How to perform a Photogrammetry mission with ANAFI Ai?

About photogrammetry

According to the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images.

The ASPRS was created in 1934, but the field of photogrammetry has since greatly benefited of the emergence of flying cameras such as Parrot drones. One of the leaders of the field is PIX4D, which became a Parrot Group company in 2012.

ANAFI Ai and FreeFlight 7 therefore embark PIX4D technologies which enable existing PIX4D users to seamlessly link their drone to their PIX4D account. New users can use ANAFI Ai to discover PIX4D photogrammetry services, through three offered mapping missions.

There are four types of photogrammetry mapping missions: Grid, Double grid, Orbit and 1-Click.

This section describes the specificities of each mission, and the way to program them. To launch a photogrammetry flight, select “Photogrammetry” through the Missions selection menu of FreeFlight 7.

Grid

Simple grid photogrammetry flights are useful to create 2D maps. Simple grids can be precisely adapted to any shape, to match the borders of a field or a coastline, for example. Follow these steps to program and launch a simple grid mapping flight.

Tap the map to create a square grid.

Tap and slide the green corners of the square to adapt the grid to the zone you want to map. Tap any “+” sign to create a new segment and a new corner.

Tab box to select Image Parameters:

Tap box to select Flight Parameters:

Tap “Done” when ready.

Tap “Play” to launch the flight.

Double grid

Double grid photogrammetry flights are useful to create 3D maps or 3D models of square areas. Follow these steps to program and launch a double grid mapping flight.

Tap the map to create a square grid.

Tap box to select Flight Parameters:

Tap “Done” when ready.

Tap “Play” to launch the flight.

Orbit

Orbit photogrammetry flights are useful to model an isolated building or structure in 3D. Follow these steps to program and launch a circular mapping flight.

Tap the map to create a square flight area.

Tap and slide the square to position the object you want to map at the center of the flight area. Tap and slide the green corners of the square to adapt the flight area to the part surrounding the target object you want included in the 3D model.

Tab box to select Image Parameters:

Tap box to select Flight Parameters:

Tap “Done” when ready.

Tap “Play” to launch the flight.

1-click

1-Click photogrammetry flights are designed to create the 3D model of a single building, with a single tap on the screen.

Tap the box which appeared on the map over the building you want to model.

The box turns green.

Define Building height if it is unknown by the land register, as in the following screenshot.

Tab box to select Image Parameters:

Tap box to select Flight Parameters:

Tap “Done” when ready.

Tap “Play” to launch the flight.

About PIX4D suite compatibility

ANAFI Ai is compatible with the PIX4D software suite, including Pix4Dmapper, Pix4Dinspect, Pix4Dmatic, and Pix4Dcloud. To learn more on how to optimize the processing of the images, please read PIX4D SOFTWARE TUNING FOR ANAFI Ai documentation.