
These 3D structures can be compared to older versions to record change and calculate length, area, volume and elevation changes between two or more dates.įor land and mining industries, 2D photo-mosaics and 3D digital surface models are becoming a fundamental part of everyday operations. These models can be viewed from any side or orientation for in-detail inspection.
#UAV DRONE LAND SURVEYING SOFTWARE#
Using the images taken from your survey combined with additional oblique side images taken at 30° and 45 ° angles, the right software can also enable you to produce 3D maps or models. They are especially important for the construction, infrastructure and environmental industries. These 2D maps can help businesses to make rapid decisions using a real-world view that is an accurate representation of the earth’s geographic surface.

They provide a similar view to one you might see using a satellite view in Google Maps, only they are higher in resolution and have the ability to be updated as many times as you want. These maps are created by stitching together hundreds or thousands of digital photos that are captured by your drone survey. These outputs include: 2D Orthomosaic maps Each has its own specific use depending on the industry it is required for. What are the specific outputs that a drone survey can achieve?ĭepending on what type of data sensors you use for your survey, as well as what surveying software you opt for, there are a number of outputs that are achievable. By combining all the individual data together with the unique coordinates, the software can then create accurate maps and elevation models of the surveyed area. Using the downloaded data from the flight, mapping software is then used to create the required outputs to fit the brief’s requirements.Įach of the images uploaded to the software contains information about physical information taken from the land for example distances and angles. The higher the altitude that the drone flies, the more acres of land it can cover, but the lower it flies the more detailed the images can be. Each image taken is tagged with its own set of unique coordinates, so they can later be collated. When using an RGB camera during a drone survey, the ground below is photographed multiple times and from various different angles. These sensors can include RGB or multispectral cameras as well as LIDAR payloads. The drone is controlled throughout the entire flight to ensure that the photography and/or videography is crystal clear and fit for use.ĭuring the flight, the drone uses downward-facing sensors to capture aerial data from the land below. Drone flightĭrone surveying should only be carried out by highly skilled and fully trained drone pilots. The drones battery should be fully charged and the drone camera memory card must have enough space to capture the entire project area. Tall objects and altitude differences must be accounted for within the flight plan. Rain, fog, snow or heavy winds will all disrupt the flight of the drone and affect the images taken.Ī flight plan for the survey can be created using the drone’s flight planning app. Once you have confirmation on this and a date has been decided upon which to conduct the survey, the weather must be monitored closely. Drones must be permitted to fly in this location and other flight paths must be checked. These include: Pre-flight preparationįollowing the project brief being set and an investigation of the land area conducted, the next preflight step is to check any local regulations where the survey is being planned.

There are various stages to conducting a drone survey. Using a process called drone mapping, a drone, otherwise known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used to survey an area of land.
