DroneDeploy Side-by-Side Comparison — Track progress and detect changes over time
The side-by-side comparison tool allows you to compare project media to one another. Use this functionality to visually track changes, detect field notes, and monitor visual differences over time on a job site.
What is Side-by-Side Comparison?
Side-by-Side Comparison provides a split-screen view to evaluate two pieces of media from different dates simultaneously. This tool supports 360 Panos, aerial panoramas, and Walkthroughs. It enables linked panning to review changes in specific areas, such as apartment units or classrooms.
Availability: Who has access?
Side-by-Side Comparison is available for all paid DroneDeploy Aerial subscriptions. It is accessible on both web and mobile platforms.
How to use Side-by-Side Comparison:
Open your project in DroneDeploy. Navigate to the media (Photo, Pano, or Walkthrough) you want to capture.
Enter Compare Mode.
For Panos: Click the Compare icon in the top bar.
For Media (Photos): Select a photo and click the Square icon in the top right corner of the navigation bar.
For Walkthroughs: Select a walkthrough and click the Circular Plus icon in the top right corner.
Adjust your view. Use the date picker or plan pickers in the top bar to select the media for comparison.
Align media. Click the Lock button to enable or disable camera locking. If the media is misaligned, click Unlock, adjust the camera position, and click Lock to sync the views.
Key Features
Linked Panning: Navigate both views together to see the exact same location across different dates.
Minimaps: Each side of the split-screen includes a minimap for location context.
Date Switcher: Quickly change the comparison date using the dropdown menu in the top bar.
When and why do we use this tool?
This tool is ideal for:
Field Progress Updates: Visually confirm construction milestones.
Quality Assurance: Compare finished work against previous site conditions.
Stakeholder Reporting: Share clear visual evidence of site changes over time.
Limitations
The tool only supports the comparison of the same media type (e.g., Walkthrough to Walkthrough).
You must have at least two instances of a media type on the same level or exterior to use this feature.
Creating or opening Field Notes is unavailable while in Compare Mode.
Alignment adjustments are temporary and do not save if you leave the article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Compare Mode support different media types?
A: No. Aerial panoramas compare to other aerial panoramas, 360 Panos to other 360 Panos, and walkthroughs to other walkthroughs.
Q: What should I do if my media is misaligned?
A: Unlock the view using the Lock button, adjust the camera to the correct position, and relock the view to sync the images.
Q: How does the tool choose which media to compare?
A: The system identifies the most recently captured nearest panorama of the same type on the same level. If the selection is incorrect, use the dropdown menu in the top bar to choose a different pano or date.
V2.2