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

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

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.

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

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
• Multi-spectral – Multi-spectral image support and orthophotos with false colored NDVI and similar metrics
• 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 and PointMesh Edit tools are available in PhotoModeler Scanner. PhotoModeler UAS also includes support for Volumes, geographic coordinate systems, multi-spectral images, camera auto-calibration and PDF project report.

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

Tutorials by Application

UAV/Drone Introduction Tutorial
UAS/Drone Orthophoto Tutorial
UAS/Drone Ground Control Points Tutorial
UAS/Drone Dense Surface Tutorial
UAS/Drone Contours and Profiles Tutorial
UAS/Drone Add Points Tutorial
Survey Grade Accuracy with a Drone without Ground Control (blog post)
Modify PointMesh Tutorial
PointMesh Editing Tutorial
UAS/UAV Photography Tip Video
Colorize by Height Tip Video
Do's and Don'ts for DSM