Drone Services for photos, video, & photogrammetry

Drone Services are available for several purposes. Not until the last 3-4 years has drone photogrammetry begun to take over as an acceptable form of measurement for the built form. Scan Skunks has and maintains Part 107 license to operate for commercial purposes. We are also insured to fly. Drone services are available for photo, video, and photogrammetry purposes. Currently, we do not have the equipment to mount our scanners to drones, but we look forward to adding this to our arsenal in late 2023.

Photogrammetry

Drone photogrammetry is a technique that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to capture high-resolution photographs of an area or object from multiple angles and then process these images to create detailed 3D models, maps, and measurements. This technology combines principles of photography, remote sensing, and computer vision to extract valuable spatial information from the collected imagery. Here's a breakdown of the key components and steps involved in drone photogrammetry:

1. Data Collection:

   • A drone equipped with a camera is flown over the area of interest.
   • The camera captures a series of overlapping images from different angles, typically in a grid or along defined flight paths.
   • Ground control points (GCPs) with known coordinates are placed in the survey area. These GCPs serve as reference points for accurate georeferencing.

2. Image Processing:

   • The captured images are transferred to a computer for processing.
   • Software tools, often specialized photogrammetry software, are used to analyze the images.
   • The software identifies common features or points in the overlapping images (keypoints) and calculates the relative positions and orientations of the images. This process is known as "image matching."

3. Creating a Point Cloud:

   • Once the images are aligned, the software generates a dense point cloud. This point cloud is a 3D representation of the surveyed area, with each point having X, Y, and Z coordinates.

4. Surface Reconstruction:

   • The point cloud can be used to create a 3D mesh or surface model, which represents the terrain or object's external shape.

5. Texture Mapping:

   • The high-resolution images are then draped or projected onto the 3D model's surface to add realistic textures and colors.

6. Data Analysis and Visualization:

   • The resulting 3D models, maps, and orthophotos (geometrically corrected aerial images) can be used for various applications:
     • Topographic Mapping: Creating accurate elevation models and contour maps for land surveying and terrain analysis.
     • Agriculture: Monitoring crop health, estimating yield, and managing land.
     • Construction: Tracking progress, conducting site inspections, and planning.
     • Environmental Assessment: Monitoring natural resources, ecosystems, and habitats.
     • Archaeology: Documenting and preserving archaeological sites.
     • Infrastructure Inspection: Inspecting bridges, buildings, and other structures for maintenance or damage assessment.
     • Disaster Response: Assessing damage after natural disasters and planning recovery efforts.

7. Data Sharing and Integration:

   • The generated data can be easily shared with stakeholders, integrated into GIS (Geographic Information Systems) platforms, and used for decision-making and analysis.

Drone photogrammetry offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the ability to collect highly detailed and up-to-date spatial information. It has revolutionized various industries by providing a valuable tool for mapping, monitoring, and analyzing geographical and environmental data.