Overview
Utilizing 3D models is a powerful way of visualizing objects in three dimensions. DroneDeploy automatically processes 3D models when you upload your image dataset.
Foundational Concepts: Oblique Imagery
Capturing oblique imagery is critical to improving the appearance and shape reconstruction of 3D models.
- Oblique Imagery: A set of oblique images consists of photos taken at an angle, as opposed to straight down (nadir). For plans made with DroneDeploy, obliques typically use a camera angle of around 65 degrees.
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Nadir Imagery: Images taken straight down (90-degree camera angle).
How to Capture Great 3D Models
Read this guide to best ensure your 3D models turn out like the high-quality examples below.
1. Use Enhanced 3D Flight Mode
Enhanced 3D combines Perimeter 3D with Crosshatch 3D for optimal 3D capture. The Enhanced 3D feature is compatible with most drones created after the Phantom 4.
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Perimeter 3D mode captures oblique images from the perimeter of your mission plan, facing toward the center of your subject. The drone takes images with a 65-degree gimbal angle.
- Add Crosshatch 3D mode to obtain even more obliques over your subject. This should typically be done when you want a good 3D model of an entire area or block.
- For a single structure, nadir images taken from the top with Perimeter 3D are ideal.
2. Manually Capture Oblique Images (If needed)
To capture oblique images manually:
- Pilot the drone to the same altitude as the original mission, but set a gimbal angle of 45 degrees.
- Navigate the drone at this altitude until you have the entire object you wish to model in the frame.
- From this location, pivot the drone in a radius around the object, capturing photos as frequently as possible.
No low-level obliques added
Low-level oblique images included
3. Include Oblique Imagery During Upload
You can upload your set of oblique imagery with your nadir imagery to DroneDeploy. Please refer to our Uploading guide for instructions.
4. Supplement an Existing Map
If you have processed a map with DroneDeploy and want to supplement your mission by adding oblique images, use the steps described in our Adding Additional Images to a Map guide.
Key Details and Best Practices
- Higher overlap in both the DroneDeploy mission and oblique imagery yields higher-quality models. You can achieve this during manual flight by flying slower or taking photos faster.
- To improve 3D model recreation of objects with overhanging features (such as roofs, eaves, or archways), capture oblique images at lower altitudes and shallower angles.
- Oblique images stitch best if the images contain no sky or horizon in the background. Steeper camera angles (less than 45 degrees) usually capture less sky, which is why they are preferred.
- DJI pilots can use the Point of Interest tool to easily generate the necessary orbits.
- Noisy GPS or lack of GPS may adversely affect your map and model. Calibrate your compass prior to flight to avoid these issues.
Limitations and Considerations
- Live Maps and GeoTIFF Uploads will not have associated 3D models.
- One thing to remember is that obliques have a diminishing return, and taking too many can make it more difficult to stitch a map.
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