DJI Mini 2 Photogrammetry - The ULTIMATE Guide

As drone photogrammetry has been exploding in the drone space over the last year, so has the interest in being able to capture it with the beginner drones such as the DJI Mini 2 and other models alike. Check out this video for an easy step-by-step tutorial to get your drone up in the air and produce free orthomosaic models with the free photogrammetry software that’s available today!
Looking to learn more about drone photogrammetry? Check out our online course: www.pilotbyte.com/course/dron...
► Best Beginner drones to get started in photogrammetry:
1: DJI Mini 2 ($449) amzn.to/3Lfl93Y
2: DJI Mini 2 Fly More ($599): amzn.to/3wkFIq0
3: DJI Air 2 ($719): amzn.to/3wcWYil
►Video Resources:
Map Pilot Pro: apps.apple.com/us/app/map-pil...
Maps Made Easy: www.mapsmadeeasy.com/
My Sample Project: www.mapsmadeeasy.com/maps/pub...
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► Join us on Pilot Byte! Our platform provides current and aspiring drone operators with information and resources to promote growth and development in the drone industry: www.pilotbyte.com
► Subscribe to my channel here: / @dylangorman
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Follow me online!
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:14 What you need to get started
02:42 Free mission planning app
04:23 Mission setup and planning
09:11 Upload process
11:22 Final output
13:08 Closing Statements

[@DylanGorman]

Wanted to add a correction here! If you plan on selling photogrammetry as a service (even with a drone that’s under 249 grams such as the Mini 2) you WILL NEED a Part 107 in order to sell that service. Using a 249 gram drone does NOT get you around that regulation. Safe flying!

[@goldenstandard187]

How Did You Study For Your Test If You Dont Mind Me Asking Because I Need A Updated Version 2022 Because The Others Are Outdated Faa Added New Questions

[@cooksey47]

@@goldenstandard187 the FAA has a an online course that is free. Create an account take the course (found under the drone section) and the test is at the end. Most of it is super basic but there is some good reading material in the course. Took me an hour and a half. If you don’t already have it they will mail you a physical 107 card. After that u need recency every 24 calendar months. And like you seen in other videos getting other licensing like thermography wildfire and osha 10 or 30 etc. will help put you on the market for employment, companies want to see that stuff.

[@cooksey47]

@@goldenstandard187 literally watch a few videos read some pages and that’s more than plenty to prep for the exams that is structured in the free course directly from the FAA

[@jontakaki503]

Good to know there's another photogrammetry app that doesn't have a ridiculously overpriced subscription model. I wanted to ask you, does it create a 3D models and if so can the data be downloaded to be used in another desktop software? Thanks

[@JoseAguilar-bl8de]

Thanks for the correction and clarification. Yes depends on your INTENTION.

[@danielghioalda119]

Thank you so much for this video! Because of it, I flown my first little automated mission in my neighborhood with my dji mini 2 and I want to study and immerse my self in this field. I am really interested in it because of you. Thank you so much!

[@NicolasDiaz-hl4pc]

Thanks man. Really appreciate the content. Super clear, great quality educational video.

[@cycomikey78]

After I got my drone I began to research how to use drones more in my life because I really enjoy flying and now being able to watch your videos I’m learning tons. I appreciate the vids and information. Thank you.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you for watching! Welcome to the industry!

[@ellishomeinspectionsllc7053]

Intro, lighting and sound is getting better and better. Keep up the good work.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@jpldrone5958]

Thank you Dylan. You brought me something I have always dreamed to do with my mini 2.

[@tenglobalmedia1473]

this is suuuuuuper awesome

[@mshafeeqr786]

Thank you, keep posting educative videos on drone mapping

[@JCHansen]

Man your crushing it with the content. Makes me want to be a drone pilot. I was gonna get a mini 3 pro and start after work so this is perfect! Thank you 👊🏼

[@DylanGorman]

I appreciate it! Thank you.

[@pierouf]

Merci. J’adore tes vidéos. 👍🏼

[@alexandermiller5034]

Amazing content man.. appreciate it 👍👍👍💯✌️

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you for watching!

[@andyshapira8916]

Great info for beginners that interested in going pro.. great way to practice and learn before you go out with the $$$ drone... Thanks !!!

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@kstud10]

thank you!

[@txarchdroneguy4731]

Great presentation with the mini2

[@goldenstandard187]

Love Your Channel

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@twosents]

Cool man, thanks!

[@brunogt1982]

Awesome video as always thanks

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you as always!

[@sddoliveira1]

Very cool. Tanks

[@dronmoarigato8488]

Thanks much for sharing this Dylan... I did learn something from it... Cheers 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤝🏽

[@DylanGorman]

Amazing to hear that! Thank you for watching!

[@IAKhan-km4ph]

very nice

[@edwardmoody4180]

Side note using this and mini 2 I like to outline the perimeter to be slightly bigger than the property to avoid splitting the image like that trailer in the back

[@jt.189]

I just came across this sector And instantly fell in love with it.

[@DylanGorman]

Love to hear that!

[@jochubigochu]

Don't stop making these videos!!!

[@DylanGorman]

I don’t plan on it haha! Thank you!

[@gerardofaustin8156]

Thank you 🙏

[@DylanGorman]

No problem!

[@hematime808]

So stoked that I can practice some photogrammetry before investing in the phantom 4 pro, much mahalos bro🤙🏽

[@DylanGorman]

Best of luck!!

[@jameshobbychannel]

Great info!

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@mataiochock4904]

Mahalo Dylan..Yor videos getting bettah n bettah. . Perf I just wanted some free practice.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you! Best of luck with your free practice!

[@SooLabs]

Love your videos. Any recommendations on a path to move from hobby to professional? (besides just taking the part 107)

[@speedbird7976]

Dylan thanks. I started from the other world as I’m currently an airline pilot and take my mini two on my travels love seeing different views from my mini. When is your course coming out id love to do that before I proceed. Luckily being a pilot the FAA just gave me my 107 without taking any tests.

[@DylanGorman]

My course will likely come out end of June! I have a lot of material I am consolidating into a comprehensive but information packed course alongside with downloadable exercises to engage within the course.

[@jakeduckworth2350]

Love your vids bro! Hey sounds like a bird sanctuary lol 😂

[@amranyahaya13]

Great content and tutorial Dylan, thank you. Will the combination of Mini 2 + Map Pilot Pro + Maps Made Easy be able to produce a 3d terrain/buildings or something like that? Do you have a sample? I understand that the Mini 2 is not THE tool for this but it is perfect as a hobby and a starting point to see whether I'm gonna like this or not ;)

[@DylanGorman]

I believe so! But I also haven’t used maps made easy to the fullest extent! It all depends on how you capture the data though, there’s a certain way to run a mapping mission if the goal is to produce a 3d model!

[@skilobrown9509]

Hello Dylan another informative video thank you. I’m part of a security system company here in Canada and we have a few large landscaping companies as customers. I’m not fully licensed yet but have my basic and a mini 2. I would like to create a small portfolio to show these companies the benefits of photogrammetry from the project management side. Is there a viable software option for the mini 2 that you would consider professional? Thank you, Sky

[@nichscarvelli1762]

Hello Dylan, Greta video. With the gear you used will I be able to sell this service to a construction manager to show the progression of a house that is being built?

[@antonioagostinelli4528]

Hi Dylan! Great video but I want some drone to generate points clouds or level curves to topographic analysis. Which drone, software and accessories I need?? Please

[@lhcchi2225]

Early access of the map pilot pro is available on Android now

[@INFINITYSWEEP]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial. Bought the dji mini 3 pro, an ideal option to approach photogrammetry

[@DylanGorman]

I would hold that thought a bit, I’ve got a video coming out tomorrow that you’ll want to see regarding the mini 3…

[@INFINITYSWEEP]

@@DylanGorman ah 😅

[@INFINITYSWEEP]

@@DylanGorman btw I've seen an article from an italian agency working with drones and doing photogrammetry that SDKs will come out in around 6 months.

[@INFINITYSWEEP]

@@DylanGorman also, of course the mini 3 is just to start. For professional photogrammetry that won't be enough

[@cdi9380]

@@INFINITYSWEEP I saw a rep on reddit say they plan to come out with sdk for the mini 3

[@cmidkiss]

Love how you have this shot set up! What led lights and editing software do you use?

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you! For LED's I used cheap lights from amazon, editing software is FCPX!

[@wantedkic]

Great video! Question: What would drone and software is required to do photogrammetry commercially? What would clients expect vs what the mini 2 and the free software can produce?

[@123thedman1]

Don't normally comment, but had to say thanks from Ireland

[@krzysiek8473]

Hi, great film! I have a question is it possible to download the files from the Maps made easy with finished map to the qgis program or any other to continue the working on it? Thanks for repley

[@MyDJIDronesChannelOthersTainan]

I also use this software for doing mapping with my Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2 and works real good. But I actually use Pix4D to process the images. I also have the Mavic 2 Pro and usually use the pix4D mapping app to take the images. I haven't tried out the Mavic 2 Pro with Map Pilot Pro. I have the Mavic 3 original with the two cameras but currently can't use it because there are no SDk for the Mavic 3.

[@filimitproductions6232]

Dylan howzit buddy.. I'm still waiting for that deliverables tutorial lol. Awesome tutorials as always

[@DylanGorman]

Hey thank you! I’m working on an in-depth video about it! I don’t want to half ass it! Thank you for being patient!

[@genghis2510]

I go to far flung areas where there's hardly mobile data signals or none at all doing reconnaisance for some land surveying and mapping. My question is will the Map Pilot Pro programmetry program work on valleys, slopes, etc. out of the drone line of sight? Or the procedure really needs cell or mobile data signals to work. I'm not so much familiar with drones but I do a lot of flying and aerial photography.

[@roshansameera6384]

Hello, Thanks for your Video. Ca we measure Stock Pile Volume Using Map Software

[@dvdmfrs]

Hey Dylan! Great video! Something like a Mini is what I want to pick up to start to get my feet wet in photogrammetry. Question for you, did this start more as a hobby/side hustle for you? Or did you go all in to turn this into a successful business. Thanks!

[@DylanGorman]

Originally It started as a hobby but once I accidentally found drone photogrammetry I was hooked and did every thing I could to learn how to do it and sell it as a service!

[@JoshuaWhitgob]

Thanks for the video Dylan! Do you prefer the standard RC Controller without a screen, (one you need to plug your phone into to use)? I have a new Mini 4 Pro with the RC2 Controller and I don't see how to make this work without being able to connect my phone to it with the Maps Made Easy? Thanks!

[@IMGDirect]

TB Lightning🙌🏼

[@DylanGorman]

Had to represent!

[@IMGDirect]

@@DylanGorman when getting clients is there any educating you have to do in order to land the gig or do they pretty much know they need this service??

[@goldenstandard187]

Bro You Got 4,000 Subscribers In A Day Proud Of Your Success Looking Forward To Working With You One Day

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you as always!

[@nomadhomad3685]

No inflight photogrammetry experience (my experience is postflight data management/analysis on envi, arcpro, agisoft,ect). Was lucky to land a UAV wetland vegetation research gig where ill work under a RPIC. So here I am getting my beak wet before hitting the field.

[@DylanGorman]

This is exciting! I wish the best for you!

[@CoherentDelivery]

only maps made easy are available for mini 2 mapping ? thank you so much !

[@KnightmareOX]

Great video. I’m going to test this out today. Noticed the lightning shirt. Are you in the tampa area by chance?

[@DylanGorman]

I am in Tampa!

[@nickfrankel9334]

Thanks for making this video! Just curious, why did you not capture any footage from your POV while the drone is flying its routine? I would like to have seen how the drone takes those curves and how quickly it accelerated and whatnot. No worries, but just wondering why you made the decision to not film that?

[@jacobaburk]

Go Bolts!

[@hruaitearalte]

I’d trust the drone survey more than google map for accuracy, especially here in the hills where the terrains are very much distorted and flattened.

[@Lecon60]

I have 250 acres which surround a lake. Now that I've seen this I plan on using it to map the property surrounding the lake. The lake is a salmon spawn and I can take monthly recordings of how the surrounding area changes throughout the year. Beaver dams are also an issue.

[@5050TM]

Sounds cool 👍🏽

[@julioroca6953]

The splitting on the image, in this case the trailer, is it because of the software or because of the drone? What if I used a better drone with better camera and better gps like the Air 2s? Would that drone split certain parts of the image with maps made easy?

[@user-rx5xy2yu9p]

Its been an informative session.. How to download the mosaicked file and DEM.. Would helpful if u reply

[@CaptainKush420]

I'm in the position that you mentioned, not being able to blow a whole load on a more capable quad. Would this setup be alright to use for performing services? I only have a Mini 2 and can't really afford a better one atm and would like to use it to eventually upgrade. Interested to hear your thoughts

[@riffleaerialphotography]

I have the mini 3 pro, and I was wondering if it is eligible to be used for photogrammetry now after its release. Will it work on the DJI rc? That is what I originally purchased, but now I am wondering if it will even work for photogrammetry.

[@DimmyV]

Thanks for the video, very interesting. Can you make a video on GCP and how that works. Thanks.

[@DylanGorman]

Yes I have a video coming out about that in the future!

[@DimmyV]

@@DylanGorman much appreciated, this is why I love KZbin. Best community

[@que_dijo]

will all the information on your viedeo tittle "How To Create Accurate Maps With GCP's - Drone Photography" will work if I used a Mavic Mini 2?

[@802Oliver]

Thanks Dylan! Is it possible to do a topographic map using the drone and app you showed us?

[@korodski]

No that requires LiDar

[@8TeenSe7en]

I just the mavic 3 classic, can use it for photogrammetry?

[@ActuallyGoose]

I have a friend who is wanting to have a basic overhead map taken of their property, as well as having distances/areas mapped out for the total area. Do you think something like this would be okay? Just to give a rough map, and idea of the legth and width of their property?

[@lucyferek1983]

whether it is possible to make reasonably accurate measurements of heaps with this poultry ?

[@immobilien-makler]

hi! which software you are using for the ios ? "dji fly" from appstore? thanks in advance!

[@Katzenha]

Thanks! Btw the Map Pilot Pro has get an Android app too. :)

[@3primaryevils]

Question: when you say this app is more like show an tell than actual surveying. you think that the problem is the drone (gps accuracy) or the software itself?, I was looking at other software options, and seems the single payment are computer hosted (your own processing power) then we have cloud based such as software mentioned in this video which are monthly fee. would you still recommend computer hosted in 2022? by the way, greetings from Mexico

[@BluntJoint]

Hi, thanks for the great information. My phantom 4 pro dji go 4 app has been removed from the android app store. I've downloaded the apk file from the site but it still does work :/ Any ideas on a fix? I ended up getting the mini 3 pro

[@sebaninja2000]

Hello. I would like to know if these applications work with the DJi Mini 2 SE drone, since it is basically the same drone.

[@daveinmontana77]

Dylan... I am very interested in your Master Photogrammetry Class. How do I get more information on it and pricing? Thanks.

[@PatricioStegmann]

What is the phone app you are using to define the mission/path?

[@drakecoin751]

Would the Mini 3 Pro be suited for professional work?

[@chadwickcollins3263]

What about using the DJI Mini 3 pro? Caould you use it to Photogrammetry professionally? I ask I just got one and studying for my part 107

[@jwright888]

Thanks so much for the video! Do you know if the Mini 3 Pro will work for mapping if using other paid software that you use in other videos?

[@DylanGorman]

As of right now no, as was mentioned in the video because the Mini 3 does not have an SDK it wont work with 3rd party apps just yet

[@nomadhomad3685]

@@DylanGorman hopefully that firmware comes soon

[@Atharia]

Is there any map that supports DJI Mini 3 Pro? This Map Pilot Pro didn't add yet the mini 3 pro although it's on the market for some time now.

[@vurmyr]

Would this work on a terrain with steep slopes?

[@markallen6149]

Question for you: When I plug the controller for my DJI mini 2 into my Iphone it automatically loads the DJI app. Should this app be 100% closed before trying to use the Map Pilot Pro app??

[@spotsix9243]

how precise was that length you measured vs the google maps length measurement ? great video - thank you !

[@DylanGorman]

It should be pretty close. Now in terms of GPS accuracy, its going to be off by a few feet.

[@sheldoon51]

24% battery life?!? Shit son, get your battery discipline in order! Also much thanks and love for all that you're doing! - I am simultaneously watching your talk with , the lovely Julia Guerra. Keep it up!

[@user-im7gd5do9h]

What are the best drones to get for photogrammetry?

[@pborogeopaleo]

Great video, and something I'm going to try. Correct me if I'm wrong, but can I have the drone automatically return to its starting point.

[@DylanGorman]

I think so

[@cooksey47]

Are you going to create a video on how to gather the more accurate data with GCP’s ? Because everything in this video I’m sure a lot of use have done before. I know I have and I have simulated using GCP’s and their calculations before but am trying to see a real world application. Sick video btw well done 👍🏼

[@DylanGorman]

Yes that is the plan. Once I’m back in my home state it’ll allow me to produce a guide on how to set, place, capture and process and deliver it! Thank you!

[@cooksey47]

@@DylanGorman that would be so sick! I am trying to figure out the best and easiest way to get an RTK GCP to capture super accurate volumetrics and 3D mapping. We have like 90% of the hardware sitting in the shop including an RTK drone (matrice 300)so I am trying to figure it out as well as using the proper software to build the models and find the volume of specific targets. We also have inspires and all kinds of Mavics so trying to learn a bit of it all. It’s been a while since I have done it so when I get back into MY home state I will have to try out your tutorial here for sure! Haha

[@MiltonMealla]

This is perfect! Very well explained and great advice! I just got a DJI Mini 2 and plan to use it to map my farm field. What happens if the field is bigger than the 23ish minutes fly time the drone is capable to fly? Can I resume the photogrammetry after changing batteries while using the map Pilot pro app?

[@DylanGorman]

I'm not sure, I would suggest breaking up the mission plans into multiple flights rather than one big flight.

[@Pedroalcantara30]

Yes, you have this option in the Drone Harmony APP, the battery drone will fly and after the exchange it returns where it left off!

[@TheShanehiltonward]

1. There is an Android version. 2. WebODM will allow orthomosaics for free, processed on your own computer. 3. you can also send the data from WebODm to Meshroom (also free).

[@theredl]

Photogrammetry Possible in this way with mini 2 SE aswell?

[@eugenmalatov5470]

can then this be done with a Potential Atom as well?

[@TrooperLambo]

You’ve mentioned that this free software isn’t ideal for providing a paid service and something like Drone Deploy would be better quality. Can you use the pics taken using this program for other programs like Drone Deploy and maintain accuracy? I ask as DD doesn’t support all drones yet. Thanks so much.

[@Pedroalcantara30]

I use DJi MINI 2 for professional mappings. Of course I use control points to increase accuracy, but the photos he delivers suit me perfectly.

[@hudsonsantiago2875]

I’m thinking to start with my mini 2. I just got my part 107. Do think start with Base Up to get jobs is easier to srtart? Thanks Pedro.

[@stephendavis5919]

What program do you. use for your mapping?

[@Pedroalcantara30]

@@stephendavis5919 Dronelink

[@dannythevito3205]

starting out my business and found this channel really useful, can you make a video on how to find clients? probably my biggest problem right now.

[@DylanGorman]

My next video will be kinda about it! It’s more so about how to get paying clients!

[@3primaryevils]

​@@DylanGorman I stumbled your Chanel a month ago, with the one describing the expensive software, I wanted a drone way before that since they started. now i have an Air 2s quality/price balance. I made a couple of videos of my development and went to them. they were fascinated ... they offered me to mention my page if allowed them to use the videos. I watermarked them and allowed them. my thinking process was: this is an investment, i will get other developments look at the work and then I can go and show. what you think of the deal, good or bad?

[@ohad126]

If I want to use this drone to extract ndvi data, is it possible?

[@aaroncotney5807]

Hi, great video. Can you still control the mini 2 with the controller incase anything goes wrong mid flight? Thanks

[@DylanGorman]

Yes you can!

[@aaroncotney5807]

Great, thanks. 👌

[@imbrudedsoul]

Any skydio support?

[@sgdate-foodstayplaysingapo3803]

How do you find your potential customers who would use Photogrammetry?

[@smoky812]

Great videos! I have been experimenting with an air 2s...drone deploy as well as maps made easy. I've noticed with dronedeploy, I've had the same issue of alignment with base layer map by 5 to 6 feet. Is this common and or acceptable with most clients not utilizing gcps?

[@DylanGorman]

GCP’s are gonna get you the best accuracy specially with the crappy gps tagging that the lower tier of drones provide. If you are flying RTK you’ll need less GCP’s but ultimately you really want to use GCP’s if you are delivering anything that need correct alignment. We deliver reference maps so we don’t use GCP’s at all and we are about 2-3ft of accuracy for the most part.

[@pierouf]

@@DylanGorman Hello Dylan, are you the one who made this comment below? It’s Look like a scam.

[@DylanGorman]

@@pierouf Yup, reported it already

[@nikafixx]

Hey Dylan ,Does it work Dji mini?

[@maRekjamrozy]

Hi Dylan, thanks for sharing your experience!Maybe someone already asked, but would it be possible to achieve a higher accuracy by using GCPs? If so, what software would you recommand?

[@DylanGorman]

Yes GCP's will always give higher accuracy. Pix4D would be a great place to look for that!

[@maRekjamrozy]

@@DylanGorman thank you for the adivce. I also followed your advice and gave back the mini 3 pro and bought the mini 2, because i don't see why i should wait at least one year for SDK to be released and to be able to use my drone, the way i need to... nice sideeffect: it's half price in total, but for orthomosaic no big difference...

[@maRekjamrozy]

@@DylanGorman hey Dylan, I have received a giveaway price comment in this conversation, telling me to contact you on your telegram channel. Is this a fake massage?

[@dhanushka931]

So how reliable is this maps made easy paid subscription for a business ?

[@cdi9380]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info you put out. I was just curious about something. I noticed you have the ios software on your phone but when it comes to your computer it seems like you might just be using a windows laptop ? As long as I have an iPhone it should be ok to use my laptop? Any specific requirements for the laptop? Thanks in advance

[@DylanGorman]

I was actually using a MacBook but when it comes to processing the imagery, if it’s a cloud based software then it doesn’t matter what computer you use as it’s just used to access it.

[@cdi9380]

@@DylanGorman ah ok so stuff like drone deploy can be used with my iPhone and then can be accessed on my pc on the cloud website

[@fireprotectionengineer]

I've binged a few of your videos now as I never knew of this side of drone use. It makes it much more interesting for a person working as a fire engineer, as there's a lot of details you miss while you're out on inspection, and risk having to go back for another round of inspection. Having such high quality images of the building and it's surroundings, and not relying on having the architects making a IFC model makes me consider getting the Dji mini 3 for work. (As well as for hobby use obviously) SDK for the Mavic- and Mini 3 seems to be arriving in August. Would this mean you could get as accurate readings as you do with your Inspire using one of these drones together with Drone Deploy? Is the reasoning of the poor accuracy of the mini 2 in this video only because of the free software?

[@DylanGorman]

Great questions! In terms of accuracy, all of it will be relative if that makes any sense. If you want accurate models you need to use RTK capable drones and even LiDAR alongside with being able to tie it to surveyor controls on the site (all of that costs lost of money to do). Now I think being able to use it for your use case would make a lot of sense as I’m assuming all you want to know is general 3d info of the buildings correct?

[@fireprotectionengineer]

@@DylanGorman Thanks for your response! the areal and the distances from X to Y is quite important to have accurate. You were using all of that with your project where you measured the dirt pile? Or could you also manage to do that with a mini drone?

[@JohnDoe-nj6ef]

What he left out is that he’s advertising a specific software… there are alternatives

[@DylanGorman]

Advertising? I was not paid at all to make this video.