Tag Archive
16 articles on drone mapping. Field-tested methodology from a GIS scientist with M.S. GIS, FAA Part 107, and 10+ years of geospatial work.
NeRF vs photogrammetry for drone mapping: accuracy numbers, output products, georeferencing limits, and a decision framework for when each wins.
Drone processing checklist: CRS setup, alignment QA, GCP integration, checkpoint validation, quality report review. Prevents accuracy failures.
Consumer drone mapping buyer's guide: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro vs Autel Evo Nano+. Accuracy, rolling shutter, GCP needs — field-tested verdicts.
Complete QGIS workflow for drone data: import orthomosaics, build pyramids, contours from DEMs, point clouds, QField field review. QGIS 3.44 LTR.
Post-flight QA checklist: image review, coverage verification, metadata validation, 3-2-1 backup. Part 4 of the drone mapping checklist series.
WGS84 vs NAD83, state plane, vertical datums — the CRS settings drone operators get wrong, and how to fix them in Metashape, Pix4D, and ODM.
GCP deployment checklist: placement, measurement procedure, photo documentation, field logging. Every step from planning through pre-flight.
An orthomosaic is a georeferenced image mosaic built from overlapping drone photos. How photogrammetry creates one, GSD, GeoTIFF vs COG, GIS use.
DSM vs DTM vs DEM for drone operators: definitions, how each is derived from photogrammetry, ground classification, and when each product is required.
Altitude, GSD, overlap, battery budget — the four parameters that decide whether drone mapping data is usable. Mission planning checklist for surveyors.
LiDAR vs photogrammetry for drone surveys: real accuracy numbers, hardware costs, processing workflows, and a decision framework — when each technology wins, and when it doesn't.
Four positioning tiers for drone surveys: GPS, RTK/PPK, GCPs, and full RTK+GCPs+checkpoints. Match accuracy to the job — not every project needs the top tier.
Pre-flight checklist for drone surveys: airspace verification, weather assessment, equipment inspection. Part 1 of the 7-phase drone mapping checklist series.
Six-phase drone mapping checklist from pre-flight to deliverable handoff. Based on aviation protocols — prevents costly reflys and data rejection.
RTK vs PPK for drone surveys: both hit 1-3cm accuracy. RTK corrects in real time, PPK processes post-flight. Failure modes, costs, when to use each.
AeroCartwright: drone mapping education and geospatial tools from a working GIS professional with firefighting, academic, and federal field experience.
Free download: The Complete Drone Mapping Workflow Guide — 30+ pages of field-tested methodology.
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