/r/UAVmapping
A subreddit for sharing information about the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for mapping, modeling, and photogrammetry purposes. Share your mapping rig, ask for help with data processing, gets tips on flights, and anything else you want to know.
Intoduction
/r/UAVmapping is a community for both those that are new to the UAV mapping field and those that have years of experience.
The industry around aerial mapping and photogrammetry is changing and there are plenty of questions out there about gear, techniques, software, cameras, and other parts of the trade.
Come share your knowledge and ask others for theirs.
Regulations
Links
MapKnitter
(Free Online Map Creator, useful for ortho-rectification and image stitching)
Imaging
Free Video To JPG Converter
(useful for GoPro video)
KAP (Kite Aerial Photography) Script For CHDK
The KAP Exposure Control Lua script is a intervalometer script that automatically controls shutter speed, aperture, ND filter, and ISO settings so as to maintain the fast shutter speeds needed in kite aerial photography (KAP) and unmanned aerial vehicle photography (UAV), can be used with or without a USB trigger cable.
Software
Comparison Of Premium Photogrammetric Software (Most Not Free)
CMPMVS
Multi-view reconstruction software.
ImageJ / Fiji
(useful for NDVI)
Google Earth Pro
Now Free!
GRASS GIS 6.4.6
Geographic Resources Analysis Support System, used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization.
OSSIM
OSSIM is a powerful suite of geospatial libraries and applications used to process/ortho-rectify imagery, maps, terrain, and vector data.
QGIS
A Free and Open Source Geographic Information System.
Related Subs
/r/UAVmapping
Hi, I’ve been experimenting with producing drone orthophotos for my work and have been getting some good results. However, a lot of the time the results are warped around trees and other tall objects where it has draped the photos over the 3d mesh it has created, causing this warping 2d look to the final photo. Is there a way to process photos without draping on the 3d mesh, or a way to minimize this effect? These were taken at 80% overlap and sidelap. Any tips are appreciated, thanks.
I'm diving into my first Raspberry Pi project, aiming to create an NDVI camera for house plants based on this guide: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/astropi-ndvi/0. To calculate NDVI, I need to capture red and infrared (IR) light on separate channels.
The guide suggests using the Raspberry Pi HQ Camera with the IR filter removed and adding a dual-bandpass filter (plus a lens, though it's not explicitly mentioned). However, for my first project, I'd prefer to avoid the expense of the HQ Camera setup and use the Pi NoIR camera instead.
The guide recommends pairing the NoIR camera with a blue filter gel so that the blue and IR light are used in NDVI calculations, though this yields limited sensitivity compared to red light. I’m wondering, is there a specific reason I shouldn’t use a Pi NoIR camera with a red filter? My thought is to have the blue channel capture IR light and the red channel capture both IR and red light.
Any insights into potential issues or alternative approaches would be greatly appreciated!
Is there a way to upload gcp’s from a normal txt or csv file WITHOUT having to go through WebODM gcp interface and manually find the points in a photo?
I’ve tried formatting my txt file EXACTLY how WebODM says to do it on their gcp file format page.
However it keeps getting kicked back.
When you have 1500 photos, going through and finding every single gcp in frame is extremely times consuming.
Hey everybody, I'm having a heck of a time trying to get the data we collected to work in C3D. It's 2cm RGB, exported as GeoTIFF and then converted to ECW to compress the size. All the rasters are well below the 500MB limit I read that exists for C3D. Our client hasn't been able to load them.
I just grabbed C3D trial and using MAPIINSERT fails with the same error about unsupported files that the user reports. We have attempted loading GeoTIFF in the same way with the same error. Even when attempting to create a data connection to the folder with MAPWSPACE, the window just flashes and nothing adds.
I know that there has to be something I'm missing, and any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm not a frequent AutoCAD user and can't seem to find that sauce.
So I messed up.
In trying to increase the ram and cores used by webodm and docker through the .wslconfig customization, my web odm no longer functions.
at first, i appropriately allocated the memory, but then my processing nodes weren't functioning correctly, so i tinkered with that for a while trying to fix it before i decided to just uninstall and start over, only now, it will now allow me to install the container into docker through git. i get this
User MINGW64 ~
$ git clone https://github.com/OpenDroneMap/WebODM --config core.autocrlf=input --depth 1
fatal: destination path 'WebODM' already exists and is not an empty directory.
user MINGW64 ~
$ git clone https://github.com/OpenDroneMap/WebODM --config core.autocrlf=input --depth 1
Cloning into 'WebODM'...
remote: Enumerating objects: 1321, done.
remote: Counting objects: 100% (1321/1321), done.
remote: Compressing objects: 100% (1143/1143), done.
remote: Total 1321 (delta 169), reused 814 (delta 112), pack-reused 0 (from 0)
Receiving objects: 100% (1321/1321), 34.69 MiB | 14.54 MiB/s, done.
Resolving deltas: 100% (169/169), done.
user MINGW64 ~
$ cd WebODM
user MINGW64 ~/WebODM (master)
$ ./webodm.sh start
Checking for docker... OK
Checking for docker-compose... OK
Generating secret in ./.secret_key
Starting WebODM...
Using the following environment:
================================
Host: localhost
Port: 8000
Media directory: appmedia
Postgres DB directory: dbdata
SSL: NO
SSL key:
SSL certificate:
SSL insecure port redirect: 80
Celery Broker: redis://broker
Default Nodes: 1
Settings:
Worker memory limit:
Worker cpus limit:
================================
Make sure to issue a ./webodm.sh down if you decide to change the environment.
docker-compose -f docker-compose.yml -f docker-compose.nodeodm.yml up --scale node-odm=1
time="2024-10-30T10:13:40-06:00" level=warning msg="C:\\Users\\jmaxwell\\WebODM\\docker-compose.yml: the attribute `version` is obsolete, it will be ignored, please remove it to avoid potential confusion"
time="2024-10-30T10:13:40-06:00" level=warning msg="C:\\Users\\jmaxwell\\WebODM\\docker-compose.nodeodm.yml: the attribute `version` is obsolete, it will be ignored, please remove it to avoid potential confusion"
[+] Running 5/5
✘ db Error context canceled 0.8s
✘ node-odm Error context canceled 0.8s
✘ broker Error context canceled 0.8s
✘ worker Error failed to resolve reference "docker.io/... 0.8s
✘ webapp Error context canceled 0.8s
Error response from daemon: failed to resolve reference "docker.io/opendronemap/webodm_webapp:latest": failed to authorize: failed to fetch oauth token: unexpected status from GET request to https://auth.docker.io/token?scope=repository%3Aopendronemap%2Fwebodm_webapp%3Apull&service=registry.docker.io: 401 Unauthorized
I've tried deleting and reinstalling multiple times to include deleting the webodm folder from my c drive, uninstalling git and docker, then restarting my computer and trying to install everything again. nothing is working. i cannot figure it out.
Is there a noticeable difference in GPS quality between the D-RTK2 and the R10 from Trimble? This is when performing PPK processing through Red Toolbox using CORS data, with both set up on a known point.
The field techs have finally blessed me with my own Trimble R10 base to shoot in my own control with a VRS login.
Hi, I want to start UAV-mapping using my DJI Mini SE. I'd want to use Map pilot pro for image gathering and use WebODM for processing, but I could not find support for Map Pilot Pro with my drone. How would I best start doing mapping using my drone and which software would you recommend for image gathering?
Hi, my partner and I have unexpectedly inherited my parents' farm in Ireland. We did not see this coming so are wildly unprepared and would massively appreciate any advice at all from you seasoned professionals.
The farm is roughly 53ha and we need to get a new mapping of it, according to our hired helping hand. We're looking into remote sensing (via drone) but we feel quite vulnerable to getting ripped off as it's very clear we're newbies to this.
We have a few quotes but would really appreciate if anyone could tell us what this usually costs? (rough average is absolutely fine, I know it depends on a few things)
Thanks!
Hi everyone! I’m working on a project in Agisoft Metashape and I’d like to export an orthophoto with an isometric perspective. I’ve tried exporting the 3D model to Blender to achieve this effect, but the texture quality isn’t as good as I’d like, so I’m hoping to generate an orthophoto directly from Metashape.
Is there a way to adjust the view in Metashape to capture an isometric perspective (like 30° or 45° on the axes) for a high-quality orthophoto?
Any tips for capturing a high-resolution isometric orthophoto in Metashape or improving texture quality on export would be greatly appreciated!
Some basic questions here. I'll soon have access to an L2 payload for DJI M350. I remember reading somehwhere on here that DJI Terra only processes the vertical reference from GCPs, am I correct in remembering this? If so, what cost effective piece of software should I be using to process the cloud data to enable full XYZ correction from the GCPs. Similarly, obtaining quality reports of the resultant cloud to check points. Could probably stretch to paying for some decent software if needed as there will be more work coming from this, especially if that software opens up other opportunities and deliverables. Thanks
OK, so perhaps I'm the last one to the party, the kid sleeping in the back row of the lecture etc., but I just had an epiphany.
Planning mapping missions on DJI Pilot 2 is, frankly, a pain in the arse. Small screen, big fingers etc.
But the RC Pro is just an android tablet right? That means it should be possible to plug in a mouse and a screen.
And it works. Screen is a given of course, but a mouse plugs in and works just as expected. And again, perhaps I'm the only one who hasn't realized this, but if it helps one other person from trying to see where the damn corner of the field is underneath their finger (and yes, I know I can import kmz), then my work here is done.
Hi, I have a series of 200-300ac fields to map with a mavic 3E. The end deliverable is a DEM. How many GCPs should I use? I was thinking of something like 12-16. How many checkpoints should be used? I will be locating GCPs with and emlid rs2.
Newbie here.. recently bought Mini 4 pro and wanted to get into general mapping and photogrammetry and was wondering what tool should I use for route planning? Is there any free and open source solutions out there?
Is there a method/approach for sunglint correction with RGB band?
Hi all, I just had a questions about the free version of drone deploy. Background: I have some past mapping experience using gcps and a mavic 2. In the past I have used drone deploy for my automated mission planning. My new company has a project trying to find interconnected surface water. They have given the go ahead (somewhat hesitantly) to rent a Mavic 3T for me to map some stream channels and the rental has come with an RTK attachment. The new company does not have an accurate gps for gcps, so that method wont work. I started planning with drone deploy as I always have, but see that the RTK is only available for paid version (which my company definitely will not pay for). My question is, is it possible to do PPK corrections later if I fly with the RTK attached with the free version of drone deploy. Or will it not log anything and essentially be disabled? Still new and unfamiliar with RTK workflow. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks
https://isprs-archives.copernicus.org/full_text_search.html
I would recommend searching this archive for useful information backed by a scientific method.
This is an interesting article that compares an Ouster and Livox sensor. https://isprs-archives.copernicus.org/articles/XLIII-B1-2020/371/2020/
Many more articals related to protocols, noise reduction & methodology, etc.
Hello,
My first real project suddenly is a 70 hectares elongated and relatively flat land parcel with over 2000 m on the long side and 400-500m wide. The question about the GPS survey vs UAV survey and of course the price is the main argument for the customer. GPS survey seems to be a simplest solution but with the requested spacing of 20 m that would make over 40 km of walking distance. Was not expecting that haha. However, with the UAV mapping as an alternative, I am afraid I have to do a 2-3 trips to cover the entire area because I have only 4 batteries and not so many GCP targets.
What would be the best approach for this project? So fat I have only done a few small mapping projects with 2-3 batteries max and using the RTK GPS for GCPs. I am using a Phantom 4 Pro. Appreciate all the answers 😊
My company, that works in the environmental sector, is looking at getting a drone. It would be used for general aerial imagery and volume measurements of landfills and mounds etc. But what really would seal the deal would be if we could also measure GPS coordinates for specific points, i.e. sample sites, groundwater-pipes etc.
From what I've seen here it seems that drones are more used for topological mapping than specific points, could they compete with a handheld GPS in that regard?
I have been using a Mini Pro 3 to create 3D site models (cm accuracy not required) but flying manually. I would like to automate this, but not many of them support the Mini 3 Pro. So my question is, would either of these two be able to produce the same kind of decent quality 3D site maps as per my screenshot? Any advice appreciated from those who have used both of the software.
Hey y'all, just trying the community for some info. Any leads on where there might be a few of these left in stock? I have heard that customs is slowly clearing shipments and some are starting to go up for sale but, I can't seem to find any anywhere.
Hello all,
TL;DR: How do I move my point cloud in DJI Terra to match arbitrary coordinates in Topcon Office / Civil3D? or other software?
I'm a dirt counter by trade getting into droning with a good ol M350 rtk and L2. After grasping the basics I've decided on a trial run at my company's new shop to compare against some previous topos ive made. After thinking I did something wrong exporting into my state's plane, after many hours of hardship I made the disturbing conclusion that my model wasn't in any projection plane (thanks engineer), just sorta close to our state one...
Well I can't really compare my topos if they are like 50 ft from eachother so does anyone know how to fix this? I'm not really a big boy surveyor or cad specialist, I'm just kind of the tech guy. I figure I can probably do something in terra with the Arbitrary coordinates output, or maybe something with cloud compare. But this kinda goes above my knowledge on my first project with the drone and having just a surface (heh heh) level ability in CAD. Any input?
I.E of the coordinate discrepancy my Arb. Base location is:
N: 732339.7490 E: 2356230.9350 Elv: 2326.420 USFT
When my actual point on the state plane is:
N: 732262.3740 E: 2355968.6753 Elv: 2287.578 USFT
Edit: I use topcon stuff like hiper VRs if that matters
Been a little while since I had this lil guy out. It was a beautiful day to fly.
Here are the results of this test run on the 3D mapping features: Software used to process the point cloud: Metashape and Autodesk Recap
Hello all!
I am currently trying to process layers in Sitescan and keep getting this error when I process my “R” multi spec layer. I have successfully processed my “NIR” “G” “RE” layer with no errors.
I am not sure how to fix this error, or what my next steps are.
I collected the data using a M3M.
I am a noob with drones and just trying to pass a class so I would appreciate a good step by step answer, and an explanation like I am 5
Thanks!