3d-photogrammetry

3D Photogrammetry

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3D photogrammetry with drone and ground equipment combines aerial and terrestrial data to create accurate, detailed 3D models of structures, landscapes, or construction sites. This technique uses a series of overlapping photos taken from different angles, which specialized software processes to generate a 3D point cloud or mesh that represents the object or area.

Key Components

Drone in Action
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Drones with Cameras

Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture images from above, covering large areas and providing top-down and oblique perspectives.
Ground Cameras and Tripods
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Ground Cameras and Tripods

Ground-based cameras, often mounted on tripods, are positioned at various points around the site to capture details from angles and locations the drone cannot access closely.
GPS and RTK Positioning
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GPS and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) Positioning

For highly accurate mapping, GPS or RTK systems on both the drone and ground cameras can geotag images, helping create models with precise location data.
Photogrammetry Software
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Photogrammetry Software

Software like Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, or DroneDeploy processes the images from both aerial and ground perspectives, aligning and stitching them to create an accurate 3D model.
Background

How the process works

1

Construction and Site Mapping

Drone Images: The drone flies a pre-planned route over the area, capturing high-overlap images. These images cover broad, top-down views and oblique (angled) perspectives.
Ground Images: Ground cameras are positioned around the site, capturing close-up details, particularly of areas that may lack depth or clarity in aerial images.

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2

Data Integration

The captured images are tagged with GPS or RTK data for accurate location, and the ground and aerial images are fed into photogrammetry software.

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3

Image Processing and Model Creation

The software aligns the images based on their overlaps and GPS coordinates, using algorithms to generate a dense point cloud. From this, it creates a 3D mesh and texture map, producing a realistic and accurate model.

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4

Final Model Output

The final model can be exported as a 3D file for visualization, measurement, or analysis in CAD or BIM software.

Benefits of Using Both Drone and Ground Equipment in Photogrammetry

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High Detail and Precision

High Detail and Precision: Combining aerial and ground perspectives results in models with finer detail, capturing both large-scale site overviews and intricate, ground-level details.

Improved Accuracy: Ground images help resolve areas that may be distorted or occluded in drone images, improving the model’s accuracy.

Drone in Action

Stabilization and Gimbal Control

Comprehensive Coverage: This dual approach ensures that all critical angles and details are captured, even in areas that are inaccessible by drone alone, like under overhangs, bridges, or dense vegetation.

Real-Time Insights for Construction: Provides construction teams with accurate 3D maps for real-time site analysis, progress tracking, and quality control.

Applications

Perspective Site Mapping

Construction and Site Mapping

Creating accurate models of construction sites for progress monitoring, planning, and quality control.

Historical Preservation

Historical Preservation

Documenting and preserving archaeological sites and historical landmarks in 3D, including detailed textures and geometries.

Architecture and Urban Planning

Architecture and Urban Planning

Developing 3D models of existing buildings and urban environments to plan renovations, extensions, or new developments.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring

Mapping terrain changes, erosion, or vegetation growth for ecological studies and land management.

In summary, using both drones and ground equipment in 3D photogrammetry allows for comprehensive, detailed, and accurate models. This hybrid approach is invaluable for projects where high accuracy and a mix of large-scale and close-up details are essential.