Best Practices for Drone Photogrammetry

Drone Photogrammetry Best Practices

# Flight Planning

Overlap Settings
- Forward overlap: 75-85%
- Side overlap: 65-75%
- Higher overlap for complex terrain

Altitude and GSD
- Ground Sample Distance determines detail
- 2cm GSD typical for construction
- 5cm GSD for large area mapping
- Higher altitude = faster coverage but less detail

Flight Patterns
- Grid pattern for flat terrain
- Double grid (crosshatch) for complex areas
- Oblique flights for vertical surfaces

# Ground Control

GCP Placement
- Minimum 5 GCPs for survey-grade accuracy
- Distribute around perimeter and center
- Avoid placing all GCPs in straight line
- Mark with high-contrast targets (12"+ size)

Survey Methods
- RTK GPS for centimeter accuracy
- Collect at least 3 observations per point
- Document coordinate system and datum

# Image Capture

Camera Settings
- Lowest ISO possible (100-200)
- Shutter speed for sharp images
- Fixed focal length preferred
- RAW format if available

Flight Conditions
- Avoid harsh shadows (overcast ideal)
- No wind above 15 mph
- Consistent lighting throughout
- Morning/evening for facades

# Processing

Software Options
- Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Metashape
- Verify GCP residuals (<2x GSD)
- Generate accuracy report
- Export in required formats