Mapping very large areas requires careful planning and consideration, especially when dealing with thousands of images. Here’s a guideline to help you manage and process large-scale imagery efficiently in DroneDeploy.
1. Estimate Image Requirements
As a general rule, mapping at 400ft altitude typically requires about one image per acre. For example:
- 3,000 images at 400ft can cover approximately 3,000 acres.
- 10,000 images at 400ft could cover around 10,000 acres.
Understanding the scale of your project will help you plan your flights, storage needs, and upload times.
2. Consider the Final Output
Before uploading a high-volume dataset, think about how you plan to use the finished product:
- What is the desired resolution and map quality?
- Will this data need to be shared for use in CAD software outside of DroneDeploy?
Answering these questions helps determine the optimal flight planning and processing strategy.
3. Divide Large Projects into Smaller Flights
Processing very large datasets in one batch can be challenging. For better quality and efficiency, consider splitting the mission into multiple smaller flights. Benefits include:
- Improved processing reliability
- Easier tracking of uploaded images
- Reduced the likelihood of errors during upload or processing
4. Uploading and Processing in DroneDeploy
Once your flights are complete and imagery is ready:
- Ensure all images have embedded GPS coordinates and correct metadata.
- Upload images through DroneDeploy, keeping batches manageable if needed.
- DroneDeploy will automatically detect supported sensors and align imagery.
Following these practices ensures your large-area maps are processed accurately and efficiently. For more details on this topic, refer to the article: Mapping Large Areas
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