Enterprise Drone Programs Define Workflows for Photogrammetry + LiDAR

The great debate of photogrammetry vs LiDAR is moving to the dustbin of history, and a new wave of understanding from surveying and mapping unmanned aerial leaders is creating knowledge that each solution has its pros and cons.

To find the best fit for a specific project or workflow is the new ideal, and this often can lead to a photogrammetry + LiDAR solution.  It is only recently that technology has advanced to allow for the simultaneous collection and combination of both imagery and LiDAR data.  Utilized with a drone or as part of a drone program, this combination of photogrammetry and LIDAR can yield the highest accuracy mapping solution.  Does this combination completely change what it means for someone to consider which tool is ultimately the “best fit” for them?

The answer to that question is complicated and will vary depending on accuracy needs, budget, resources and the existing capabilities of operators and entire organizations. Thankfully, they can rely on tools and insights from experts and solution providers that have worked through these challenges to create real value with both photogrammetry and LiDAR in multiple ways.

Value of Photogrammetry

“Today, most modern drones are equipped with high-quality cameras and use GPS systems to provide accurate location data,” said Diego Barrera, Director of Professional Services for Skyward, A Verizon company. “These capabilities, paired with an aerial perspective, make drones ideal for photogrammetry surveys, and drone programs can recognize the benefits of photogrammetry right away. In many industries, aerial mapping and 3D modeling can be part of the value proposition when calculating the return on investment (ROI) in a drone program, but successful photogrammetry requires safe operation of the drone and effective collection of the imagery.”

Accuracy needs should define technology adoption plans, but those needs depend on numerous factors, with the environment being a major one. Situations with lots of vegetation, or with poor lighting conditions, means imaging is unlikely to provide an ideal result

Making it Worth Your Money

Additionally, if the alternative to utilizing the potential photogrammetry or LiDAR solution is that much more costly, an investment can make a great deal of sense. That one cost might be astronomically lower than the cost of putting together an army of people to traverse a field. Understanding how such potential applications can augment or change existing approaches is the key to creating value, with new options around the simultaneous capture of information introducing a whole new level of capability for stakeholders to consider.

Some of the best solutions that are available today seamlessly use the information provided by both photogrammetry and LiDAR, and are designed to generate accurate, robust deliverables at the lowest cost. 

Because photogrammetry and LiDAR are inherently doing different things, using them in combination is a concept that always made sense. However, logistics and budget often prevented attempts to make this connection. With many of those barriers removed thanks to drone platforms that are cheaper and more powerful, these connections can now be explored in a whole new way. h/t Commercial UAV News