If you were to send your teenage child on an errand, you would provide several important pieces of information to enable them to complete the task. These might include a destination, a map showing where that destination is, possibly directions on how to get there, and a list of what they are to do. Unmanned vehicles need that information, too. But unlike teenagers, unmanned vehicles also provide information back to you as they go.

The first thing your vehicle needs is a map, though the Mobius map is also for your benefit. The map displays the operating area including the positions and orientations of any vehicles, geographical features and obstacles, and the past and planned paths of vehicles. Mobius can also overlay satellite or arial photographs, and may contain topographical information that Mobius can use to create a 3D image of the area.

A quick look at the Map will tell you where your vehicles are, where they've been, and where they're going.

To get a vehicle's attention, click on it. You can click the little picture of it on the map, or select it from the Selection Panel that lists all active vehicles.

At this point, you can decide how much guidance your vehicle needs during its upcoming errand:

• You can simply tell it where to go
• You can tell it where to go and exactly how to get there
• You can drive it there yourself

(Unlike teenagers, unmanned vehicles don't mind being told where to go and how to get there, and they won't beg to drive.)

Often, the first option is the best. All you have to do is select the Waypoint tool, and click on the map. Mobius will plan the most efficient path from the vehicle's current position to the waypoint, avoiding all obstacles.

If you want the vehicle to follow a specific path, or would like to fine-tune the one generated by Mobius, you can use the Path Builder tool. It helps keep your paths drivable, and also lets you "train" a vehicle to follow a path.

To drive the vehicle yourself, you can select Teleoperation mode. Using a joystick, steering wheel, or other control of your choice, you can drive your vehicle using live video feedback as a guide.

The list of tasks for the vehicle to perform is created by specifying one or more "Actions." Mobius gives you a high degree of control over actions performed by vehicle payloads and attachments, while also letting you choose or create "Action Groups" to simplify the process.