I have had a couple drones for a while, very cool, equipped with two HD cameras, can record straight to IPhone.
Here is a video you might like that shows 3D mapping from the same drone.
Sent from my iPhone
"Drone flies at a fixed elevation." Really? Looks like a lot of variation in the videos. Wouldn't that affect surface elevations. Kind'a like a bad rod height or two??
Surface made from digital imagery. Interesting concept.
Vertical elevation? Accuracy of elevations? Or is the surface built on assumed datum with everything being "relative"?
I mean the final "looks good", but looking good isn't the final QC check item for mapping. This would be a good tool for initial planning and showing a client what you are going to do, but it would be VERY dangerous to try to use this as a final design tool.
Cool quad copter.
I see that it works off WiFi and is controlled by an IPad, but I don't fully understand. Do you need to be in an area that has a WiFi router, or is it communicating directly to the Ipad via WiFi. Either way, what is the range?
I might get one to practice with while the technology advances. I think the kids would like it, too.
The Parrot AR 2 Drone has it's own built in wifi network on board. You just turn it on then search for the network on your android or i thinghy click it and the forward facing camera pops up full screen on your device. You use a usb thumb drive to record video or take still shots. Also during flight, you can switch cameras, there are two. One facing forward for first person view (FPV) and one facing down. I just use mine to chase squirrels and freak out the neighbors. I'm not smart enough to apply it to anything survey related. They are fun!
Have a great week! B-)
The range, according to the Parrot box at the local Barnes and Noble,
is 165 feet. That won't cover most of the earthwork projects that I do.
Acad 123D is free; the on-line tutorial is really bad.
According to Crain's Detroit Business, Parrott AR claims over 300,000 sales.
I thought drones yet to be approved by the FAA?
They have been in use throughout the US; the FAA says 'no commercial use'
unless you have a permit.
The best thing about drones
[sarcasm]After years of complaining that anyone with GIS software and a GPS unit can pretend they're a surveyor; now any surveyor with a drone and some software can pretend they're a photogrammetrist. [/sarcasm]
The best thing about drones
LOL
The best thing about drones
Too funny James!
That isn't technically a "drone" though... I assume that drone implies some sort of automated flight control. This is remote controlled flight with cameras.
Still not sure how it gets from the video file to any sort of "real survey" data from the links provided. How many steps are we missing here???
I was just informed this weekend by an AutoDesk Civil 3d trainer that they are changing or are moving to Autodesk Recap or 360. Which is the next generation of 123D. Not sure what all is different yet. Will have to look into it.
What is your second drone? The DJI Phantom looks interesting and easy to fly (has a gyro, electronic compass, and GPS that will hold it still, even in wind, and 1000' range). Can you business expense them since business use is currently banned? I just want to get one to play around with ... um ... I mean practice and learn for when they become legal ...
