How to do Drone Mapping | Best Mapping Drones & Software

[@DroneU]

first ourselves! 😂. Thanks for watching, you deserve the best Mapping information possible. Get the most comprehensive mapping class on our site. You won't regret it. Grab your FREE Drone Mapping Guide by clicking on this link:👉 join.thedroneu.com/optin1635325864490

[@timharriden3369]

Is there a reason why you don't use Agisoft Metashape for creating orthomosaic's and 3D models?

[@jacksonmacd]

I'm a 70 year old retired forester who was involved in the early years of digital mapping in the Canadian forest industry. I've had a lifelong interest in computers and aviation. I just purchased my second DJI mini drone and wondered if I could use it for "hobby mapping". Your incredible candid and open overview was a great introduction to the modern mapping world, and was enough to convince me to stay away 😁. Great job on the video. Ps. I appreciated the reference to zed.

[@DroneU]

Yeah you actually can do some mapping, more so 3d modeling. Using LumaLabs.ai. You'd be surprised what you can do with that software

[@kizzjd9578]

I met an old surveyor here in australia and he said he used to hang out the side of a helicopter or fixed wing plane and take photos with a film camera.

[@ronrennke3762]

Like your videos and very good information and well made! I am semi-retired PLS who purchased a P4P V2 a few years back to learn & also fly a M200 for Search & Rescue in Mesa County. Like your comments on accuracy and stressing importance of it. I recently saw where a 0.4 foot vertical error caused stoppage of site construction when it was discovered and also required an engineering redesign for the site. As a result the contractor & engineering firm are charging the surveying & mapping company about $75,000 for stoppage & redesign. In this one I am thinking the surveying & mapping firm possibly received $7000 for its product and now facing a $75,000 loss. Incidentally, they did not use photogrammetry to produce their DTM in this instance, but I have also seen a number of photogrammetry projects that had up to 3 feet of error vertically, arising from inadequate or erroneous ground control. Keep in mind, accuracy is usually necessary for mapping and there is varying degrees of liability for error (sometimes high). Know what deliverable accuracy - class is required first.

[@itsreallytom4310]

Took advantage of the Black Friday sale and look forward to spending time going over the mapping course

[@airbeemedia]

Hey thank you for these content. I have a specific question at 35:00 where you mentioned that a $3,500 mapping project paid for itself x2. could you elaborate on how it saved them money?

[@westtexasaerials6239]

You mentioned turning "ON" dewarping for mapping? Can you elaborate as this goes against what has been told by photo software programs....

[@knglouie]

great production! looking forward to learning more from your platform!

[@_DigitalFalcon_]

I greatly appreciate this video. I've been considering doing the mapping courses on the Drone U website, and considering if I should scale my business in that direction. This little "mini" course answered a lot of questions, and helped me decide to execute.

[@joshparker1796]

Did you do the animation over the convention center mapping?

[@ssb73q]

Hi, thank you for this discussion on mapping. If used for just hobby mapping what do you think of the Autel Explorer Mission, or Map Pilot Pro for photos, and WebODM for doing the mapping?

[@DroneU]

Map pilot pro is amazing to detup custom camera settings and fly large missions because the software allows the drone to keep mapping if signal is lost. Web odm is the best free mapping softwsre and a great place to start

[@daveinmontana77]

Your click funnel link isn't working on my Android. Can you check it? When you mention Photogrammetry and 3D classes, are you referring to online, live training on site, or both? Do you teach the same info on live and online?

[@akinshok]

Great condensed overview! Thanks

[@mikethered14]

I am in the process of doing mapping for my work. I work for a municipal department and Tennessee is at the forefront of banning DJI. What other platform would you suggest to be used since DJI is off the table?

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

You don't have many options and they're all much more expensive. Your best bet might be the Freefly Astro. That would be a huge step up from the mavic/ phantom drones but it would also be much more cumbersome and at least 5x the price.

[@vrguytokyo]

Great delivery and super informative dude! Can you explain why dewarp on is better since it's a processing feature not optical (from what I understand)? Wouldnt it be better to dewarp in post if you shoot/edit RAW or.. if you use RealityCapture.. Meshroom etc let the software itself do the work (with it's own interpretation or presets)? I actually don't use DW thinking as I mentioned ... now Im thrown for a loop

[@vrguytokyo]

Insane works on Convention center daaang. Mad skills

[@CHRISCANHAMC4NH4M]

This was extremely informative, many thanks :)

[@NomadicForester]

It is really a nice introduction to drone mapping. Thank you.

[@willperry1147]

So all of these deliverables don't require a RPLS (Texas) to deliver commercially? i have enough to go into LSIT, just wondering what i can utilize without it.

[@momoh904]

Firstly greate video I really appreciate. I have 2 questions 1. where can i find the full course 2. is the air 2s comparable to the p4 pro I look at alot of info regarding a 2s it is a greate drone but does it has drawbacks for mapping I am just starting out and have a tight budget and can get it used fairly cheap ( 600-700$

[@DroneU]

The full course is at Thedroneu.com and it is free to drone U members. Its about 36 hours long and super detailed.

[@JerryA89]

Would the DJI M30T be too much for roof inspections and 2d/3d modeling? I am surprised the M3E was considered one of the best and the M30 was not on there. Thanks.

[@cryptonomad.8656]

Thanks for the video paul! Very informative. Question, what do you think of the autel drone line?would you say the Evo max 4t is the best of both worlds?

[@drewcunningham4404]

Hey thanks for the video. I have a Mavic Pro 2, and am thinking about upgrading to a Mavic Pro 3 to get more into digital site modeling as an architect. Really appreciate this overview and introduction into the process and the processing software.

[@ehunt5806]

Thank you for this awesome overview!!!! What are your thoughts on Global Mapper for drone mapping?

[@DroneU]

Not sure i have enough experience to answer that question.

[@aggiebq86]

Do you have a book recommendation for learning the geospatial information we need to learn for mapping?

[@wesgilbert3030]

Wow. Excellent! I have been considering taking my drone business into the mapping and modeling field and wasn’t sure where to start the learning process. I’m going to take your course!

[@scottg-f1t]

Which mapping app do you use with the DA2?

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

The DA2 is separate from mapping applications. That device is used just to measure the position of things on the ground. Once you have those measurements you can use them in any decent photogrammetry program.

[@BA-ee8en]

Hi Paul can you explain why in pix4d after processing first stage always the elevation is about 30 m off? can we fix it without having GCP and have accurate orthometric elevation on the first stage processing? Thanks Bahram

[@DroneU]

First off, a drone gps (outside of connect rtk antenna) is going to have inherent error. The gps compass is the same crappy quality as a cell phone. If you take off near magnetic objects or powerlines… the error is worse. 2. In the USA there is always a conversion between wga 84 (meters based system) to a state plane coordinate system.

[@bobditty]

Glad I found you! 2024 starting out trying to create a business. I've flown on in Uganda for the past 5 years for videos. Looking forward to starting this business in Ohio this year. What do you think of air 3 for mapping?

[@DroneU]

I love that drone, such amazing photos but no 3rd party apps to run mapping missions. So you'd have to fly it manually

[@austinharding9734]

So whats the difference between photogrammetry and GIS? Because GIS is what we used for when i was studying landscape architecture but this almost seems the same if not more useful

[@DroneU]

Geographical Information Systems is more broad than just Photogrammetry. It will cover many different technologies and methods to create geo spatial data.

[@minhajsuhon4157]

This is the first video I saw actually teach me something.

[@cfrankfly]

You ROCK PRO!!!

[@falconaerialquality]

I mapped about 70 acres of one of the neighborhoods that was hit by the tornado close to me. 40 Min flight time. 9-10 hours to process with DJI Terra for a 3D model(Using the trial period). M3E was used. Is there a way to export the data to share with the county/city?

[@DroneU]

Sketchfab! Also, if you're in the United States, DO NOT USE TERRA. Legit national security threat.

[@falconaerialquality]

@@DroneU Thank you sir!

[@littlenel17]

Great video…just have a question. I wanted to get into mapping. I’m a surveyor. At work we use the Mavic 3E and AeroPoints. I wanted to get into mapping on my own as a side business but I can’t afford a Mavic 3E and Aeropointa just yet. Can I achieve similar results with other DJI drones, such as the Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic Air 3, Mavic Air 2S? At least until I get some consistent clients and then maybe upgrade the drone? Thanks for the help.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

The other drones that you mentioned do not have a global shutter so they introduce motion distortion to the images. To minimize the distortion you should fly slower but it's still not perfect. While most software programs will try to compensate, again it's not perfect, it's a work around. That doesn't mean that you can't use a drone with a rolling shutter camera, it's just not the right way to do it. The other problem is that you need a drone that allows you to run the acquisition applications (the flight plans). I'm sure that the mavic 3 pro does not. The other one's may or may not, I don't know about them.

[@Dreemchser]

Hi guys, greatly appreciate your videos. I’ve posed this question to Dylan Gorman, hoping for an answer back but will pose to you as well. Would experienced you advise inexperienced you to purchase the DJI Mini 3 with the BAN as a possibility if you were ready to make the business, equipment purchase?

[@ms_vibe9918]

great presentation! thanks for this easy explanation

[@JamesWilsonatCHESSLLC]

I am curious, do you recommend building your own drone to have a load-barring camera? I have build drones for years and I have build mapping drones with a GPS camera with a mechanical shutter.

[@DroneU]

We probably would not recommend that. The reason being the relationship between the software and hardware. Its hard to trigger the camera in an automated app that will work with the flight controller of the drone you build.

[@TheMoltrezz]

So better use lidar on drone for 3d?

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

Paul, thanks for fixing the audio. 100% improvement!

[@DroneU]

You bet!

[@MikeBabsBC]

Thank you for this video! I have just started doing this and learned a lot! 2 questions? 1 - if we are scanning a building. Can that 3D model be exported in a way that someone could import that into a 3d program (like sketchup) and add/edit things (ie. Like removing/adding a car in a parking lot) 2 - if I scan a building, is there a way to have that viewable in 3D space on a website? Ie. Like matterport or iguide? Thank you! Mike

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

I don't have experience with sketchup however 3D model file types are generally universal, so an OBJ file exported from photogrammetry software is usually importable to other 3D programs. Within the photograph of programs you can delete parts of the point cloud and you can also classify objects within the point cloud. So for example if you're making a model of a stockpile you might want to delete a conveyor or vehicles. Another option would be to classify those things. Then in the workflow you would create a digital surface model but only including the ground class and excluding classes of vehicles, vegetation, water etc. I've done very little 3D Modeling because my computer's not up to it but I believe that you can also create the 3D model from the classified point cloud and leave out the things that you don't want. Yes you can display 3D models on a website. One way to do it is to have your model hosted on a service such as sketchfab, then you use a frame on your webpage to link/ display the model.

[@MikeBabsBC]

@jerseyshoredroneservices225 thank you!

[@bkaz05]

Great video, excellent information and humor @36:56 LOL

[@gregoryroberts973]

Thanks for a great short overview on mapping. My drone is on its way and I’ll be back for your mapping class.

[@Goodhello369]

Did you finish? Any update?

[@peteryoas]

What about ESRI Drone2map?

[@keithsphone5712]

Are you sure about dewarp , metashape sorts that

[@DroneU]

Some processors calibrate for it, but you are innately introducing error into the map

[@RestInPilk]

Doesn’t dewarp just crop the image some to get rid of the edges? There is a lot of mixed advice out there on this setting. I’d like to know why one way or another

[@rneidermyer5266]

You mentioned the need for a powerful PC to process the data. What about recommendations for the PC?

[@DroneU]

Any of the new Alienware computers with the 40 series GPU's will do fine. For data sets over 5000 images, you'll need a full scale tower, 128gb ram 3080ti or higher gpu, and fastest CPU you can find.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

The higher the specs, the faster the process goes. Just spend as much as you can. Some programs even allow network processing so you could utilize multiple computers at the same time.

[@FPVScorpian]

Hey guys! Can I get educated and certified learning drone topography…learning 3d mapping though you guys?

[@Iceking007]

I want to learn how to do your Convention Center model. Will you teach me that with competency in your course?

[@DroneU]

You'd be stunned at the level of detail in the course. We are not like our competitors. We actually teach from experience and real world jobs. In acquisition we talk about exactly how to create complex 3d models. I'd recommend an in-person class if you want hands on practice with acquisition.

[@ktmxcw4501]

Awesome video Paul thanks. Im gonna be coming to an in person mapping class in the spring but in the meantime, please answer one question. I know you say it is easier to process maps on a PC but if i get a run the best new model mac and additionally have an EGPU will the system work for what i need? Im tying my laptop to a 49” wide monitor is the plan. Thanks

[@DroneU]

Unfortunately no mac runs mapping software. You can access cloud based software through an a mac, but can't run any programs on mac. Hope this helps. Sorry for the bad news.

[@mikariekki5708]

WebODM has a MacOS installer, but haven't tested it.

[@Anonymous_Whisper]

So what's the quickest one

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

so I have been experimenting with a lot of AI generation stuff, watching some videos, how much long before drones are going to be completely autonomous and the need for a drone pilot is going to be no longer? I asked this as a license part 107 pilot and I own two phantom 4 pros which I'm not sure if I can even legally use now other than screwing around with Creator content stuff

[@SUPER_HELPFUL]

We are going to be a long way off before we can fully automatize drones. Even the best sensors and cameras can make mistakes, and it only takes one little screw up for a $14,000 drone to come crashing into the ground. Also the modern large language model stuff that you are using, it's pretty hard to utilize that out in the field as almost all of that is kept server side, in the few things that are able to be run locally aren't at the level yet of being able to pilot something. Plus someone still has to go out to the area and set up a drone and the equipment.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

You can still use your Phantom for anything you want. The catch would be if you have a customer whose requirements prohibit Chinese drones. At this time customers like that R the federal government, some state governments and possibly contractors who have received federal funding.

[@AndrewDWalker]

Curious as to why you say to turn on dewarping? I’ve flown 100+ hours with a M300/P1 and left the dewarping off. I’ve had no issues with DroneDeploy correcting for the lens.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

Because the Maverick 3 is different. That difference tripped up a lot of people for a long time. Pretty much everybody knows it now but it caused trouble for a while

[@DroneU]

Yeah dewarping is different between the two cameras. The barrel distortion is significant on the Mavic 3 enterprise.

[@kenmcdonald3824]

Thanks Paul, great video!

[@chilepleasestop9118]

I'm trying to map my neighborhood. Are you saying LiDar should be used for that? Because it's dense. I mean it's just houses and some trees.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

LIDAR Can record find details better than photogrammetry especially when the lighting is poor. LIDAR doesn't take pictures it skips that step and all the limitations that come with photography. LIDAR Is a laser scanner and it can record fine detail better than photogrammetry, so if you want detail on things like electric power distribution poles, or anything else where you really need find detail then you would want LIDAR. You would also use lidar to penetrate through foliage in order to record what's on the ground below trees. The downside to LIDAR is that it's big, heavy and very very expensive.

[@brucelindsey2772]

Great overview Paul!

[@DroneU]

I appreciate it and the xmas card Bruce!

[@geekytechycool]

Thank you once again Paul! Super valuable content

[@Verical-Insights]

Cool landing pads! WHEN WILL YOU RE-STOCK!?

[@DroneU]

please send [e-mail] an email and say you need them. lol

[@philipmoukhtara]

Thank you for the video

[@chipfornaris]

Hey Paul, please help. I just got an Autel Evo 2 640 T. It only has a 1/2 sensor. Can I use the Mavic 3 Classic for mapping as it has a 4/3 sensor and is priced lower than the Enterprise. Can the classic do all the mapping you discussed like the enterprise?

[@DroneU]

No application on m3c for automated missions. It can't sadly even though the hardware is the same.

[@chipfornaris]

Okay, I appreciate the reply. So, I have the Air 2S with the 1" sensor so I guess 'll have to stick to that one for now for mapping and use the Autel for Thermal needs. You guys are amazing! The quick replies have convinced me that I need to sign up for a flight class as you guys obviously care about your readers/supporters. Any chance you are coming to the south anytime soon? Say...New Orleans/Houston/Atlanta, etc ?@@DroneU

[@airadaimagery692]

@@chipfornarisdoes the Air2s have a mechanical shutter?

[@ms.7584]

Thank you for super fine intro to mapping. Regards from Morten

[@t.scott0518]

What does "bricked are drone" mean?

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

A bricked device is something that malfunctioned and become totally useless. If you install an update on something and it never turns on again or it will turn on but just not work, that thing has been bricked by the update. You may as well have a brick instead...

[@MichaelVanNiekerk-y1n]

Great video.

[@jacobjenkins2464]

Did I miss it or was there no mention of Metashape or Nira?

[@DroneU]

Havent tried metashape in a few years! Didnt mean to leave it out! How would you describe nira and its value?

[@alwaystravelling100]

Yes, I've been meaning to interrogate Nira and it's benefits.

[@naveenvemula995]

Why does mapping have to be all in or nothing? There are many of us who cannot afford the enterprise setup, who would like to use a normal drone for occasional 2D and 3D mapping. Can u please suggest a cost effective software(or a lite version) which can give fairly good results. Thx.

[@addoboafo8997]

AGISOFT

[@richardfuller69]

I’m excited about this

[@azau79]

You said "shooting laser beams" and did the Dr. Evil pinky thing!

[@sadams5272]

Great video 👍

[@DroneU]

Thanks 👍

[@mochouinard]

My damn Phantom 4 Pro v2 is with the screen remote control... And I can't find a non screen remote control... This was a bad buying decision I did when I got it :(

[@DroneU]

yes and no... They have their own engine now but you can still use the pix engine in sitescan

[@airadaimagery692]

I have a GL300F that might be for sale.

[@MrJmduffy]

That’s a jump in price From the phantom to cinematic three enterprise With the Mavic three or Mavic three pro work just as well

[@johnnieman3196]

Great video

[@DroneU]

Thanks!

[@balisurfingparadise]

good info

[@Daniel_SD1]

I always see the Mavic 3 enterprise as an example for mapping, but is a Mavic 3 pro also suitable? besides of the extra features the enterprise gets over the 3 pro.

[@DroneU]

NO NO NO.... there is no automated flight path features on the M3Pro.

[@ariongross2154]

Good vid.

[@DroneU]

Thanks!

[@ooklaa1]

Why are all these companies charging a monthly subscription fee?

[@sammcloughlin9291]

Why wouldn't they ?

[@bowmanj603]

frickin laser beams

[@DroneU]

glad you liked that! lol

[@metdominik3885]

metashape is the best, hands down.

[@truegret7778]

Actually, lookup Plimpton 322 - a mathematical document on clay tablet/stone, Mesopotamian|Bablonians understood Pythagorian triples 3,800 years ago, just sayin'.

[@vinillywonttell2319]

Only reason I am watching this is because FBI seizing data from KZbin for whoever watches these videos "drone mapping"

[@bgtcsjm]

Yes, hopefully they won't go through my watch history 😂

[@stahlah9036]

Hey fbi

[@yourdonefor4454]

Here I go!

[@DustToDirt]

Same

[@robertdoran7387]

Ceasing? As in "cease and desist"? Or do you mean seizing, as in "to seize by force"?

[@JesusRaveTTV]

My FBI Agent watched and starred in this

[@JAllen-vy6ig]

I’m a 26 year old Militia man who really needed to see this REALLY bad! Thanks for the info as I will be training other operators in my militia from everything I learn. We have come such a long way with these drones. Ukraine has NOTHING on us, trust me. Does anybody know a good digital currency to use to purchase some drones from Iran? 🤔

[@siriuslaat4976]

Just watched the entire video hoping you would mention a Mini drone like in your thumbnail, that's 44 minutes of my life I'm not going to get back.

[@DroneU]

If you applied the information from these 44 minutes, you'd have hours of great drone adventures, making a great living. You'd have numerous additional hours of creating beautiful products you can be proud of. You'd had numerous hours of getting outside, away from a computer and living a more purpose driven life. Its all about perspective dude. And we did talk about the mini drones and luma labs. lol 😂

[@dylansaied]

If your trying to use a mini for your drone business you have already failed 😂

[@Rellikan]

Are you guys aware the US government asked Google for all the users and their IP addresses/location who watch drone mapping software?