Overview

What is WPML

WPML stands for WayPoint Markup Language, which is a standard for waypoint file format. The WPML waypoint file format standard extends the definition of KML (Keyhole Markup Language). WPML waypoint files adhere to KMZ archive requirements, with all waypoint files ending in “.kmz”. As a carrier of waypoint digital assets, the WPML waypoint file format standard has the following advantages:

• Open: The definition of WPML is publicly shared. Waypoint files are archived using file packages, and paths are described using markup languages, which are highly extensible. Users and developers can continue to add business data on its basis without restrictions, according to the principle of openness.
• Readable: WPML uses the most basic XML markup language format and media file format to describe waypoints. Users and developers can read and write path definitions, waypoint media, and other resources without relying on any parsing software.
• Inheritance: WPML will continue to iterate as a waypoint file format standard and maintain intergenerational compatibility according to protocol rules. The waypoint files in the hands of users and developers can become digital assets, directly applied and inherited across different devices and models.

How to Use WPML

WPML waypoint files all end with the “.kmz” suffix, which is essentially an archive file packaged in ZIP format. After decompressing a standard WPML waypoint file, its file structure is as follows:

The template.kml file is known as the “template file”. The predefined template provides users with a convenient means to edit and plan waypoints. For example, when survey users use the mapping aerial photography template, they do not need to carefully draw each waypoint path but only need to define the survey area and overlap rate. Then, through waypoint planning software, the final path and actions to be executed by the drone are generated.

The waylines.wpml file is known as the “execution file”. The execution file defines specific drone flight and payload action instructions. These instructions are generated by waypoint planning software. These software read the template parameters within template.kml, combine them with the path generation algorithm's calculations, and finally generate the waylines.wpml file for execution.

The res resource folder contains auxiliary resources required for the waypoints, such as reference target photos prepared in advance before starting precise re-photography.

The template.kml, waylines.wpml, and res resource folder are all part of the waypoint file format standard. template.kml defines business properties, facilitating quick adjustment and editing by users. waylines.wpml defines execution details. The res folder stores auxiliary resource files.

The fields in the WPML waypoint file are introduced as follows:

• Fields only used in the template.kml file are in template.kml
• Fields only used in the waylines.wpml file are in waylines.wpml
• Fields shared by the template.kml file and the waylines.wpml file are in Common Element

Note:

1. Please follow this specification for the naming of each file or folder in the route file, otherwise the route file may fail to be read.
2. The route name is the file name of the route file. For example, the route name of new_waypoints.kmz is new_waypoints.