ https://flyy.thinkific.com/enroll/1666119?et=paid\&ref=9aa9ca\&coupon=SPEXI20](https://flyy.thinkific.com/enroll/1666119?et=paid\&ref=9aa9ca\&coupon=SPEXI20) * Advanced -[ https://flyy.thinkific.com/enroll/1952920?et=paid\&ref=9aa9ca\&coupon=SPEXI20](https://flyy.thinkific.com/enroll/1952920?et=paid\&ref=9aa9ca\&coupon=SPEXI20) 🇺🇸 **USA** 🇺🇸 - Free and paid resources brought to you by the [Pilot Institute](https://pilotinstitute.com/) ### **Drones and Regulations** [DJI Drone Help Center](https://support.dji.com/help/search?limit=9\&page=1\&spaceId=34\&trackId=df2413c5-f190-3f5c-af8b-364544ba639c\&keyword=\&lang=en\&re=US\&folderIdList=0\&defaultOpened=,34) [International Drone Regulatory Guide](https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws/) ### **Weather Apps** ### **Airspace Apps** Canada: USA: {% hint style="info" %} Links to products and services that appear on Spexi App are from companies with which Spexi is affiliated, including FLYY, Pilot Institute, and AirSpaceLink. Spexi has a reciprocal promotional arrangement with FLYY, but Spexi does not directly receive compensation from FLYY. Spexi has a reciprocal promotional arrangement with Pilot Institute, but Spexi does not directly receive compensation from Pilot Institute. Airspace Link has a commercial agreement with Spexi that includes the promotion of the Spexi services, but Spexi does not directly receive compensation from Airspace Link. Spexi does not include the entire universe of available product or service choices, and alternative options for such products or services may be available to you. {% endhint %} # Support If you need help, here’s where to go: * Start with reviewing the [Spexi Platform Documentation](http://docs.spexi.com) and the [LayerDrone Pilot Documentation](https://support.layerdrone.org/). * Use the in-app chat function to find answers to common questions * Join the [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/rHbmThhENW) and learn from experienced pilots. * Submit a [support request](https://spexi.freshdesk.com/support/signup) for a specific issue with the Spexi App or Explorer