80% image overlap: The computer needs enough information to stitch images together into an orthophoto-a 2D aerial image corrected for distortion.Optimal height: Drones need to fly at an optimal altitude to achieve the best ground sample distance.More specifically, there are four ingredients necessary to generate accurate 3D models: More photos equal higher accuracy, and you need every angle possible. Think of your parents taking pictures of you and your date before prom. More photos than you probably think are necessary. And not just some photos-a LOT of photos.
What is drone photogrammetry?Īt its most basic, “photogrammetry” is the science of measuring real-life distances from photos. Check out our blogs on ground control basics and the secrets to capturing quality data to learn more about the art and science of 3D modeling. We’ll focus on photogrammetry in this post. Producing accurate 3D drone surveys requires only three ingredients: aerial drone imagery, good ground control, and the science of photogrammetry. In this post, we’ll demystify the science that helps us deliver drone data success for earthwork operations around the world.
While drone mapping may seem like thoroughly modern science, the concept of creating maps from composites of photos actually dates back to the 19th century. Even longtime customers who’ve been flying for years are sometimes hazy on the finer points of photogrammetry. The process used to transform two-dimensional drone images into 3D models for analysis in the Propeller Platform can seem mysterious. Surveying and GIS professionals use drone photogrammetry, along with accurate GPS data, to create 3D maps and models for use in construction, waste management, mining, and aggregates workflows.
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Photogrammetry is the science of collecting physical information from 2D photos, often aerial images captured by drones.īy combining enough overlapping images of the same features, photogrammetry software can be used to generate photorealistic 3D representations of topographic surfaces.