To overlap photos of an object or land by 80 to 90% would be impossible to complete accurately by pilot navigation. Multiple overlapping photos (80 to 90% overlap) of the ground or model are taken as the UAV flies along an autonomous programmed flight path called a waypoint. Using photogrammetry to create 3D models of monuments or statues, the camera is mounted horizontally on the UAV.

To create 3D maps from aerial photogrammetry, the camera is mounted on the drone and is usually pointed vertically towards the ground. Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. The output from photogrammetry is typically a map, a drawing or a 3D model of some real world object or land mass. There is tremendous opportunities for owners with quality UAV lidar and photogrammetry equipment. If you are interested in pursuing a UAV photogrammetry business or similar, buy the best quadcopter and sensors you can. Now is the best time to learn about UAVs, photogrammetry, 3D and lidar mapping. There are terrific opportunities in various sectors. The use of quadcopters and multirotors in photogrammetry and lidar mapping is still in the very early stages but growing very fast. It’s another growing sector and you can read further regarding drone LiDAR use here. We also look at some of the best mapping drones on the market along with the compatible software.Īnother closely related sector is using LiDAR sensors mounted onto drones. We also take a quick view at the sectors benefiting from using UAVs for photogrammetry and lidar mapping. This post takes an overall look at this drone mapping technology. With GPS equipped drones, digital cameras and powerful computers, surveys have an accuracy right down to 1 centimeter.

This is not surprising as using GPS enabled UAVs for aerial surveying is very cost effective in comparison to hiring an aircraft with photogrammetry equipment.īecause UAVs are relatively inexpensive, organisations will have their own UAV fleet, allowing for rapid surveys over large land areas and infrastructure projects where required. UAV lidar and photogrammetry imaging applications are increasing rapidly.

Pix4dmapper photogrammetry software