Create a 3D Model from Aerial Data

In RealityCapture there is no difference between creating models from aerial imagery or terrestrial data. You can freely combine aerial, street-level photos or even data from a terrestrial laser scanner. However, to produce geo-referenced 3D models, you can import various data to automate the processing.

Here is the best practice how to process aerial data:

• Add aerial images to the opened project. Optionally, add any other inputs, such as ground-level photos, laser scans, etc. You can add inputs in any order.
• If you have a flight log (a record of particular flight with use of a GPS device), import it by clicking on the Flight Log button in the Import & Metadata part of the WORKFLOW tab.
• If you have a file with ground control points associated with images, add them by clicking on the Ground Control button in the Import & Metadata part of the WORKFLOW tab.

The general further workflow to create a 3D model continues as follows in this detailed step-by-step tutorial: click here. You can decide how far you want to go.

Create a True Orthographic Photograph and a Digital Surface/Terrain Model

To create a true orthographic map or a digital surface model, you should follow this order:

• Add images to the project and align them.
• Set a reconstruction region to mark a region of interest.
• Calculate a model, colorize or texture it.
• Create an orthoprojection.
• Classify your model with the AI Classify tool if you want to export a DTM.
• Export an orthographic projection, DSM or DTM by clicking on the Ortho Photo, Digital Surface Model or Digital Terrain Model button in the Export part of the ORTHO 2D/TOOLS tab.