3D Models

Have more questions? Submit a request

Best practice for Creating Exceptional 3D Models with DroneDeploy

Utilizing 3D models is a powerful way of visualizing objects in three dimensions. DroneDeploy automatically processes 3D models when you upload your image dataset. However, please note that Live Maps and Geotiff Uploads won't have associated 3D models.

 

Below is a guide describing the best practices for capturing oblique imagery during flight and uploading it to DroneDeploy.com, alongside a 3D model example. 

                   

Read this guide to ensure your 3D models turn out like the "After" image.

Oblique imagery:
A set of oblique images consists of photos taken at an angle rather than straight down 90° (nadir). Our flight plan's obliques will typically be around 65°. 

Flying with DroneDeploy Enhance 3D:
Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 10.35.15 AM.png
Enhanced 3D combines Perimeter 3D with Crosshatch mode for optimal 3D capture. By combining both of these modes, the flight plan will capture 90° and 65° angled images. This feature is only supported for drones created after the Phantom 4. Any drone created before the Phantom 4 will be incompatible with enhanced 3D mode. Please look at our list of Supported Drones to determine the compatibility of your drone and DroneDeploy flight app.
Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 10.36.02 AM.png

Perimeter 3D Mode captures 90° images from the perimeter of your mission plan, facing toward the center of your subject and being careful not to include the horizon in the shots. But to obtain even more obliques over your subject, you may want to add crosshatch mode. This should typically be done when one wants an excellent 3D model of an entire area or block instead of a single structure. Nadir images from the top with just Perimeter 3D are ideal for a single structure. Perimeter 3D also improves the edges around your map and model, creating a cleaner look around the perimeter.

 

Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 10.39.59 AM.png

                                                  Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 10.53.01 AM.png

Perimeter 3D

When flying in Perimeter 3D mode, the drone will take images at 90° degrees down, looking towards the centroid of the map area. When Enhanced 3D mode is turned on, Perimeter 3D mode and Crosshatch mode are combined to create the type of flight template displayed below.

              Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 10.54.50 AM.png

Enabling Enhanced 3D Mode

 

Best Practice to Capture Oblique Image

Capturing oblique imagery is critical to improving the appearance and shape reconstruction of 3D models.

Example of Difference:

                              Screen_Shot_2021-04-27_at_2.26.43_PM.png

No low-level obliques were added.

                             Screen_Shot_2021-04-27_at_2.27.03_PM.png

With low-level oblique images included.

To capture oblique images manually:

  1. Pilot the drone to the same altitude as the original mission but with a camera-to-ground angle of 45 degrees.
  2. You can navigate the drone at this altitude and camera gimbal angle until you have the entire object you wish to model in the frame. Depending on the size and surroundings of an object, this camera angle or altitude may not work. Please use your judgment.
  3. From this location, pivot your drone around the object in a radius, capturing photos as frequently as possible.

Tips

  • Higher overlap in both the DroneDeploy mission and oblique imagery yields higher-quality models. This is achieved during manual flight by flying slower or taking photos faster. You can think of the drone as a spray can and the images as paint. When you fly the area of interest, you want to take enough pictures to coat it with one coat of paint. One thing to remember is that obliques have a diminishing return, and if too many are taken, it can make it easier to stitch a map. 
  • To improve 3D model recreation of objects with overhanging features, such as roofs, eaves, or archways, capture oblique images taken at lower altitudes and shallower angles (Set 1). Oblique images stitch best if there is no sky in the background (although sometimes it is unavoidable).
  • Oblique images stitch best if there is no sky in the background (although sometimes it is unavoidable). Steeper camera angles usually capture less sky, so less than 45° angles are preferred (Sets 2 and 3).
  • Point of Interest Tool in DJI - DJI pilots can use the point of interest tool to quickly generate the orbits in the diagram above. I've included an instructional video here.
  • GPS and 3D Models: Noisy or lack of GPS may adversely affect your map and model. To avoid these issues, it's always good to make sure you have calibrated your compass before the flight.

Example of 3D Structure Workflow:         

Example 3D structure workflow courtesy of http://www.aerialeye.ie/

Including Oblique Imagery During Upload:
You can upload your oblique imagery with your nadir imagery to DroneDeploy. Please refer to our How to Process Datasets guide for instructions.

Adding more imagery to an existing DroneDeploy map:
If you've processed a map with DroneDeploy and want to add oblique images, please use the steps described in our Adding Additional Images to a Map guide.


Example of 3D Model - Technique: 

  • This map covered 1.3 acres and included 128 images.
  • Some images were directly above the object of interest to establish context.
  • Others were taken at oblique angles to capture the side details of the turret.
                 

Nadir image at 173 ft Above Ground Level (AGL)

               

Oblique image at 130 ft AGL

Where to from here?

You can share your maps with users inside or outside of DroneDeploy! Check our Data Sharing guide for instructions on sharing your 3D model.

Articles in this section

Was this article helpful?
3 out of 3 found this helpful