Let’s understand how mapping and surveying can be done using a drone.
Drone technology is a leading disrupter of 21 century. From delivering parcels to doorstep to saving lives in remote areas by medical supplies; it’s a technology that cannot be overlooked by any industry, not even by geospatial. Drones have made it possible to map an area very quickly in a very cost-effective manner, pushing those days back when just satellite imagery was an option. Industries like construction, agriculture, healthcare, disaster support, mining, infrastructure inspection etc. are heavily using drone mapping and surveying, as clear, precise image or 3D model of a project area with accurate measurements makes their decision-making work easy. Quick result delivery and low cost add an additional reason to go for it.
Mapping and surveying using a drone are very simple. Now, in market professional standard drones are readily available at affordable prices which allow anyone to take this job. That can be even you. So let’s understand steps that how mapping and surveying can be done using a drone.
Select as per the requirement
Select the drone as per your requirement. If you have a to-do drone survey for agriculture purpose then DJI Agras MG-1 – Best 8 Rotor Drone, senseFly eBee SQ, Precision Hawk Lancaster 5 are some of the best one. If your purpose is for mining then Yuneec H520, DJI Matrice 200 Review, 3DR Solo Quadcopter 2.0 amongst others is best to opt.
Also Read: How drones are bringing new hope in health sector
Choose Software
Once the drone as per the purpose has been chosen, the next step is the selection of a mapping solution that is a mobile app and a web platform that helps to plan the flight accurately. Mobile mapping automates mapping and photo flights and software creates accurate, high-resolution maps, reports, and 3D models, as well as real-time 2D Live Maps for immediate analysis. For image analysis, transfer the image from storage card to the computer once the data has been captured and upload it to software that will process the data to give final output. There are several software solutions in the market like Pix4D, Drone Deploy, and Precision Hawk amongst many.
Flight Planning
Once the drone and mapping solution has been selected the next step is flight planning. Select the area where you want to do drone mapping along with it ensure safety majors. After finalizing the area, select altitude at which you want to fly the drone. After selecting the area plan the flight using mapping software. For the purpose, log into the software where it will automatically ask to plan a flight. It gives you the satellite image of the area where you just have to click on the square and select it for drone mapping.
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Check Camera settings
Before flying the drone over the selected area check the camera settings. Any bad camera setting can completely destroy the work. If you are not pro in camera, best is to use it in automatic mode and if you have mastered in the art of photography then set it manually to adjust camera settings such as shutter speed, white balance, and ISO manually for crisper and more consistent images for your maps
Also Read: Drones to propel new innovations in the construction industry
Fly and review
Now the work is on the ground. After all selection processes next take the drone to the area where you have planned your flight and fly it. For the purpose connect drone to smartphone go to the drone mapping app and tap on the fly. Review the images captured by drone then and there to ensure that only relevant image goes for final analysis.
Also Read: Top drone industry trends for 2019
Image processing
Once the images have been captured upload the image on the software. For the purpose login to Data Mapper, browse to survey and click on upload survey. Here upload all images and then select output where the image will be processed in form of orthomosaic or 3D point cloud ready to be used for your purpose.
It is important to note here that the science of photogrammetry is applied in drone mapping where measurements are made from photographs which result into map, measurement or 3D model of a real-world object or scene.
Also Read: An Aerial View of the Future – Drones in Construction
