##10 tips for trouble-free kite mapping **Note:** This is **NOT** a guide for expert kite flyers. It's intended to be a QUICK START guide for people who've never kite mapped before, with as few problems and things to worry about as possible. ###Equipment & Conditions **Wind** - don't fly balloons if it's windy; don't fly kites if it's calm or **very** strong! | 0 mph | 5 mph | 10 mph | 15 mph | 20 mph | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | | balloon | balloon or kite | 9 ft kite | 7 ft kite | don't fly **Kite selection** - use delta kites: regular, simple triangular kites as pictured below. Nine foot (2.7m) wide for light wind, seven (2m) for stronger winds **Use a tail** - put a 20 foot long FUZZY TAIL (ribbony, [as seen here](http://store.publiclab.org/products/kite-mapping-pack)) on your kite. It will keep it stable and stop it from diving. [![kite-tail-2.jpg](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/695/medium/kite-tail-2.jpg)](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/695/original/kite-tail-2.jpg) ###Launch & Flight **Use gloves** - made of cloth or leather for string burns. No rubber! **Keep tension on the line** - if it pulls, let it out as fast as you can. **Do a test flight** - with no camera, to test the conditions **Use ALL your string** - fly high! 1000-2000 feet: one large photo of your whole site is far better than 20 you'll have to stitch together later! **Running is unnecessary** - quickly get your kite up into strong, clean air: have someone release it upwards with 100 feet of tensioned line while walking upwind slowly. [![kite-launch.jpg](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/696/medium/kite-launch.jpg)](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/696/original/kite-launch.jpg)