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update manual
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docs/Terrain.md

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@@ -21,16 +21,20 @@ terrain data are unavailable or a read error occurs, the feature is automaticall
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# SD Card Preparation
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Use only quality SD cards from reputable brands. Note that some combinations of flight controllers and SD cards can cause issues,
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so if you experience any problems, try a different card before troubleshooting further. Compatibility problems have been
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observed especially with F4-based flight controllers.
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For proper operation, the SD card must be prepared in advance. It is recommended to create a **partition with a maximum size
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of 4 GB** and format it. Formatting should be done using the official
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[**SD Memory Card Formatter**](https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/) tool from the SD Association,
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which ensures correct alignment and a compatible file system structure. Using this tool minimizes the risk of terrain data
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read issues during flight and is considered the recommended method for preparing an SD card for iNav.
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of 4 GB** and format it to FAT32.
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# Data Generation and Copying
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To generate elevation maps, use the terrain generator web tool available at https://terrain.ardupilot.org/
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**Before copying any terrain data files, the SD card must be formatted. Always format the card before each new terrain data
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installation to avoid file system errors.**
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In iNav, **only 30 m resolution (SRTM1)** is currently supported, so this option must be selected during data generation.
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The generated files are then copied to the SD card into the root directory structure.
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├── N49E017.DAT
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└── N50E016.DAT
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```
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Copying can be done via **iNav MSC (Mass Storage Class)**, but this method is very slow, so using an **external SD card reader**
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is strongly recommended. Before copying the data, the file **`FREESPAC.E`** must be deleted from the root directory of the SD
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card. iNav uses this file to track available disk space, and without deleting it, the card may appear to be full. After the
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copying process is complete, iNav will automatically recreate this file on the next startup.
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Copying can be done via **iNav MSC (Mass Storage Class)** is not recommended.
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# Enabling and Displaying Terrain Data
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Finally, it is **strongly recommended to use only high-quality, branded SD cards** from reputable manufacturers. The terrain
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system is sensitive to SD card read speed and reliability, and low-quality or counterfeit cards may cause read errors,
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display dropouts, or automatic disabling of the feature during flight. Using a quality SD card significantly improves the
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stability and reliability of the terrain feature.
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# TL;DR
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- **H7/F4 flight controller** with SD card required
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- Format SD card using [SD Memory Card Formatter](https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/) (max 4 GB partition)
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- Generate terrain data at https://terrain.ardupilot.org/ — select **SRTM1 (30 m)**
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- Delete `FREESPAC.E` from SD card root before copying files to ROOT of SDCARD (use external card reader, not MSC)
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- Enable via CLI: `set terrain_enabled = ON` + `save`
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- Enable **Rangefinder distance** OSD element to see altitude above terrain
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- ⚠️ Displayed value is **informational only** — not used for navigation or altitude control
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- Use only **high-quality branded SD cards**
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stability and reliability of the terrain feature.

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