How It Works – PhotoModeler’s UAS

How and When to use PhotoModeler's SmartMatch and DSM with a Drone

​​PhotoModeler UAS uses SmartMatch to automatically detect common features across overlapping aerial photos, allowing DSM (Dense Surface Modeling) to generate 3D point cloud models and surfaces. Models can be enhanced with wireframe line-work, ortho-photos, contours, volumes, geo-referencing, and more.

Appropriate Subjects | Photography | Examples | Tools to Use | Other Resources

Appropriate subjects

The appropriate subjects for SmartMatch/DSM for drone and UAS are those having terrain with natural random textures like the scenes shown below.

photography

Take aerial photos with plenty of overlap (aim for approximately 60% or more side overlap). Typically photos are nadir (pointing straight down) but angled photos will work as well in some cases. A consistent spacing achieved with flight control software gives the best results. Photos should be in focus and exposed well. Random textured surfaces (ground, grass, short plants, sand, coal, roads) produce the best surfaces.

examples

Here are some examples using this technique - with a brief description, a sample photo, the camera positions, and the 3D model for each:

Sample Description

Sample Photo

Photography Layout

3D Result

  • Desert Terrain/Roads
  • 20 photos
  • UAS Tutorial
  • Alternate Arrow Right
    EXIF GPS
  • Stockpile survey
  • 28 photos
  • Colorized by height
  • Alternate Arrow Right
    Volume measurement
  • Open Pit Mine
  • 189 photos
  • Volumes
  • Alternate Arrow Right
    Ortho-photo mosaic

tools to use

PhotoModeler tools/features used in these projects:

  • SmartMatch – To orient your photos and build the approximate shape
  • Geo-coordinate systems – To orient your photos and build the approximate shape
  • DSM/MVS – To build the dense point cloud
  • PointMesh Edit – Triangulation of the point cloud into a surface
  • Volumes – To measure volume of various pile areas
  • Contours – To generate a contoured 3D map
  • Orthophoto – Re-rendering of photographic data to take into account the surface shape
  • PDF Report – Summary of project data and quality analysis exported to a pdf file

SmartMatch, DSM , PointMesh Edit, Volumes, Geographic coordinate systems, Camera Auto-calibration, and PDF project report. tools are available in PhotoModeler Premium.

other resources

Study these articles, tutorials and tips for help with creating a UAS/drone-based PhotoModeler project: