Aerial Maps Workflow w/ DJI Inspire 1, Maps Made Easy, Photoscan for Covering Smaller Areas

[@cdnismetz]

As a newbie to aerial mapping with the Inspire 1 this is EXACTLY what I was looking for and more Dennis. You've got a new sub!

[@dennisbaldwin]

Thanks for the feedback Aaron. Glad it helped.

[@midafricam]

Awesome video Dennis, fantastic that you take the time to share your information

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Justin Miles No problem. Thanks for the good words and following along.

[@karunakarank.1922]

Hi Dennis, Thanks for sharing your vast experience with yet another great video. You make it clear, succinct and understandable, as with your other videos as well.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Karunakaran K. Thanks so much for the good words and following along.

[@rifted]

Thanks Dennis! I really love the work and effort put into it! Also thanks so much for sharing! Cheers! Ed

[@dennisbaldwin]

+rifted Thanks Ed. Appreciate the good words. Thank you for following along.

[@JulienGordon]

Impressive, Dennis! Well done. I've been sitting on my mapping quad at 95% done for a few months. This is motivation to go play

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Julien Gordon Get out there and go play :) I'll be anxious to hear how your mapping quad works out.

[@sinyu61]

great to have your sharing

[@dennisbaldwin]

Thanks for watching.

[@jstaguan]

Great one Dennis! Thanks!

[@dennisbaldwin]

No problem. Glad it helped.

[@flyingant4170]

Fantastic Denis, i just found Drone to maps app and your videos have been great, GDA2Tiles use has inspired me

[@dennisbaldwin]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback and best of luck with your project.

[@CPU-01]

Nice work Dennis

[@dennisbaldwin]

+CPU cyberpatrolunit Thanks. Appreciate you following along.

[@phillic004]

Hi Dennis, great video. Just wondering if you could point to any videos on photoscan as I've been considering using it for my orthorectification university thesis.

[@dennisbaldwin]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I've mainly just struggled through the documentation as well as trial and error. I've also spent time on these vids too: www.agisoft.com/support/tutorials/beginner-level/ I'll try to do more in-depth coverage in the near future. Good luck with your thesis and keep us posted!

[@markchng9931]

Hi Dennis, always love the way you share this mapping work..can u show how the geotiff through gdal2tiles command works or even the download..i am using windows. thanks a lot

[@dennisbaldwin]

+mark ch'ng If you check out the description with this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqlmZt3jJyEe80 it explains a bit about the commands I used. Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your projects.

[@markchng9931]

Hi Dennis, can i do a payable training with you?

[@FPVcambodia]

Hi Dennis, as I find out it is possible with the P4; I shall go back to Kirirom National park this WE and map the land with the p4 for 6 Hectares; 1 battery enough! The thing I am still unsure of, is if these images triggered by the P4 with the App have GPS coordinates on the photos? That looks pretty promising with the Battery management for variable size areas, up to 50; 60++ Hectares.... These guys are serious.... And as Always, thanks ever so much for sharing your routine processing; as indeed; we are still new to this, and we need to acquire a Linux backup might we go the open source consolidation of our maps; which we will in the end! Tks and Safe Flying Lads!

[@dennisbaldwin]

Yes it does have the GPS data contained in EXIF. BTW what software are you using with your P4 to map? The only reason I ask is we are about to start an open source mapping app for DJI aircraft. Perhaps you'd be willing to help us out?

[@FPVcambodia]

Hi Dennis, I am using as per your video recommendation Map Pilot but also Drone deploy with DJI. With hexaCopter Pixhawk, I am following a routine on with CHDK triggering via MP, and using Agisoft for reconciliation, but no GPS point on this setup, I still need to learn how to re-conciliate the triggered photos from Pixhawk and pass-through the GPS data to the Photo meta-files.... I would be keen to help and perhaps test and report, as I do not have any programming skills Dennis!? Tks for asking, let me know how I could be of help... Cheers and Safe Flying!

[@russburnup2906]

Dennis: Great video! It's obvious you really know this stuff. Can you tell us how you created the progress table in the upper right corner? Such an easy way to catalog the construction progress.

[@dennisbaldwin]

It's probably easier to let you see it vs try to explain: www.unmannedairlines.com/dev/tiger_stadium/ If you view source you'll see a reference to floating panel in the code. This is the overlay that is used to toggle the different layers. Hope this helps and thanks for the feedback.

[@davidcapron5451]

Great; I fly the Inspire 1 and want to do mapping; where do I go to get started from square 1; thanks

[@dennisbaldwin]

I'll see if I can put together a series on mapping as I think this is a great question. Thanks.

[@davidcapron5451]

thanks

[@crankstermedia]

Dennis, another great video thanks. One question though; you use photoscan which is a very expensive commercial application to process your images. Is there another less costly alternative? Photoscan is great for commercial applications but not viable for smaller or not for profit applications.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Aus Crankster Good question. There is a standard version of Photoscan which I believe is $179. It may do what you need depending on your requirements. Perhaps you can reach out to them and ask about an educational or non-profit discount. Also, check out OpenDroneMap. I've done a few videos on the project and it's gaining traction every day. Thanks for following along.

[@mapeare]

Congratulations Dennis! You Do you think using a phantom 3 professional or a phantom 4, you get similar results? thank you. A hug

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Roberto C. de Oliveira Thanks. Yes I think you can get good results with the P3 and the P4. I'll try and do a test soon and will share my results.

[@Pixelxagency]

Hi Dennis, great video! Will the drone automatically resume the mission after swapping the battery? And what if you lose signal? Will it continue to finish it's path?

[@dennisbaldwin]

You'd need to "chunk" the mission up into multiple parts and then swap the battery when it's done with the first part. I know from the SDK it's possible to resume a mission....I'm just not sure if it's possible between battery swaps. Most apps don't currently support this but it's a great question that I'll have to look into. In the meantime I would say do some homework to figure how much you can cover on one battery and then break your area up into multiple missions. Hope that helps and good luck.

[@singlecask]

Interesting! Seems pretty user friendly and with very good results. Is this also possible (with the same software) with a Phantom 3/4?

[@dennisbaldwin]

+DIE_KUH Yes this is possible with the Phantom 3. Thanks for following along.

[@adibbins]

Hi Dennis, I'd be very interested to know if you've revisited this site and re-surveyed the site, have you posted anywhere your time sequenced survey's ? Also, I'm aware you are moving around between many very interesting project, which I follow, but it's always interesting to re-visit older projects? Thx Andy

[@dennisbaldwin]

Andy, thanks for following along. Here is the progress of the stadium. I've been trying to get out and map it every few weeks: www.unmannedairlines.com/dev/tiger_stadium/ I appreciate you following my projects.

[@eyeflyafrica7428]

Thanks for the information Dennis, any links to downloading the softwares you were using?

[@dennisbaldwin]

Thanks for the feedback. The best bet will be to search in Google and you'll find the proper download links. Good luck with your project.

[@heliomabecuane9606]

am learning the process am thinking on buy a phanton 4

[@dennisbaldwin]

Cool. Glad to hear that. I hope it works out for you.

[@dallasgriffin2646]

Sooo much to learn. Inspire 1 is a great platform with a lot of expandability. Is the inspire 1 flying these missions autonomously? Looking forward putting this knowledge to work.

[@dennisbaldwin]

Yes it's flying the missions autonomously. Thanks for following along.

[@hans6304]

Hello Dennis. Thanks for the videos! Awesome work you've done here. Have you tested the Phantom 4 yet? Would love to hear your opinions about it as I'm about to set up nonprofit mapping and survey work. I love flying and hope to be as helpful as you are. Best wishes.

[@dennisbaldwin]

Yes. P4 works well. If you go here and look at the May 30 layer you'll see imagery shot from the P4: www.unmannedairlines.com/dev/tiger_stadium/ Good luck with your nonprofit. That sounds exciting.

[@jamescallan2846]

Great video Dennis! I really like the Google time lapse, our clients would love that. One quick question? We have been mapping with a Phantom 3, do you think our results could be made noticeably better with an Inspire 1 Pro? I map for a survey company and accurate vertical data is our main goal. Thanks in advance, Jim

[@dennisbaldwin]

The results I've seen between the P3 and I1 Pro as it relates to panoramas is substantially better. I'm not 100% sure about mapping but I would have to assume soon. If I can ever get my hands on one I will definitely do a comparison test. Good luck with your research and let us know what you end up doing.

[@IreBrezOvire]

Awesome thing and video, but here's the question. Does it work on other non DJI drones too? (like my newly bought pixhawk.... still on the way via post)

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Irenej Šraml Not yet. But with Pixhawk I highly recommend using Mission Planner. It's powerful and has a lot of mission planning built right in. The only limitation is you won't get exposure control like you do with the DJI aircraft. You'll also need to look into CHDK to control your camera from Pixhawk. I've done several videos about this on the channel. Good luck and keep us posted.

[@IreBrezOvire]

Dennis Baldwin Thanks a lot! Very helpful :)

[@mikehenry1904]

Dennis - I'm having trouble saving missions ie can't find the SAVE button. Don't think you covered this - should be simple and obvious so guessing it's user error &/or version diff. Thanks in advance keep up the good work! Mike Henry

[@dennisbaldwin]

It's under the icon in the left bar that looks like a map with a marker on it. Then there is a floppy disk icon with a down arrow. Definitely not the most intuitive interface.

[@Geoinfodoo]

Dennis, do you have parot disco maybe to test it for mapping purposes. parot own sensefly that is top in mapping and now they release disco I think that it can be easily transformed to mapping drone. what do you think

[@dennisbaldwin]

I agree with you. I've reached out to my contacts at Parrot but they haven't responded. I would love to get one for testing purposes to share on the channel. Thanks for the comment.

[@kennethchance431]

HI tanks for the videos do you have a video showing how to get the taranis radio working with RF 7 RC Simulators

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Kenneth Chance Unfortunately I don't have a video demonstrating that. I've never heard of that sim before, but will take a look.

[@dthost]

Hi Dennis, do you think Photoscan Pro does a better/same job as the MME online/cloud software? I've been using MME with my Inspire and am pretty happy with it generally. The 2.5D output can be a little clunky though, especially with buildings involved.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+dthost I haven't used MME but have heard good things about it. I like being able to control each part of the process when generating my maps so that's why I don't use MME. But I definitely plan on giving it a try. I'll do a comparison soon. Thanks for the question!

[@matangistation]

hi Dennis , i enjoy your work. would you think it possible to get a photo of a 700 acres farm, it doesnt need to be super resolution, just better than google earth!. max legal altitude here is 400ft, would it be possible achieve this with a phantom 4?

[@dennisbaldwin]

Yes, but not in a single flight. You'd need to have a few spare batteries as well as your flight broken up into sections. Speed and altitude are also variables that, as you know, will affect your flight endurance. Here is a bit of info on the matter: forum.dronedeploy.com/t/how-large-an-area-can-an-inspire-p3-map/37/5 I'd expect you could get 100 acres with the P4 and a single battery with no problems. If you want to get better coverage then a wing is going to be your answer, but that will complicate your hardware setup, takeoff and landing, etc. Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress. I wish I had a 700 acre area to map :)

[@matangistation]

thankyou for the info Dennis, i just joint dronedeploy and went outside and had a small trial flight over the paddock, it a strange feeling watching your uav takeoff and fly around without me controlling it!. im just uploading pics and will keep you posted how i get on doing the larger areas. cheers Brett

[@sanjaypatel1401]

Hi Mr. Baldwin,Enjoyed the video. This is something I am interested in doing myself. Do you require a special licence or permit to fly in your area? I myself am in Canada and I know we have different laws here. Thanks.

[@FLYBYMEable]

+Sanjay Patel Im from Canada too. What +Dennis Baldwin did in this video you are allowed to do in Canada. I often fly mapping mission in the summer time.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Sanjay Patel I have my FAA registration license and try to fly within all the guidelines. I'm not doing this for commercial purposes. Solely for research and development. Hope that answers your question and good luck with the Canadian laws.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+Tim D Thanks for sharing. Good to know!

[@Hopgrove]

What speed can you fly without needing to stop to take an image?

[@dennisbaldwin]

There are many variables that impact this. Right now I'm flying at 18 mph with no issues with photos. I've flown faster with my wings, but at some point motion blur is inevitable when flying too fast.

[@LustX]

Thanks for the video. Hope you are well.

[@dennisbaldwin]

+LustX No problem at all. Thanks for following along. Take care.

[@LustX]

+Dennis Baldwin By the way, how big was that mapping area approximately? 6-8 hectares?

[@jordanmcable]

Can this work with autocad? Also does this do a 3D rendering?

[@dennisbaldwin]

See this article about 3D output: www.agisoft.com/index.php?id=28

[@FPVcambodia]

Dennis on the P4 as the menus are different from the P3, what mode are you using to land it after the mission, switching from P to A?

[@dennisbaldwin]

It depends on what software you're using. Some will fly back home and land, but if you ever need to take manually control you need to toggle out of P mode to Sport or Atti. This will cancel any mission uploaded to your P4. You can then toggle back to P mode.

[@ahsanbukhari626]

very nice work i have few questions for you? Arent you flying more than 200 meters altitude ? which computer are you using? and what about accuracy? i have Msi GS63vr stealth pro i7 7700HQ with GTX1060 6GB. what do you suggest is this system is good for processing or i should get something more powerful? I strictly dont want cloud processing. Which computer do you reccomend for processing medium tu large area data? And i have just ordered my inspire.

[@dennisbaldwin]

I'm flying at 75m AGL. I'm using a Macbook Pro (16GB RAM) to process the imagery. My best advice is to run a few samples with your existing hardware and gather some benchmarks. See how that behaves then you can determine if you should go out and spend more $$$ on hardware. I hope this helps and good luck.

[@ahsanbukhari626]

Dennis Baldwin i appreciate your reply. how much time it takes to process all your data? and if we have arround 2000 photos, how much time we should expect from your computer any idea?

[@dennisbaldwin]

That's a lot of photos. You'll probably want to break those up into regions. Right now 100 photos takes about an hour. It depends on the level of accuracy you specify too. I'd do a run of 250 photos from your dataset and see how it performs.

[@davidringler7131]

Dennis, I want to rplace my stock solo gps module to the new m8n module and banggood has them for 30 dollars but they have 5 different ones because of the end plugs are different there is one for pixhawk but has 2 wires like for the original pixhawk and solo gps has one plug, do you know which would be the correct one to order? I ran into somebody who replaced there stock solo gps to the m8n module and it will get full lock inside his house 15 sats in less than 30 seconds! outside he turns on tx than solo and lock 18 sats in 10 seconds. so for 30 dollars it is more than worth it, but I want to order the correct one ? any help will be appreciated Thank You as always I can not wait to test your new dronepan for solo!

[@hamzabazzoun5126]

Hi Dennis, what is better for mapping and photogrammetry? inspire 2 with x5 or p4pro? i am willing to buy a drone to get good results

[@dennisbaldwin]

I'm not an expert as it relates to the cameras here. I think there could be arguments made for either hardware. I've seen results from the P4P and they are pretty amazing. If you are concerned about flight time then P4P will give you more time in the air. Here is a thread that may be helpful: inspirepilots.com/threads/phantom-4-pro-vs-inspire-1-pro-x5.14190/ Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[@sainbayarb]

hey man, can i use phantom 4 for this software

[@dennisbaldwin]

Yes you can. Here is some sample imagery from my P4: www.unmannedairlines.com/dev/tiger_stadium/

[@vancopper3428]

lets make Phantom Earth to replace Google Earth!