such as reserve parks, forests and jungles. In a world where illegal logging, deforestation and urban sprawl prey on and threaten the integrity of our natural environments, photogrammetry emerges as an essential tooPhotogrammetry with drones, a technique that combines measurement, topography and image capture, has become a fundamental ally in the conservation of threatened ecosystemsl to monitor, conserve and restore the health of our ecosystems.

Let’s learn about the practical uses of photogrammetry in the sustainability of vulnerable natural environments.

1. Monitoring Changes in Forest Cover

Aerial photogrammetry offers detailed monitoring of forest cover, identifying significant changes in vegetation. For this, it is important that diverse captures are made over time, which will provide us with information to combat illegal logging and deforestation, since it provides precise data on forest loss and early detection of illegal activities.

2. Biodiversity Assessment

3D models from images generated by photogrammetry software facilitate the assessment of biodiversity. This allows scientists and conservationists to understand the composition and structure of ecosystems, identifying key species and areas of biological importance.

3. Ecological Restoration Planning

Ecosystems can not only be conserved but regenerated and for this it is important to know their composition, identifying degraded areas and establishing effective strategies for the restoration of natural habitats.

4. Monitoring Erosion and Landscape Changes

Images captured using photogrammetric techniques are useful for monitoring soil erosion and landscape changes. This is essential to prevent soil degradation and adopt land use practices that maintain healthy ecosystems.

5. Rapid Response to Natural Disasters

In situations of natural disasters, carrying out photogrammetry work helps us to know the magnitude of the damage, recognize the most affected areas and establish with exact and first-hand information necessary activities for rescue or damage minimization.

6. Education and Environmental Awareness

Maps and still image captures are still used in schools and universities. Photogrammetry could go further because using 3D models it provides us with images, videos and simulated tours with real data that will allow students to increase their awareness and knowledge through modern and interactive information.

7. Applications in the Management of Natural Reserves

Natural reserves can also benefit from the modernity provided by this important technique, as has been evidenced in Chile where the Isluga Volcano National Park, Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, in the Antofagasta Region has benefited from photogrammetric studies that provide rangers with information important about the presence of activities that generate risks to the flora and fauna of the protected area.

For these reasons, do not hesitate to contact Acero Estudio, a company specialized in aerial photogrammetry with drones; we are at your service.

Drone photogrammetry is a technique that has gained a lot of popularity in various industries to perform precise mapping and measurements from the air. The process involves capturing aerial images and then processing them to create 3D models, maps and other representations. Here is a list of some of the most used software in drone photogrammetry:

Pix4Dmapper: It is one of the most popular software for processing aerial images captured by drones. It offers powerful algorithms to transform images into digital models and accurate maps.

Agisoft Metashape: It is known for its ability to efficiently process digital images and generate 3D spatial data, including terrain elevation models and orthomosaics.

DroneDeploy: Offers a cloud-based solution that allows users to not only capture images but also process them online to create 3D maps and models. It is designed to be easy to use and accessible to those who are not experts in photogrammetry.

Autodesk ReCap: This software uses photogrammetry to convert photographs and laser scans into detailed 3D models. It integrates well with other Autodesk products, making it popular in construction and engineering.

Bentley ContextCapture: Allows users to create high-fidelity 3D models from ordinary images, which can be especially useful for urban mapping and infrastructure projects.

3DF Zephyr: It is a software that reconstructs 3D models from photos automatically and is aimed at both beginners and advanced users due to its ease of use and comprehensive feature set.

OpenDroneMap (ODM): It is an open source solution for processing drone data. Provides tools to process aerial images and generate maps, 3D models and more.

Global Mapper: Although not exclusively for photogrammetry, it offers a wide range of spatial data processing tools, including drone photogrammetry.

Skyline Photomesh: Another robust software that transforms photos into 3D meshes, surfaces, and complete city models.

SimActive Correlator3D: Specifically designed for processing aerial images captured by drones, this software is used in cartography, construction and mining.

When selecting the right software for drone photogrammetry, factors such as ease of use, project specifics, compatibility with other analysis and design software, and the level of technical support available should be considered. Additionally, accuracy, processing power, and customization options are also crucial aspects to consider.

In this article, we will learn how the process of photogrammetry with drones, also known as aerial photogrammetry, works, a very important activity to generate models of large areas using drones with photography and georeferencing tools.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE DEFINITION PLANNING

Before starting the photo taking process, it is a priority to clearly define the objectives of the project. This involves determining what information needs to be obtained, such as creating a topographic map, monitoring the growth of an urban area, or surveying urban growth for planning purposes.

In this phase, the appropriate equipment and platforms for the project and the types of drones, cameras, necessary flight altitude, sensors that will be used to capture the images, etc. are selected.

FLIGHT PLAN ESTABLISHMENT

The flight route is planned that allows the necessary images to be captured. This involves determining flight altitude, speed, image overlay and number of passes over the area of interest.

Safety priority in aerial photogrammetry. Flight restrictions, airspace, weather, and other factors that may affect mission safety must be considered.

IMAGE CAPTURE PROCESS

During the flight, several series of high-resolution aerial images of the area of interest are taken. These images are taken from different angles and positions to ensure complete coverage.

Georeferences are generated for each image, which is the addition of precise geographic coordinates. This is achieved using global positioning systems (GPS) on board the aircraft and reference markers on the ground.

ORTHORECTIFICATION

This process serves to correct distortions due to the tilt and curvature of the Earth. Allows images to be overlaid correctly and used for accurate measurements.

Images are paired to create coherent 3D models and mosaics. Common reference points are used on the overlay images to align them correctly.

Digital models of the terrain will then be generated from the captured images. These models represent the elevation and topography of the Earth’s surface.

ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT

This phase can include the creation of topographic maps, the identification of changes in vegetation, the analysis of floods, among others.

The results of aerial photogrammetry are applied depending on the objectives of the project. For example, topographic maps are used in urban planning and civil engineering, while detecting changes in vegetation is essential in precision agriculture.

DELIVERY OF RESULTS

Aerial photogrammetry results are presented in a clear and accessible manner for interested parties. This can include maps, reports and 3D visualizations that help you understand and make decisions based on the data captured.

From urban planning to natural resource management, aerial photogrammetry continues to play an essential role in capturing and analyzing geospatial information. Contact Acero Estudio specialists in drone fleet services.