What software is used in drone photogrammetry?

ingeniero realizando fotogrametria aerea con drones

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.

Advantages of using drones in construction

use of drones in construction sector

Advantages of using drones in construction

The use of drones for construction management has been growing exponentially in recent years. They offer many advantages in terms of tracking, surveillance and location inspection with good, faster and more accurate results.

Below, we present some of the main advantages provided by the use of drones in the construction sector.

Vista de profesional con el dron para la realización de la topografía del terreno
Drones provide various benefits for construction, engineering and architecture

1. Precise mapping

Most of the time, manual data collection and map generation are labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks. Drones can speed up this process by 60-70%. They provide high resolution photos, video capture and data through a LiDAR sensor or through the drone photogrammetry technique.

The LiDAR sensor transmits a laser beam and measures its reflection. Very useful for mapping, especially in topography when there are difficulties in accessing technicians. Construction drone surveying not only simplifies mapping, but also facilitates 3D modeling and analysis.

2. Minimum risk

Drones can replace people in the process of ensuring safety when accessing certain places. By integrating the drone with the monitoring device, real-time information is obtained and problems in certain areas can be instantly identified.

Therefore, the risk of accidents involving people and heavy equipment can be reduced during inspections in areas prone to hazards and risks.

3. Monitoring productivity and responsibility in the field

Drones used in construction make it possible to monitor team productivity. They can also check whether the equipment is installed or not. Therefore, they can easily identify the issue that is causing the project to run slowly. Easy and effective management.

4. Greater effectiveness in Marketing

Photos and videos are the best options to show the project. Until the emergence of drones a few years ago, certain operations could only be carried out with a helicopter to take photos and videos.

The high cost of a helicopter flight has no comparison with the accessibility in economic terms of a drone flight. The costs related to obtaining photos and videos are not parallel to their quality, flexibility, time and safety compared to the drone. These solve the same difficulties effectively.

Thanks to this technology, marketing efforts gain more with high-quality images. You can capture gorgeous projects from different angles in a relatively short time. The company can satisfy stakeholders with progress they can see visually.

Conclusion

The application of drones for construction management provides various benefits regarding safety, costs and time. Drones increase project efficiency with rapid data collection, mapping, and analysis. Furthermore, the information obtained can provide additional advantages if it is integrated with specific computer applications for construction, as it automates management tasks with access to real-time data.

The future of drones in construction will not stop. These benefits are just a few examples. As the technology develops, drones are expected to help construction companies in a wider area.

Also remember that at Acero Estudio we provide various services dedicated to reducing construction risks such as:

Contact us and request a quote for our services, we are here to assist you.

Agriculture from the air

drones used in farming

We have had the opportunity to participate in the Conference “Agriculture from the air: multidisciplinary data and drone spraying” at Barrax Rural Innovation HUB held on June 8 and organized by Acre.

An event that seeks to promote innovation in all its forms, digital transformation and rural agricultural development through the transmission of scientific and empirical information, as well as with field demonstrations of the potential of new market technologies.

The topics discussed generated interesting discussions regarding the opportunities and, sometimes, limitations that current legislation can pose when drones are used to spray agricultural fields. It is inevitable that the technology moves faster than the laws for its application, but it is There is no doubt that the greater the demand, these processes are more agile.

However, there is great potential and fewer drawbacks in collecting and processing accurate aerial data for soil and drainage analysis of crops, through which the health status can be monitored and their yield predicted.

Remember that Acero Estudio, a company specialized in solutions to improve your crops, risk areas and other advantages for agriculture, provides various services dedicated to reducing construction, engineering or architectural risks such as:

Contact us and request a quote for our services, we are here to assist you.

Aerial surveying is getting smarter

Drone

Surveyors and GIS professionals have very high standards when it comes to their tools and their craft. Therefore, it is not surprising that many are turning to drones when requesting a surveying, mapping and 3D modeling service. Drones achieve results that meet surveying accuracy standards and, compared to traditional surveying techniques, dramatically reduce the time, cost and effort required.

Drone surveying is more complicated than taking a few photos from above. This requires several steps, from the preparation of ground control points, through mission planning, to the processing of the images that are captured with the topography software.

Within drone surveying, one technique that has been successful in 3D modeling is the use of oblique drone photogrammetry, in which images are captured with multiple lenses that are mounted together in an array with fixed axis angles. The resulting images reveal details that are sometimes lost when capturing only vertical photographs.

Using this cutting-edge technology, surveyors have the ultimate surveying solution at their disposal, in terms of precision and efficiency. Thanks to the intelligent oblique capture feature, surveyors can now capture and create 3D models of their targets more effectively than ever.

Oblique photography has many advantages. While a vertical angle can help show the location of features such as buildings, streets or open spaces, oblique aerial photos are better at giving a perspective of the appearance of features rising from the ground such as buildings, topography, foliage, etc. in relation to the ground and the horizon.

Other advantages are:

  • Reveals details that might have been obstructed in the vertical view.
  • Facilitates accurate determination of feature elevation.
  • Captures much more relative height data.
  • The position and relative height information obtained from each data set can be compared, contrasted and pooled to obtain relative height information between elements in the target area, producing a map of both position and height data, which It can be represented as a 3D map of the studied area.

However, there are also disadvantages. Due to the number of lenses, the equipment can be very heavy and expensive. A heavier payload means shorter flight times and more time spent changing the drone’s batteries, especially on large-scale surveying missions. On the other hand, if you try to do oblique photogrammetry or 3D modeling with a single camera, many flights are needed, which takes significantly more time.

With the continued increase in the use of drones in surveying and construction, there is a constant need to make their use easier and more economical, in terms of time and cost. Aerial surveying has become smarter and oblique shooting is one such innovation that covers both aspects.

Contact Acero Estudio, a company specialized in aerial photogrammetry; we are at your service.