Drone Photogrammetry? How Does It Work? 2023 (Beginners Friendly)
Drone technology has transformed many industries and one interesting application of drones is photogrammetry. Combining drones with photogrammetry techniques enables us to create accurate 3D models of real world objects or landscapes using drone technology. If this topic is new to you, this article provides a beginner-friendly explanation of what it entails and how it works.
What Is Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is an established technique for gathering precise measurements and creating 3D models through photograph analysis. The technique requires taking multiple photographs from various angles at different points on a subject's surface before processing these to extract useful data about its subject matter. While photogrammetry has long been practiced, the advent of drones has made the practice more accessible, efficient and cost-effective than ever.
Understanding Drone Photogrammetry:
Drone photogrammetry refers to the application of photogrammetry using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras take photos while flying over areas of interest, then process these photographs using software specialised in reconstructing 3D models.
How Does Drone Photogrammetry Work?
Flight Planning: Prior to beginning any flight, a detailed flight plan is created with software specifically for drone flights using special mapping software. This flight plan details the path, altitude and image capture settings of the drone in order to provide efficient coverage and data collection.
Image Capture: Once launched, the drone autonomously follows its pre-planned flight path and uses a high-resolution camera to take images from different perspectives - then geotags each image for precise positioning with GPS coordinates.
Data Processing: Once images have been captured, they are transferred to a computer for further analysis by photogrammetry software. This program examines each image to identify common features across several images and match them together accordingly.
Point Cloud Generation: Using identified features, software calculates the position and depth information of each pixel in an image to generate a point cloud - an image which includes 3D coordinates that represent its subject surface.
Mesh and Texture Creation: From a point cloud, software creates a mesh which is a polygonal representation of the subject surface. Next, it applies textures from original images onto this mesh, producing an eye-catching 3D model.
Analysis and Visualisation: Once complete, the 3D model can be easily analysed, measured and visualised using various software tools. Distance, area and volume measurements can be extracted while viewing angles can provide valuable insights for multiple applications.
Drone Photogrammetry Has Many Applications:
Drone photogrammetry finds multiple uses across various fields, such as:
Surveying and Mapping: It provides accurate creation of digital terrain models, orthomosaic maps and topographic surveys for urban planning, construction management and land administration purposes.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: Drones can capture three-dimensional models of archaeological sites, artifacts and historical buildings for preservation, analysis and virtual restoration purposes.
Environmental Monitoring: Photogrammetry offers an effective means of measuring vegetation health, land cover changes and volumes in mining and forestry industries.
Construction and Architecture: Drones offer construction progress monitoring capabilities, capture as-built models, assist in visualising architectural projects, as well as assist with designing them.
Conclusion:
Drone photogrammetry combines the capabilities of drones and photogrammetry to produce precise 3D models and extract valuable data. By taking images from multiple angles using advanced software, drones enable professionals in different industries to gain insights, make informed decisions and streamline processes more efficiently. As technology becomes more accessible, its applications and possibilities for drone photogrammetry will continue to expand exponentially.
Drone photogrammetry requires careful planning and attention to every detail for optimal results. Factors like weather conditions, flight altitude, image overlap and camera settings must all be taken into consideration to maximise data collection and processing.
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Visual Pursuit Ltd are Drone Specialists who provide a variety of UAV/UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/System) services including Drone Surveys, Mapping, Inspections, Photography, Video, 3D Modelling, Progress Tracking, Property/Land Marketing, Search and Rescue.
We work across all industries including Construction, Offshore and Renewables, Telecommunications, Engineering, Mining, Rail, Agriculture, Events and Property Management. Covering all of Scotland and Northern England. Call: 0141 478 0105 Email: info@visualpursuit.co.uk Contact Form: Here
