The Smart Uploader is a native functionality that takes a complete set of aerial data and automatically sorts it into the appropriate plans for upload and processing in DroneDeploy. This tool eliminates the need to manually sort imagery into categories like map plans, Panos, videos, and photo plans before processing.
The Smart Uploader uses a plan detection algorithm to sort media. It summarizes all aerial data by plan type, allowing for easy visualization and confirmation. If you fly multiple plans, you can automatically upload all of them into a single project.
Availability: Who has access?
Smart Uploader is available for all paid DroneDeploy Aerial subscriptions.
This feature works with both 2D and 3D map views.
It natively supports Ground Maps.
Functionality is included in the web app
How to use Smart Uploader
Follow these steps to upload and process your data using the Smart Uploader:
Select your files. Navigate to the Upload tab and drag your files into the selection area or click to browse your computer.
Review the suggested plan types. The algorithm suggests a processing type for each data set (e.g., Map Plan, Photo Plan, or Facade).
Change plan types (optional). If you need to correct a plan detection, click the three dots menu on the right side of the row and select a different upload type.
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Merge data sets (optional). To combine data:
Click the three dots next to the capture date.
Select Merge with.
Choose the data set you want to merge and rename the map if desired.
Start the upload. Click Start Upload to begin processing your data.
How to choose a location (Ground Media Only):
When manually uploading a Walk or other Ground Media, we will need to understand more about your capture location, as well as start and end points, so we can align the pathway to your project. Now, in upload, you can choose these locations by following the prompts:
1. Choose the orange icon to choose start and end points:
2. For Walks, drag the 1 and 2 icons to your desired start and end. For images drop the pin in the intended location.
Lastly, Start Upload!
How to Assign an Interior Level to your Media
If you wish to place your data on the interior of your project, choose More > Assign Level. We'll show you your interior drawing and allow you to place media there.
For more detailed information on levels and interior management, check out: Uploading & Managing Levels
Key Features
Automatic Media Sorting: Uses an algorithm to detect and categorize flight data.
GCP Support: Ground Control Points are available to upload via the Smart Uploader. See Processing GCPs with Smart Uploader
Flexible Correction: You can manually override any automated plan detection before starting the upload.
360 Video Support: Compatible with walkthrough files in .insv and .mp4 formats.
Limitations
Project Limit: You can only upload to one project at a time.
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File Size Limits: * JPG/JPEG: 1GB
LAS: 5GB
MP4/MOV/INSV: 20GB
OBS: 200MB
MRK: 2MB
Walkthroughs: If you are uploading .mp4 walkthrough files, use the Special upload types section.
FAQs
Q: Can I still use the legacy uploader?
A: Yes, you can choose between the Smart Uploader and the Legacy Uploader on the Upload tab.
Q: Can I merge plans from different locations?
A: You should only merge plans that represent the same physical area and project.
Q: What happens if I have multiple photo plans in one upload?
A: If the plans were flown using DroneDeploy, the Smart Uploader creates the appropriate breakout of folders automatically.
Q: Can I add more files after a merge operation?
A: Yes. After merging, you can add more images. These images are reprocessed by the sorting algorithm, and you will need to perform the merge operation again.
Q: How do I upload the walkthrough files from my desktop?
A: Smart Uploader is currently compatible with 360 videos in .insv and .mp4 format. Drag and drop both of your .insv 360 video files or an .mp4 file into the smart upload file selection area and follow the instructions to process your walkthrough plan. If you are uploading 360 video files in .mp4 format, please go to the “special upload types” section and upload as a walkthrough plan.
Q: Are .insp files supported?
A: Preprocessed panos in .insp format are not supported at this time. Preprocessed pano's in .jpg formats are supported and more information is provided here.
Merging plans FAQ:
Q: What Plan types can I merge?
A: Maps, Panos, Photo Groups, Facades
Q: Can I merge plans from different locations?
A: We don’t recommend merging the plans from different locations, as it may result in processing errors. However, we don’t prevent users from merging any plan with any other.
Q: Can I merge plans from different dates?
A: Yes, you can combine the data from different dates. The resulting plan will inherit the most frequently occurring date in all the images.
Q: Can I merge plans that already have GCPs?
A: No, once the GCPs have been added to the plan, we can not merge additional images as it may cause inaccuracies in the processing phase.
Q: Can I add more files after the merge operations?
A: Yes, after merging the plan, users can add more images, which would be reprocessed by a sorting algorithm. After the processing is done, user will need to perform the merge operation again.
Q: Can I split the plans?
A: As of today, only merge functionality is available. Splitting is not permitted.
Q: Can I upload from shared drives?
A: We don't recommend uploading from shared/online drives. If you run into an error, try uploading from an SD card or your local storage.
Smart Uploader Demo Video:
V2.2