Rich, would love to see you do this again - DroneDeploy has definitely had some huge photogrammetry upgrades in the last 2 years! I'm sure the others have too.
I'll see what I can do Mike! It does sound like a good idea, and it has been a while since I've done a video like this. I'm curious to see what's changed as well.
Thanks Rich, the other thing about MapsMadeEasy, is that online view is just a low res preview, the high res view could reach with Meshlab or in Android phone with Emb3D app, but for that high res we need the 3 files in the same folder, obj, mtl and jpg of 3d, cheers
Maps Made Easy has a feature that tells you when the Sun angle is too steep to create a good model. It also has aN “adjust flight speed due to lighting conditions” it’s also extremely less expensive than Pix or DD. I’ve mapped over 1M acres with photogrammetry and RIEGL LiDAR VUX-1. This Maps Made Easy Model didn’t cost anything, use Maya or Blender and correct, or spend $XXXX on the others
Ah, this is one of my older videos. Today I use Map Pilot Pro, Ground Station Pro (which is going away soon) Drone Harmony, and Litchi for my autonomous work, and for generating orthos. For post processing models I use WebODM and Metashape.
I setup an orbit mission around the house to capture the 49 images. I could do a similar thing with Litchi (has a nice orbit function as well). Several of the flight capture apps allow for orbit missions.
Good idea to compare models. Too make it even better and verifyable could you share your images? For my project I focus more on measurements (10cm), ease of use and price than esthetics😮
Thanks for the idea! I'll have to go back to my archived drive to see if I can find the data, it's been a few years. But if I find it I can share it here.
Great video Rich! Always love a good software shoot out. What kind of CPU workstation do you use for processing? Could you add more manual photos to Pix4D capture/cloud for a better 3D model? I had the same issues with sloppy 3D models with Pix4D but DD is pretty expensive but maybe worth it in the end. Quality is ultimately what most people want.
I'm actually using a Mac Studio M1 now. It's been a while since I posted this video! I haven't tried Pix4D in quite a while. These days I'm using Metashape and WebODM for some of my commercial work.
It has been a while since I last did large comparisons on the different flight apps. Since I've started using the Mavic 3 Enterprise things have changed even more. I'll see about finding some time to talk about the platforms. Just to let you know, these days we're using Metashape and WebODM. Working well for our client requirements.
Im not all that familiar with the differences between Pix4D mapper and modeler. I use the full version. That said, there are a multitude of settings in Pix4d that can effect the outcome. Honestly, I have never made a model with a single orbit though. That was interesting. Normally I use double grid mapping and include about 3 (sometimes more) orbits for facade detail. Interesting comparison. Thanks for posting.
We do have a few tutorials on TH-cam for modeling. Most of our classes on modeling are on our Teachable class site. We cover topics beyond just modeling based on our client needs. The groups we've been working with usually look for basic 2D models, time lapse video flights, time lapse stills, 360 image, and custom presentations.
@@AZ-Drone Focusing on the surveying/photogrammetry world for commercial, land, and volumetrics. I''ve watched a lot of the GCP videos and have used them (albeit not very accurate) to create 2D and 3D with WebODM. Trying to connect to a construction company, or surveyor.
Great job! good information. I used Pix4d and Dronedeploy both on their trial version. As Civil Engineer I prefer Pix4d, because even the models are not as beautiful as Dronedeploy (Not bad either), but the cloud points and orthophotos were more accurate with Pix4D, and accuracy is what matters for my workflow.
I took a similar track with Agisoft's Metashape. Some of the cloud processors make decisions about your model that are out of your control. With tools like Pix4D and Metashape we can do a lot more with the product we produce.
This is a great video. I would love an updated one as I’m just waiting for my skydio 2+ and just getting into 3D scanning and drones. I think dronedeploy looks great and a not bad price, yet I wish there was something cheaper that was as good lol.
Believe me, we're all looking for more cost effective modeling applications. Glad you found the video helpful. I'd love to hear about your experience with the Skydio 2+ when you get it.
Hey Rich, I was just watching this older video again because I'm working on a project where I'd like to do a 3D model of a lighthouse. It occurred to me that since you made the video you have been experimenting with drone Harmony. The lighthouse has sky and water behind it. I'm still new at this but I believe that sky and water are bad things to have in maps and models, however, cell phone tower mapping is done all the time so it occurred to me that maybe you might do another video on 3D modeling and that perhaps drone Harmony has something that makes the image acquisition better for Towers. Short of doing a video, do you have any suggestions on modeling a tower / lighthouse? Thanks again!
My apologies, I missed responding to you. I use multiple flight planning apps depending on the situation. Drone Harmony, Ground Station Pro, Map Pilot Pro are my main "go to" apps. I also use Litchi for other flight planning beyond modeling. In the end, these apps all capture images for you over a period of time or distance. It depends on the extra features when it comes to what meets your needs.
The other thing about DroneDeploy (maybe pix4d as well).. once you let your subscription end, your data is still there, but you can't access your maps/models any longer. Wow. I'm really going to try and make MME work. Unless you have nonstop steady mapping jobs, I think it's the only viable solution. Also, the MME flight app from what I hear is one of the best as it allows for multi-battery missions.
I'm a fan of MME. I've had a few issues with it and the Mavic 2, but no issues with the original Mavic. There's a lot of newer features in it too, even allowing you to set a gimbal tilt. You're right about Drone Deploy after the subscription goes. It really depends on how much work you have needing modeling. If it's not a lot, MME does have a good price point. Personally I use the stand alone Metashape, and then export to Sketchfab for simple stuff. I've done monthly subscriptions with Pix4D when I've needed more. I'd love to see the price point of these products come down, but I understand they have a small market, a lot of development time invested. Over time if more competition comes up we might find better solutions at lower cost.
I'd be happy to share the original images. Just need to hunt them down. Been a while since I did this project, and filled several external hard drives. Stay tuned, I'll try to find them today.
Have you found the images? I'm writing my own software (targeting speed) for this task and would like to test it. So far I only found some vertical dataset from the internet, but no POI oblique images.
I just popped up another video with the Mavic 2 Pro and Ground Station Pro. I haven't used GS Pro in months, and I think the new version is definitely improved!
Thank you for creating and sharing this valuable video. I am curious to know what App you used for flying the drone and capturing the photos in an orbit mode. In addition, what was the drone elevation while taking the 49 images from the building. Overall, which software package generates the best structural 3D model based on your experiences. Thank you.
My apologies, somehow your comment slipped by me. The app used for this particular model was Litchi. I used their Orbit mode as you can setup an orbit very quickly without needing a full google map for reference. I flew the drone above the home, got to the middle of the roof and set my orbit waypoint. Then I toyed with the elevation and the radius before committing to doing a full orbit and capture. Every software package out there, and every capture app out there, can yield decent results. I've had good luck with Map Pilot (until the past few months some issues have cropped up), and decent luck with DJI Ground station pro as well. For rendering I've used just about everything out there. I like Agisoft's Metashape for simple models that need no measurements. If I had it in the budget I would get Pix4D's license for a year.
Thanks a ton!!! Just got my Part 107 and am learning quickly thanks to guys like you. BTW: Loved the FJ on your background.
Great to hear! I hope you continue to find the content here of value to you!
Rich, would love to see you do this again - DroneDeploy has definitely had some huge photogrammetry upgrades in the last 2 years! I'm sure the others have too.
I'll see what I can do Mike! It does sound like a good idea, and it has been a while since I've done a video like this. I'm curious to see what's changed as well.
Thanks Rich, the other thing about MapsMadeEasy, is that online view is just a low res preview, the high res view could reach with Meshlab or in Android phone with Emb3D app, but for that high res we need the 3 files in the same folder, obj, mtl and jpg of 3d, cheers
Maps Made Easy has a feature that tells you when the Sun angle is too steep to create a good model. It also has aN “adjust flight speed due to lighting conditions” it’s also extremely less expensive than Pix or DD. I’ve mapped over 1M acres with photogrammetry and RIEGL LiDAR VUX-1. This Maps Made Easy Model didn’t cost anything, use Maya or Blender and correct, or spend $XXXX on the others
Ah, this is one of my older videos. Today I use Map Pilot Pro, Ground Station Pro (which is going away soon) Drone Harmony, and Litchi for my autonomous work, and for generating orthos. For post processing models I use WebODM and Metashape.
nice may i ask how you automated the taking of those 49 images? ..
I setup an orbit mission around the house to capture the 49 images. I could do a similar thing with Litchi (has a nice orbit function as well). Several of the flight capture apps allow for orbit missions.
Good idea to compare models. Too make it even better and verifyable could you share your images? For my project I focus more on measurements (10cm), ease of use and price than esthetics😮
Thanks for the idea! I'll have to go back to my archived drive to see if I can find the data, it's been a few years. But if I find it I can share it here.
Hi Rich ! Nice comparison. Thanks for your work! Drone Deploy uses Capture Reality engine for 3D and it’s a best solution as I understand so far.
Great video Rich! Always love a good software shoot out. What kind of CPU workstation do you use for processing? Could you add more manual photos to Pix4D capture/cloud for a better 3D model? I had the same issues with sloppy 3D models with Pix4D but DD is pretty expensive but maybe worth it in the end. Quality is ultimately what most people want.
I'm actually using a Mac Studio M1 now. It's been a while since I posted this video! I haven't tried Pix4D in quite a while. These days I'm using Metashape and WebODM for some of my commercial work.
@@AZ-Drone right on, can you export/purchase roof reports and CAD ready measurement files with that set up or do you just do 2D/3D maps and models?
Can you do a retest for 2023 to see if the software has gotten better? Thanks in advance
It has been a while since I last did large comparisons on the different flight apps. Since I've started using the Mavic 3 Enterprise things have changed even more. I'll see about finding some time to talk about the platforms. Just to let you know, these days we're using Metashape and WebODM. Working well for our client requirements.
@@AZ-Drone what are the prices like. Are they expensive?
Im not all that familiar with the differences between Pix4D mapper and modeler. I use the full version. That said, there are a multitude of settings in Pix4d that can effect the outcome. Honestly, I have never made a model with a single orbit though. That was interesting. Normally I use double grid mapping and include about 3 (sometimes more) orbits for facade detail. Interesting comparison. Thanks for posting.
What happened to the courses about modeling??
We do have a few tutorials on TH-cam for modeling. Most of our classes on modeling are on our Teachable class site. We cover topics beyond just modeling based on our client needs. The groups we've been working with usually look for basic 2D models, time lapse video flights, time lapse stills, 360 image, and custom presentations.
@@AZ-Drone Focusing on the surveying/photogrammetry world for commercial, land, and volumetrics. I''ve watched a lot of the GCP videos and have used them (albeit not very accurate) to create 2D and 3D with WebODM. Trying to connect to a construction company, or surveyor.
Great job! good information. I used Pix4d and Dronedeploy both on their trial version. As Civil Engineer I prefer Pix4d, because even the models are not as beautiful as Dronedeploy (Not bad either), but the cloud points and orthophotos were more accurate with Pix4D, and accuracy is what matters for my workflow.
I took a similar track with Agisoft's Metashape. Some of the cloud processors make decisions about your model that are out of your control. With tools like Pix4D and Metashape we can do a lot more with the product we produce.
This is a great video. I would love an updated one as I’m just waiting for my skydio 2+ and just getting into 3D scanning and drones. I think dronedeploy looks great and a not bad price, yet I wish there was something cheaper that was as good lol.
Believe me, we're all looking for more cost effective modeling applications. Glad you found the video helpful. I'd love to hear about your experience with the Skydio 2+ when you get it.
I'd be interested in seeing if Maps Made Easy has improved if you uploaded the same data set now, 2 years later.
Wonderful content Rich! I really appreciate the effort, you're a wizard!
Hey Rich, I was just watching this older video again because I'm working on a project where I'd like to do a 3D model of a lighthouse. It occurred to me that since you made the video you have been experimenting with drone Harmony. The lighthouse has sky and water behind it. I'm still new at this but I believe that sky and water are bad things to have in maps and models, however, cell phone tower mapping is done all the time so it occurred to me that maybe you might do another video on 3D modeling and that perhaps drone Harmony has something that makes the image acquisition better for Towers.
Short of doing a video, do you have any suggestions on modeling a tower / lighthouse? Thanks again!
What App did you use to plan the flight? Thanks.
My apologies, I missed responding to you. I use multiple flight planning apps depending on the situation. Drone Harmony, Ground Station Pro, Map Pilot Pro are my main "go to" apps. I also use Litchi for other flight planning beyond modeling. In the end, these apps all capture images for you over a period of time or distance. It depends on the extra features when it comes to what meets your needs.
I really really appreciate seeing this. Is there any way you can do this comparison on this same property or another property on an overcast day?
The other thing about DroneDeploy (maybe pix4d as well).. once you let your subscription end, your data is still there, but you can't access your maps/models any longer. Wow. I'm really going to try and make MME work. Unless you have nonstop steady mapping jobs, I think it's the only viable solution. Also, the MME flight app from what I hear is one of the best as it allows for multi-battery missions.
I'm a fan of MME. I've had a few issues with it and the Mavic 2, but no issues with the original Mavic. There's a lot of newer features in it too, even allowing you to set a gimbal tilt.
You're right about Drone Deploy after the subscription goes. It really depends on how much work you have needing modeling. If it's not a lot, MME does have a good price point. Personally I use the stand alone Metashape, and then export to Sketchfab for simple stuff. I've done monthly subscriptions with Pix4D when I've needed more.
I'd love to see the price point of these products come down, but I understand they have a small market, a lot of development time invested. Over time if more competition comes up we might find better solutions at lower cost.
Will you share your original images? I would like to run it through WebODM to see how it compares.
I'd be happy to share the original images. Just need to hunt them down. Been a while since I did this project, and filled several external hard drives. Stay tuned, I'll try to find them today.
@@AZ-Drone thank you!
Have you found the images? I'm writing my own software (targeting speed) for this task and would like to test it. So far I only found some vertical dataset from the internet, but no POI oblique images.
Good info for another experiment with the Mavic 2.
I just popped up another video with the Mavic 2 Pro and Ground Station Pro. I haven't used GS Pro in months, and I think the new version is definitely improved!
thanks for the video, which one gives you the best for getting point clouds?
Great information ...it is help to start.. thank you
Thank you so much for doing this!!!
Thank you for creating and sharing this valuable video. I am curious to know what App you used for flying the drone and capturing the photos in an orbit mode. In addition, what was the drone elevation while taking the 49 images from the building. Overall, which software package generates the best structural 3D model based on your experiences. Thank you.
My apologies, somehow your comment slipped by me.
The app used for this particular model was Litchi. I used their Orbit mode as you can setup an orbit very quickly without needing a full google map for reference. I flew the drone above the home, got to the middle of the roof and set my orbit waypoint. Then I toyed with the elevation and the radius before committing to doing a full orbit and capture.
Every software package out there, and every capture app out there, can yield decent results. I've had good luck with Map Pilot (until the past few months some issues have cropped up), and decent luck with DJI Ground station pro as well. For rendering I've used just about everything out there. I like Agisoft's Metashape for simple models that need no measurements. If I had it in the budget I would get Pix4D's license for a year.
DroneDeploy is so expensive they could just as well have some people in India personally cleaning up the meshes etc.
You did something wrong for them to come out that bad.