Drone Surveys

What is 3D Mapping?

3D mapping typically refers to the generation of a digital twin of a real world thing, be it a handheld object, a build/structure or a large piece of land. It is typically generated using either Photogrammetry but it can also be done using Lidar. Once generated a near photo realistic dimensionally accurate model can be then viewed assessed and manipulated in most any computer or handheld device. Also known as a digital twin or 3D modelling users can analyse these digital representations of objects in three dimensions.

The major advantage to this form of data presentation is the context it brings to the data. Every feature and defect is clearly seen within the larger context of the object. This makes it much more intuitive and efficient to work with with the data. This technique offers an up-to-date and comprehensive method of information collecting and visualisation. WHat we say here is "with 3D mapping you can bring the asset to the people instead of bringing the people to the asset". This means instead of ten different site visits by various parties there only needs ot be one visit thenall the rest cna be done in the office. More about 3D Mapping...

What are deliverables?

A deliverable is a product or service created as part of a project and intended for client delivery. For example, a collection of images, a 3D model or a video created by Engineers with Drones and given to the asset/industry professional.

Specification of deliverables if one of the most important steps in our initial discussions with our clients. Specifying exactly what deliverables a client wants and to what level of precision can save the client a lot of time and cost in the long run.

What is a digital surface model (DSM)?

A digital surface model (DSM) made by a drone refers to a 3D representation of the Earth's surface that is created through the use of remote sensing technology. Drones are equipped with sensors that capture high-resolution images of the ground surface from different angles, which are then processed and stitched together to create a comprehensive 3D map. The DSM is different from other elevation models, as it includes all surface features, including trees, buildings, and other objects on the ground. DSMs have a wide range of applications, including land management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

A Digital Surface Model (DSM) is a 3D representation of a geographic area that shows the height, shape, and texture of the terrain and any objects on the surface. It is created using digital elevation data obtained from various sources such as aerial photography, LIDAR, or satellite imagery. DSMs can be used in a variety of applications, including urban planning, flood risk assessment, and infrastructure development. They provide a detailed view of the Earth's surface, allowing for accurate measurements of elevation and topography. DSMs are a valuable tool for analyzing and visualizing the landscape and can be used to support a wide range of geospatial analyses.

What is a digital terrain model (DTM)?

A digital terrain model (DTM) created by a drone refers to a highly accurate and detailed digital representation of the Earth's surface, generated through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced sensors and cameras. These sensors collect a vast amount of data, which is then processed using specialized software to create a 3D model of the terrain. The resulting DTM is typically used for various applications such as urban planning, construction, forestry, agriculture, and natural resource management. The advantage of using a drone to create a DTM is its ability to capture data from hard-to-reach areas and produce high-resolution images with incredible accuracy.

A digital terrain model (DTM) is a digital representation of the Earth's surface that captures the elevation data of a particular area, represented in a grid format. It is created by using specialized software that analyzes data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and ground-based surveys. The DTM accurately portrays the three-dimensional topography of the terrain, including the height and slope of the land, and can be used for a wide range of applications, such as urban planning, flood management, geological analysis, and environmental modeling. DTMs are widely used in the fields of cartography, geology, geography, and remote sensing, among others.

What is a DSM / DTM / DEM?

DSM (Digital Surface Model), DTM (Digital Terrain Model), and DEM (Digital Elevation Model) are three commonly used terms in the field of geomatics and remote sensing. These models represent different types of 3D data models that are used to represent the elevation of the Earth's surface. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are some significant differences between these models.

Digital Surface Model (DSM)

A DSM represents the topmost surface of the Earth's terrain, including any vegetation, buildings, and other objects that may be present on the ground. In other words, a DSM is a digital representation of the Earth's surface with all features and objects included. DSMs are commonly used in applications such as urban planning, flood modelling, and environmental studies, where a detailed representation of the Earth's surface is required.

Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

A DTM represents the bare Earth surface, excluding any objects or features above the terrain such as vegetation, buildings, and other structures. DTMs are used to study the Earth's surface in its natural form, and are commonly used in applications such as topographic mapping, hydrology, and soil mapping. DTMs are created by removing all features from a DSM, leaving only the terrain elevation data.

Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

A DEM represents the elevation of the Earth's surface in a digital format, regardless of whether it is covered by objects or features such as vegetation or buildings. DEMs can be derived from both DSMs and DTMs, and are used in a wide range of applications, such as flood risk assessment, land management, and geological studies.

Key Differences

The main differences between DSMs, DTMs, and DEMs lie in the type of data they represent and the applications they are used for. DSMs represent the topmost surface of the Earth's terrain, while DTMs represent the bare earth.

What is LIDAR?

Lidar drone mapping is the use of drones equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) technology to create high-resolution 3D maps of terrain, buildings, and other objects. The drone emits laser beams that bounce off objects and return to the drone's sensors, creating a detailed point cloud of the object or terrain. The resulting data can be used in a variety of applications, including urban planning, construction, and environmental monitoring. Lidar drone mapping is faster and more accurate than traditional surveying methods and can cover a larger area with greater detail in less time, making it an increasingly popular tool for mapping and surveying professionals. More about LIDAR...

What is optical zoom?

Optical zoom is a feature found in cameras that allows you to change the focal length of the lens, which in turn magnifies the image. Unlike digital zoom, which simply enlarges the pixels of an image, optical zoom physically moves the lens elements to zoom in or out, resulting in a higher-quality, more detailed image.

Optical zoom is better than digital zoom for several reasons. Firstly, optical zoom maintains the image quality and sharpness because it captures more detail from the subject. In contrast, digital zoom often results in a pixelated, blurry image because it enlarges the existing pixels of an image, which degrades the quality.

Secondly, optical zoom allows you to get closer to your subject without physically moving closer, which can be useful in situations where you cannot or do not want to approach your subject closely. This can be especially helpful for wildlife photography or for taking photos of events from a distance.

Overall, optical zoom is a valuable feature that can help you capture high-quality, detailed images from a distance, making it a must-have for many photographers.

What is an orthomosaic?

An orthomosaic is a high-resolution, georeferenced image produced by stitching together multiple overlapping aerial or drone images. Unlike a regular mosaic, an orthomosaic corrects for perspective distortion and terrain variations, resulting in a highly accurate and detailed representation of the area being imaged.

Orthomosaics are used in a variety of fields, including agriculture, construction, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. For example, in agriculture, orthomosaics can be used to create detailed maps of crop health and yield, allowing farmers to optimize their planting and fertilization strategies. In construction, orthomosaics can be used to monitor progress and identify potential safety hazards on a job site. In urban planning, orthomosaics can be used to map out infrastructure and identify areas in need of maintenance or repair. And in environmental monitoring, orthomosaics can be used to track changes in land use, detect changes in water quality, and monitor wildlife habitats.

What is orthophoto?

An orthophoto is a georeferenced aerial or satellite photograph that has been corrected for topographic relief, camera tilt, and other distortions so that it has a uniform scale and can be used for precise measurement and mapping.

To create an orthophoto, multiple overlapping images of an area are captured from different angles and heights. These images are then corrected for distortions, such as perspective and relief displacement, using photogrammetric techniques. The result is an image that has a uniform scale and can be used for accurate measurements of distance, area, and volume.

Orthophotos are used in a variety of applications, including urban planning, land surveying, environmental management, and emergency response. They are particularly useful for identifying and mapping changes in land use, such as the expansion of urban areas or the conversion of natural habitats. Orthophotos can also be used to create detailed terrain models and to plan the placement of infrastructure, such as roads and buildings.

What is Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is a technique that involves the use of photographs to measure and extract three-dimensional information about an object or scene. It involves taking multiple photographs of an object or area from different angles and then using software to analyze the images and create a 3D model. The process involves identifying common points on the photographs and using these points to triangulate the location of the object in three-dimensional space.

Photogrammetry has many applications in various fields, such as surveying, architecture, engineering, and mapping. It is used to create accurate and detailed maps, models of buildings and landscapes, and to measure distances and volumes. In archaeology, photogrammetry is used to create 3D models of ancient artifacts and structures, allowing researchers to study and analyze them in detail without risking damage to the original objects. It is also used in cinematography to create special effects and computer-generated imagery. With the advancement of technology, photogrammetry has become a powerful tool for capturing and analysing complex visual data. More about 3D Mapping...

What is Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)?

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) is a type of satellite-based positioning system that is commonly used in surveying and mapping applications. RTK technology uses a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System) and GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals to provide highly accurate and precise location information. Unlike traditional GPS systems that provide accuracy within a few meters, RTK systems can provide centimeter-level accuracy in real-time. RTK works by using a fixed base station that receives satellite signals and transmits corrections to a mobile rover receiver in real-time. This allows the rover to calculate its precise location relative to the base station with high accuracy and speed.

What is a UAV/UAS/Drone?

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): UAV is the technical term for a drone. It refers to any aircraft that can be operated without a human pilot on board.

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System): UAS encompasses not just the drone itself (UAV) but also the associated ground control station, communication systems, and any additional equipment required for its operation.

What is Ultra High Definition?

UHD or Ultra High Definition signifies that a camera's resolution is 3840x2160 pixels. This is exactly four time higher than high definition cameras (1920x1080 pixels), and so UHD is often also know as 4K. More about drone photography...