[Point Cloud From Drones.
Point Cloud What Is It?
Point Cloud is a series of data points that have been calculated via set methods and assigned to relative locations in space using a specific coordinate system, these data points can be utilised for several processes including 3D imaging for CAD Models, which may eventually be used to manufacture spare parts. Or for BIM (Building Information Modeling) used for the development of new infrastructure. Point cloud is even used in land survey, digital elevation models and topographical outputs.
Point Cloud, How Is It Achieved?
Point cloud (s) can be achieved using various techniques and processed traditionally via photogrammetric methods which is the science of capturing images of a specific subject at different angles, whilst using a high overlap method of up to 90%. The software recognises the common areas across the multiple images and assigns common data points to each resulting in a fluid point cloud.
Historically point cloud has been processed via the use of terrestrial active remote sensing scanners such as laser or radar which measure points on a subject surface resulting in deliverable 3D point cloud files.
Drone technology adopts the traditional photogrammetry method when considering point cloud outputs, integrating specific programs that allow to drone pilot to properly plan a flight allowing for sufficient front lap and side lap. whilst taking into consideration flight height, speed of data collection, whether or not the drone should stop to capture each image and various other variables. All of this can affect the density, resolution, and detail within the point cloud which in turn affects any other deliverable formats derived from the point cloud process.
Point Cloud Via Drone, How Accurate Is It?
Point cloud accuracy via photogrammetric techniques can be extremely accurate when rectified to its respective grid in the case of UK OSGB36 (Ordinance Survey Great Britain 1936) we have carried out Geospatial survey and processed point clouds that have been within 5mm. It all depends on the quality and accuracy of the data acquisition and position and accuracy of the assigned ground control points.
GCP’s or Ground Control Points are essential to line up the model to its respective grid and are achieved by choosing or laying down high contrast tiles and gathering the coordinates X,Y and Z via use of a GPS rover or similar device. The coordinates are inputted into the chosen software and the project is then optimised resulting in absolute accuracy.
If GCP’s are not used the point cloud is still accurate although relatively within its own model.
Point Cloud and other 3D Deliverables…
The benefits of adopting drone technology to either assist with your 3D project or as a standalone option can pay dividends and can help capitalize on specific parts of project budget. The benefits as always with drone technology are cost saving and time efficiency.
Deliverables that can derive from the drone processed 3D deliverables are all topographical outputs such as digital surface model (DSM), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Orthomosaic (Orthorectified Image presented as a Geotiff), Contour Files, Mesh detailing and all can be merged with terrestrial data.
Drone Inspection and Survey
If you would like to discuss your drone survey requirements using our technology, then please either get in touch with our north east survey office via this link to our contact page or Call us on +44 (0) 1642 903779 We’d be more than happy to speak to you and go through the process.