User Manual & Reference Guide
Version 1.3 — For DJI Mini 4 Pro Pilots
The CTK Drone Weather app is a specialized weather dashboard designed for drone pilots. It provides real-time environmental data—wind, precipitation, UV index, visibility, and more—to help you make informed flight decisions before you take off.
Unlike standard weather apps, this dashboard uses color-coded safety thresholds tailored specifically for drone operations, making it easy to assess flight conditions at a glance.
The app requires API keys to fetch weather data from external services. You only need to enter them once.
Save API Key. The app will reload and begin fetching data automatically.
The OpenWeatherMap API offers different data depths depending on your subscription tier. Our app is fully functional with the Free tier, but upgrading unlocks additional forecasting tools.
| Data Value | Free Tier | Paid / One Call 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Conditions | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| UV Index | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Sunrise / Sunset | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Precipitation Rate | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Hourly Forecast | ❌ Not Available | ✅ 24 Hours |
| Daily Forecast | ❌ Not Available | ✅ 7-8 Days |
| Severe Weather Alerts | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Yes |
| Historical Data | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Up to 5 Years |
The main screen displays a 3×3 grid of weather tiles. Each tile shows a specific environmental metric with its own color-coded safety indicator.
| Tile | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| TMP | Current temperature (°F) | Affects battery performance and flight time |
| DEW | Dew point (°F) | High dew point indicates moisture in the air |
| FEELS | Feels like temperature (°F) | Combined effect of temp, wind, and humidity |
| WIND | Wind speed (mph) | Critical for drone stability and control |
| GUST | Wind gust speed (mph) | Sudden gusts can destabilize your drone |
| DIR | Wind direction (degrees) | Helps plan your takeoff/landing heading |
| VISIBILITY | Visibility distance (miles) | Lower visibility makes visual line-of-sight harder |
| CLOUDS | Cloud condition (emoji + description) | Indicates sky clarity and potential weather changes |
| PRECIP | Precipitation rate (in/hr) | Even light rain can damage drone electronics |
| SUN | Sunrise or Sunset time | Turns red 30 minutes before sunset as a warning |
| UV INDEX | Current UV index value | Indicates sun intensity; affects pilot eye strain |
| SATS LOCK | Number of GPS satellites | More satellites = better positioning accuracy |
The status bar at the top of the dashboard provides an at-a-glance overview of your flight readiness. It uses color-coded indicators to communicate overall conditions:
Wind is the most critical factor for safe drone operations. The app provides color-coded wind speed thresholds:
Ideal conditions for all drone types, including the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Acceptable for experienced pilots. Expect some turbulence. Secure loose items.
Not recommended for consumer drones. Strong risk of losing control or crashing.
Even light rain can damage drone electronics. The app shows precipitation rate in inches per hour:
While UV index doesn't affect your drone directly, it impacts pilot comfort and eye strain during outdoor flights:
No protection needed. Safe for extended outdoor exposure.
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Take breaks in shade.
Reduce midday exposure. Wear protective clothing and hat.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Seek shade during midday hours.
Always prioritize safety when operating drones. Here are key reminders:
Solution: Verify your API key is correct in Settings. Ensure you have an active internet connection. Try saving and reloading the app.
Solution: Check your location permissions. The app requires location access for GPS-based weather data. Restart the app after granting permissions.
Solution: Move to an open area away from tall buildings. Wait 30–60 seconds for satellite lock. More satellites = better accuracy.