Pixels and Points

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Advisor with guest speaker David Alamillo, Photogrammetry Specialist, SimActive.

Until recently, photogrammetric mapping was performed with expensive aerial mapping cameras pointed directly towards the ground in what is known as nadir. However, when photogrammetric processing tools and aerial imagery moved into the digital environment, the need to constrain imagery to nadir became less of an issue when trying to create quality mapping deliverables. Add to this that the range of deliverables themselves has evolved to include 3D models.

It is true that oblique images may capture vertical structures, potentially enabling better texturization of features such as the sides of buildings. But are they useful for mapping? Is not one camera offset from nadir and the flight planned correctly sufficient to provide the same benefit as a multi-camera set up? Is nadir imagery not sufficient for mapping ? Is there really a value in 3D models as a mapping deliverable? David Alamillo, Photogrammetry Specialist with SimActive, joins our host to discuss oblique imagery for mapping, what it means and how it is processed in photogrammetry software such as Correlator3D.

Listeners will learn the following:

• The difference between nadir and oblique imagery
• Mapping vs 3D modeling
• Considerations for successful oblique imagery acquisition
• Processing options in Correlator3D

Host: Eric Andelin, Workflow Advisor at SimActive Inc.

Guest: Hayden Howard, Executive Vice President, CompassData Inc and Philipp Hummel Vice President, PLS, CFedS, CP at CompassData

Surveying and photogrammetry are complementary technologies. While either can be done without the other, they can both benefit from the use of the other. Aerial imagery and photogrammetry will always cover more ground than traditional ground-based survey. However, without ground-based survey, the absolute accuracy of a photogrammetry project cannot be defined. Photo identifiable ground control points (GCPs) are what allows the two technologies to come together. The positioning or physical location of GCPs and the quantity required for a project are all dependent on the accuracy desired, and the user’s confidence in supporting technologies. Hayden Howard and Philipp Hummel join our host Eric Andelin to discuss these topics.

Listeners learn the following:

• Why do placement and size of GCPs matter

• Why is distribution important

• How other technologies such as RTK/PPK play a role

• How many GCPs are required

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Advisor, SimActive with guest speakers, Robert Leake, Head of Commercial Sales and Nick Onelio, Growth Manager with Quantum Systems

Today’s drones are capturing more data because of their longer flight times and/or payloads that include multiple cameras. These capabilities magnify the need to cleanup and manage your data prior to and during import into your image processing software. As the number of input images increase, processing time can escalate.

Robert Leake, and Nick Onelio join host Eric Andelin to discuss the value of project cleanup prior to processing and some simple steps to ensure processing success.

Listeners will learn about the following:

• Validating exterior orientations and camera information
• Identifying and removing unnecessary images
• Choosing the right workflow for the project
• Taking a hands-on approach to processing

Optimization of workflows and processing speed often lead to the discussion of cloud processing. Of course, many traditional mapping projects can be processed using local machines. Networking them to facilitate distributed processing can speed things up even more, but there can be scenarios where cloud processing is desired. It is often thought of as a faster solution, but this is not necessarily the case. While your hardware costs on prem may be lower, they may not be lower than the fees associated with cloud processing. So, this begs the question: is it a good idea to process data in the cloud?

Vivian Raiborde, Senior Sales Advisor with SimActive and leader in cloud processing optimization joins host Eric Andelin to discuss the pros and cons of cloud processing.

Listeners will learn about the following:

• What cloud processing is , and what are the platforms

• Considerations in using cloud processing vs local

• Challenges and costs of associated with the cloud

• Processing time gains

Dronelife is a well-known source of news, topics, information, and trends in the drone market. Larger format imaging sensors, and the miniaturization of lidar, combined with drones capable of carrying heavier payloads for mapping were predominant in 2023.

What were some of the other highlights in the drone market for 2023, and what trends and/or technology will stand out in 2024?  Miriam McNabb, Editor and Chief of Dronelife, has covered all aspects of drones over the past 10 years and will share her thoughts on the drone market for mapping going in 2024.

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker Michael O’Sullivan, Vice President of Sales, SimActive, Inc.

It is often challenging for new entrants into aerial imagery and mapping service profession to determine cost savings when it comes to their processing software solution. Smaller sensors Altitude restrictions, line of sight requirements and overall flight duration create unique challenges for drone operators. Medium and large format sensors acquire much larger areas, but require a much larger investment, or the ability to subcontract out the acquisition. Mapping expenses tend to increase as projects become larger, using the wrong image processing software can exacerbate this leading to narrowing project profits. This webinar will show how a higher-end software such as SimActive’s Correlator3D™ can minimize overall project costs.

Specifically, listeners will learn the following:

·        Common challenges and impact on costs

·        Cost variations as projects increase in size

·        Workflows in Correlator3D to minimize man-hours

·        Accelerating timelines with distributed processing

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker, JD D’Arville UAS Program Administrator at Alabama Department of Transportation

Drones can capture large amounts of imagery per single mission. When multiple missions are required to capture a project area, these datasets can become unwieldy very fast. Being on top of the data acquisition is one thing, but there must also be consideration in how to best process the data as well. Will the processing hardware and software be capable of absorbing all input data as a whole? Will the processing need to be distributed, or even broken into smaller projects so the project be completed rapidly? All things to consider, and all things that our guest JD D’Arville and his team at ALDOT must face often.

ALDOT has been planning for projects such as these since the team was put together. And they have the equipment and expertise to carry them out successfully. Sometimes the goal is to get data into the hands of stakeholders as rapidly as possible, even overnight. JD D’Arville joins host Eric Andelin to discuss how they have created a successful drone program to fit in with the needs of the Department. He will also share his experiences in managing the processing and delivery of these large datasets.

Specifically, listeners will learn about the following:

● Capturing thousands of images

● Validating and preparing raw imagery

● Processing large projects with Correlator3D

● Preparing results for delivery

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker, Don Cummins, President of Air Data Solutions.

In this episode

For aerial mapping companies that are always on the go with fleets of aircraft as well as drones flying in different locations, the efficient use of platforms and sensors is paramount. As data is collected, the next step is to maximize the use of image processing software to create the deliverables for a wide variety of clients. 

How do aerial mapping professionals choose the right platform and sensor to rapidly and cost-effectively capture data for specific mapping projects? And further, how is data captured to ensure the processing workflow is optimized for efficient processing of the data? Capitalizing on the use of industry-leading photogrammetry software such as Correlator3D allows Air Data Solutions to meet client deadlines continuously. Don Cummins, the President of that innovative aerial photography and mapping company based in Louisiana, joins us to offer his insights.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following: 

• Selecting platforms and sensor to best match projects

• Mission planning for efficient data collection

• Setting up projects in Correlator3D and validating input data 

• Doubling DSM and Point Cloud processing speeds with new version 10.1

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker, Kevin Graville, System Sales Manager with Phase One.

Aerial photography continues to thrive as a tool for mapping in spite of alternatives such as Lidar. Pictures can be collected using relatively low-cost cameras and converted to mapping products through photogrammetry.  It doesn’t matter if the camera is attached to a drone or an aircraft: the post-processing remains similar.

However, the type of camera, its size in megapixels, body and lens quality all play a part in the quality of the mapping deliverables. So this begs the question: what camera is best for a given project? What is the optimal sensor size to get the desired results?

Kevin Graville from Phase One, a leading company in the development of aerial mapping cameras, joins our host Eric Andelin to discuss how camera size impacts mapping projects. 

Specifically, listeners will learn about the following: 

• Analyzing the different camera types and sizes available

• Understanding the factors affecting camera quality 

• Selecting a camera for photogrammetry

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist at SimActive, with guest speaker Tim Whiteside, Senior Research Scientist at Government of Australia Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Tim Whiteside and his team of scientists are monitoring the remediation of the Ranger Uranium Mine mine in the Northern Territory of Australia using drones. Collecting imagery of not only the mine, but multiple sites to ensure the clean-up is going according to plan and not adversely affecting the environment within the site and the surrounding National Park boundary. Join Eric and Tom as they discuss how drones and imagery play such an essential role in this project.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• Flying a drone over a mining site
• Vetting the resulting imagery and accuracy   
• Producing base map products with Correlator3D
• Analyzing geospatial data to monitor the site

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker David Alamillo, Photogrammetry Specialist, SimActive

Drones with precise positioning such as RTK/PPK are becoming common with those using them for mapping purposes. This leads to the question: how precise does positioning need to be to create accurate maps from photogrammetry? With options such as RTK and PPK, image location can be determined within centimeters. So, do these actually help to produce better maps? And how do you verify the accuracy of maps produced using this technology? Is there ever a time where GCP’s are not necessary? And can maps made without RTK/PPK enabled systems be as accurate as those with? Join David and I as we discuss these options and go over the processing workflows for each.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• What is the difference between RTK and PPK
• How RTK/PPKs affect aerial triangulation
• When are GCPs needed
• How accuracy is validated

Hosted by Eric Andelin, CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker Bill Johnson, CP, CMS, DAS Geospatial

Accuracy standards are crucial in promoting consistency, reliability, and quality in the geospatial data we deliver. However, standards do, on occasion, need updating. What’s behind this in our profession are improvements in hardware and software used to acquire, capture, and process data for both surveying and mapping. Bill Johnson, Certified Photogrammetrist and Certified Mapping Scientist with DAS Geospatial joins me to discuss how these changes affect the mapping business and the deliverables we create (DEMs, orthomosaics) and how we can continue to meet these standards as they change.

Listeners will learn about the following:

• What is an accuracy standard
•  How is a well-accepted standard such as ASPRS defined
• How does new technology affect accuracy standards
• How are mapping deliverables validated against a standard

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker Petri Rauhakallio, VP Business Development, Sharper Shape.

Thirty thousand miles of corridor mapping is a big project. And when it concerns vital asset infrastructure, then it becomes even more challenging. Not many companies can handle this type of project, but Sharper Shape thrives on these with a core set of AI tools and machine learning within their Sharper Circle software environment. A key component when working on this type of project is the imagery and Sharper Shape relies on Correlator3D. SimActive’s software ability to operate in a cloud-based environment with distributed processing is critical at this scale. This webinar will show how higher-end software such Correlator3D™ can facilitate large-scale corridor mapping projects, which can then be used to support many utility asset outputs.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

● Challenges in managing large corridor mapping projects

● Running Correlator3D in the cloud

● Advantages of distributed processing

● Time savings with scripting

Hosted by Eric Andelin CP, Senior Workflow Specialist with guest speaker Robert Thomson, Geomatics Technologist at Meridian Surveys Meridian Surveys

It is often challenging for drone operators to determine cost savings when it comes to their processing software solution. Altitude restrictions, line of sight requirements and overall flight duration create unique challenges for completing larger drone projects in a cost-competitive world. Since mapping expenses tend to rapidly increase as projects become larger, using the wrong image processing software can exacerbate this leading to narrowing project profits. This webinar will show how a higher-end software such as SimActive’s Correlator3D™ can minimize overall project costs. 

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• Typical drone mapping project costs

• Cost variations as projects become larger  

• Workflows in Correlator3D to minimize man-hours 

• Using multiple PCs to accelerate processing

Brian Leiser, Principal at Redefined Horizons joins Host Eric Andelin, CP to discuss how they are using Correlator3D along with Skydio Drones for mapping small projects in Northern California. 

Topics discussed: 

• Mission Planning 
• Data acquisition and post processing 
• Performing aerial triangulation
• Generating DSM, DTM, and orthomosaics
• Assessing final project accuracy 

In this episode Eric Andelin, Senior workflow specialist, and David Alamillo our photogrammetry specialists will discuss C3D version 9 with insights into processing workflows, and some common user questions. Listeners will also get a sneak peek at C3D version 10.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• Version 9 and recent updates
• Project Setup & Processing Options
• Common Questions
• Sneak Peek at Version 10

Optimizing Photogrammetry in Southeast Asia

Hosted by Eric Andelin SimActive's Senior Workflow Specialist with Guest Speaker Mr. Hamdan Ismail, Managing Director Sky-Shine Corporation.

Sky-Shine serves  the region of Southeast Asia with geospatial data, equipment, and software to suit the needs of its customers. They have a unique knowledge of the mapping activities within the region. Hamdan will join us to discuss the challenges of mapping such diverse terrain

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• Acquiring imagery where terrain is a factor

• Acquiring imagery where weather is a factor

• Flight planning

• Processing workflows

How to Use Photogrammetry to Calibrate Sensors

Hosted by Eric Andelin with Guest Speaker Ken Scruggs, President Midwest Aerial Photo.

Leading a large aerial mapping firm includes managing and caring for lots of equipment, with a wide variety of sensors. Ken Scruggs, President Midwest Aerial Photo, will join me to explain how they select their sensors based on projects’ requirements, and the tools they use to keep them calibrated. With over 40 years’ experience in aerial mapping, we will also discuss trends in the profession.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

● Choosing the right sensor

● Collecting optimal data for calibration

● Performing sensor calibration

● Monitoring sensor performance over time

Aerial cameras come in many types and sizes, each optimized for acquisition with specific altitude ranges to ensure the highest quality imagery for mapping. They can be single sensor systems or multi sensors systems, and there are many additional components that have been developed to enhance the quality of their output such as IMUs, gyro stabilized mounts and image motion compensators. Patrick McConnell, President of ClearSkies Geomatics Inc., will join the event to discuss these topics and trends in our profession.

Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

● Types of cameras used in aerial mapping

● Single sensor vs multi-sensors

● Additional components (e.g. IMUs, stabilized mounts)

● Factors affecting accuracy

● Processing workflows

Real-time kinematic (RTK) and/or post processed kinematic (PPK) enabled drones are far superior to drones with just on-board GPS, right? A simple yes is a misconception as the real answer is more complicated. In this podcast David Alamillo one of our Photogrammetry Specialists joins me to provide some insight into processing RTK/PPK data, as well as traditional photogrammetric alternatives.   

💡Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

● Differences between RTK & PPK 

● Factors impacting accuracy 

● Processing options in Correlator3D

● When to use RTK/PPK  

● Troubleshooting results

Our latest update to Correlator3D includes the integration of Phase One's Intelligent Image Quality (IIQ) Format. Will Tompkinson, Integration Division Manager with Phase One will join us to provide some insight into their various sensors developed for both drones and aircraft, as well as the development of the IIQ format. We'll discuss the following topics: 

- What is Intelligent Image Quality (IIQ)

- What are the benefits of using (IIQ)

- Processing Options with IIQ in Correlator3D

- Differences in processing workflows

Marty Gould, the Owner and Chief Pilot at Beacon Aviation, Inc, is a busy man. He operates both fixed wing aircraft on projects throughout the midwest. The majority of his work involves Mining and Corridor mapping. Since the entry of drones into the market, many of his customers have been approached by local drone operators offering similar services. He rarely loses work to drones as he is able to help his customers navigate through the process of determining which platform is most suited for their projects. Each has its Pros and Cons. In this Podcast we will discuss factors in choosing one acquisition platform over the other. How to determine which is most suitable, and the similarities in processing workflows for either.

Corridor Mapping for Infrastructure Using Drones

Carlos Prieto is VP of Program Management at SurvTech Solutions and leads a team of experienced mapping specialists. Many of their projects are infrastructure related, and often in the form of long corridors. Such projects, especially at low altitude as with drones, require different planning than traditional land development projects. His team is well versed in these nuances and in processing the resulting datasets. This webinar will discuss how to plan for corridor projects as well as process and edit them in Correlator3D.

💡Specifically, attendees will learn about the following:

• Planning corridor mapping projects
• Importing and merging different sensor data
• Batch processing via scripting
• Editing output data