KN Drones photogrammetry

The drone, a tool for developing new applications: Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry, a method of capturing and processing images to create precise 3D models, offers considerable potential in a multitude of professional sectors. By combining photography and geo-referencing techniques, photogrammetry enables the creation of detailed virtual representations of physical reality, offering numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to taking measurements. From construction and civil engineering to precision agriculture, archaeology, engineering and natural resource management, the possibilities offered by photogrammetry are vast and transversal. This technology enables rapid, precise surveys, highly accurate analysis of structures and terrain, project planning and simulation, and thus facilitates decision-making. 

How to choose a drone for aerial photography?

To choose your equipment, you need to define your requirements, the main criteria of which are as follows:

• The quality of the image sensor as a camera (definition, sensitivity, aperture angle, sensor size, recording formats, burst mode, etc.);
• The drone's technical capabilities, such as ease of use and operation, the ability to fly in automatic mode while managing flight autonomy and range, the precision of its positioning equipment (RTK system comes to mind), in-flight safety systems such as obstacle detection, battery discharge monitoring or weather resistance, and of course secure data transmission;
• Compliance with the regulatory criteria defining the design and use of this type of aircraft.

Sectors concerned

For the civil engineering and construction sectors, photogrammetry enables precise topographic or façade surveys of existing sites and structures. This facilitates project design, work planning, site management and quality control. It also enables detailed visual inspections and progress monitoring.

In the fields of architecture and real estate, by capturing aerial images using a drone, architects can obtain a precise visual representation of the terrain, surrounding buildings, topography and urban layout. These photogrammetric images serve as the basis for virtual modeling of any planned building, enabling architects and property developers to better visualize and integrate their project into the existing environment.

In the field of archaeology or cultural heritage, the creation of detailed 3D models of archaeological sites, monuments and artifacts is a tool for preserving and documenting cultural heritage. Photogrammetry also facilitates the research, analysis and virtual reconstruction of historical sites.

In terms of seismology, photogrammetry offers interesting possibilities for seismologists and geophysical experts by providing precise visual data on ground deformation and earthquake damage. This approach complements traditional seismic data, enabling a better understanding of earthquakes, their effects and their implications for the safety of infrastructures and populations.

Photogrammetry is used extensively for natural resource management, as it is possible to accurately map forests, rivers, lakes and other natural ecosystems. This makes it possible to monitor environmental change, plan land use, manage natural resources sustainably and make decisions based on accurate geospatial data.

For precision agriculture, photogrammetry offers solutions for precise mapping of farmland, enabling optimized yields, targeted management of resources (irrigation, fertilization) and monitoring of crop health. It also makes it easier to assess damage caused by natural events or disease.

Finally, for local and regional authorities, photogrammetry drones can be used to carry out mapping surveys, monitor infrastructure development, assess damage caused by natural disasters and plan urban development.

Benefits

The development of the drone has enabled the development of photogrammetry, bringing multiple advantages to both the technique and its users.

Easier air access and safer operations

Drones offer easy aerial access to hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. They can fly over rugged terrain, mountainous areas, high infrastructure or disaster zones, capturing precise, detailed images where it would be difficult or dangerous for human crews to reach.

Flexibility and adaptability

Drones are compact, lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially in automatic flight, offering great flexibility for photogrammetric missions. They can adjust their position and altitude quickly, enabling images to be captured from different angles and perspectives, contributing to better coverage and greater accuracy of the data collected.

Speed and efficiency

Drones enable photogrammetric surveys to be carried out quickly and efficiently. They can cover vast areas in a short space of time, speeding up the data collection process compared with traditional methods. This saves time and resources, while providing faster results for quicker decision-making.

High resolution and data quality

Modern drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture detailed, high-quality images, which can even be geotagged. This provides accurate data for the creation of 3D models and subsequent analysis. Image quality is essential for accurate measurements, detail detection and the creation of realistic visual representations.

Cost reduction

Using a drone for photogrammetry can cut costs compared with traditional methods. Drones are more affordable than airplanes or helicopters used for aerial mapping, enabling photogrammetric surveys to be carried out at lower cost. What's more, drones require less manpower and can be used autonomously, reducing the expense of field crews.

Conclusion

In today's professional world, photogrammetry is an essential tool for improving operational efficiency, optimizing resources and fostering innovation in a variety of fields.

This technique, which measures and maps objects, structures or land using photographs, is widely used in many fields, including construction, civil engineering, mining, fire safety, public safety, agriculture, the environment, archaeology, historical monuments, seismology and local and regional authorities.

Using a drone for photogrammetry offers a number of advantages. Firstly, drones offer a precise and detailed aerial view of areas of interest. They can fly over sites or terrain at varying altitudes, providing complete coverage and a global perspective. This overview is essential for analyzing and understanding the structures, terrain or phenomena under study.

Depending on the quality of the sensor chosen, the most common being 1̎ - 20MP, 24×36 and even lidar the result obtained will be extremely accurate all the more so if geotagging is also equipped on the drone. 

All in all, the use of drones in photogrammetry offers many advantages in a variety of professional sectors. These technologies enable you to obtain accurate data, speed up surveys and analyses, reduce the costs and risks associated with field operations, and make informed decisions based on reliable, detailed information.