New to DroneLink - Looking to create 3D models
Hello everyone,
I was referred to DroneLink recently as an alternative to DroneDeploy. I am starting off as a hobbyist but the only thing I am looking to do is create 3D models of buildings with my DJI Air 2, using it with android. Is it possible to create 3D models of buildings (Cross hatch grids and circular patterns around large objects), with the Elite version of the hobby plan? I hope was trying to find a number for a sales department but could not find any number.
I just dont want to invest in something and realize it does not provide what I need to work on photogrametry. Apologies in advance if this question seems silly.
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Hi Mark, welcome to the DroneLink community! DroneLink is very nice mission planning app which will allow you to capture the images to then produce the 3D model via Photogrammetry. DroneLink has nothing to do with the Photogrammetry process. There are a multitude of software package that do photogrammetry from free to very expensive.
Webodm is free. It is not easy to setup and not what I would call premium software but it is FREE.
3DF Zephyr Free is limited to 50 photos, so good for a vehicle of very small project.
3DF Zephyr Lite is very nice and cost $150 USD
Pix4D and Agisoft are in the $4000-$5000 range and they are very good
3D Survey is a monthly based program that is very good but not feasible for a hobbyist
There are even more that I am not listing.
I would start with WebODM or Zephyr Free to just play around. There is alot to learn regarding different acquisition techniques and processing them. You won't learn it overnight but you can have alot of fun doing it.
Thank you for this helpful feedback, FlyinLo!
I have begun exploring the free version of WebODM, it does look promising with processing photos for 3D models. Never knew about about Zephyr Free, but will look into this as well.
Regarding DroneLinks abilities, I think the only question remaining is if the elite hobby version can take BOTH nadir and oblique shots? Before the photogrametry process it sometimes helps me if I can gather photos of the side of the building with my drone. Is that possible to instruct the DJI Air 2 to retrieve shots on different angles with the elite hobby version?
Thanks again for everything. I am already having a lot of fun learning about this process!
The Elite has the mapping function. Creating a very good 3D Model of a building (or any structure) will in almost all cases involve many more photos than, say mapping for volume calculations.
The Elite plan will allow you to setup mapping missions to suit your needs. This is where it just takes practice and starting out will very small projects will be very beneficial. You can fly "double grid missions" and then fly multiple "orbits" (at different altitudes) to get oblique photos. You could end up with alot of photos for even a small project. Then as you perfect your flights, capture techniques, and processing abilities, you will then desire to move on to bigger projects. Hope this helps.
Very Nice!! What did you use to process?
Tim
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Very interesting topic Gents. I am also n the way to step into this type of business.
Just to clear my understanding and to be with you on the same page :
1- I will use DRONELINK to take the pictures with One of the Mission Planning
2- I will upload these pictures to AgiSoft LLc Stroe or whoever other 3D Photogrammetry Software to build the 3D model
Am I right ??
Hello Khaled,
1 - Yes, create mission plans within Dronelink, whether it is Maps, or Facades with the overlaps and sample distance you need and Fly the mission in the app to collect data
2 - Upload data to your photogrammetry tool of choice for processing
For others looking at this thread interested in Agisoft, we do have an integration for very advanced mapping that can import a file generated by this following process to create an inspection mission. If you want more info about this, it's a Growth feature that I can share more details about privately.
https://agisoft.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/31000157953-mission-planning-for-complex-structures
Thanks Jacob. Really very impressive presentation. Definitely, I will be subscribing to Agisoft very soon. I am still in the mood of building knowledge base.
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