Software & Processing
WebODM 3.3.0 and COLMAP 4.2.0: What Shipped, Who Upgrades
WebODM 3.3.0 adds Gaussian splat viewing and automatic datum grid downloads. COLMAP 4.2.0 reworks the global mapper, and 4.2.1 already patches it.
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Tag Archive
OpenDroneMap
13 articles on OpenDroneMap. Field-tested methodology from a GIS scientist with M.S. GIS, FAA Part 107, and 10+ years of geospatial work.
ODM Cloud
Set Up WebODM on AWS Spot Instances for Cheap Processing
Rent a 64 GB cloud server for about $0.13/hour. Launch an AWS EC2 spot instance, install WebODM 3.3.0, and process 500 images for under $1 before downloads.
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ODM Cloud
Sizing Your Instance: CPUs, RAM, and When to Use Spot
Match AWS EC2 instances to your WebODM image count. RAM is the binding constraint, not CPU. ClusterODX sizing, spot vs on-demand, GPU realities.
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ODM Cloud
S3 + WebODM: Upload Images, Download Results
Organize drone images in S3 for WebODM: folder structure, presigned URLs for client delivery, lifecycle policies to control storage costs. CLI included.
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Software & Processing
WebODM 3.2.8 and ODM 3.6.2: What Actually Shipped in August 2026
WebODM 3.2.8 adds DXF export for permanent overlays. OpenDroneMap's ODM 3.6.2 fixes a bug that could silently drop GPS telemetry. Two forks, one week — what shipped.
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Photogrammetry Software
WebODM Settings Explained: Get the Best from OpenDroneMap
Every ODM processing parameter explained: feature-quality, pc-quality, matcher-type, mesh-size, SMRF, orthophoto-resolution. Three usable presets.
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Software & Processing
Installing and Running WebODM Locally: The Complete Setup Guide
WebODM install guide for Windows, Mac, Linux: Docker setup, first task, hardware requirements, common errors. Free photogrammetry on your hardware.
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Software & Processing
ODM vs ODX: The April 2026 Fork, Explained for Drone Operators
In April 2026 WebODM forked the OpenDroneMap stack and renamed it — ODM became ODX, NodeODM became NodeODX. Which one you actually install, and why.
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Technology
RealityScan vs COLMAP vs ODM: Linux Photogrammetry (2026)
RealityScan vs COLMAP vs OpenDroneMap vs Meshroom for photogrammetry on Linux: headless CLI, Docker, NVIDIA needs, and which tool wins for your workflow.
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Processing & Software
Why Move WebODM to the Cloud? (And When Not To)
WebODM cloud vs local: AWS spot costs ($3-5/job), egress surprises, decision framework for when cloud wins vs when your workstation is better.
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Software & Processing
OpenDroneMap, WebODM, NodeODM & ClusterODM Explained
OpenDroneMap, WebODM, NodeODM, ClusterODM and the ODX fork explained: what each does, which you actually need, and how the free stack compares to Pix4D.
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Survey Accuracy & GCPs
Coordinate Systems for Drone Operators: CRS Mistakes to Avoid
WGS84 vs NAD83, state plane, vertical datums — the CRS settings drone operators get wrong, and how to fix them in Metashape, Pix4D, and ODM.
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Featured Article
Software & Processing
WebODM Splits from OpenDroneMap (April 2026): Migration Guide
WebODM split from the OpenDroneMap nonprofit on April 6, 2026. What changed, why, and migration steps — new GitHub URLs, Docker images, docs.
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