Hi there,
I just downloaded and fired up WebODM in order to do mapping with my drone. I am planning on focusing on real estate applications and/or do general mapping and 3D modeling for clients who’d like such services.
I currently own a DJI Mini 3 Pro but plan on selling that as soon as I can and getting a SkyDio 2 instead. That’s another topic in itself but I’m here more to learn and ask about WebODM and what some good settings would be for my setup.
I’m running Windows 10 Professional. What would be good settings to begin with for a solid output that can be used on a someone commercial/professional level?
Thanks!
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Best place to start is your flight plans, and then any settings recommendations will need to be balanced against your machine’s specifications (specifically RAM).
You can get more familiar by checking out our documentation:
https://docs.opendronemap.org
And by searching the Community to pickup tips from folks.
If you’re interested in 3D quality, you’ll want to have about 85% overlap/sidelap, and at least two different survey plans with varying gimbal angles to capture the side of objects better, so say one at about 5-20 off nadir and another one maybe 25deg off from that.
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I’m confused…what is the difference between WebODM Lighting and the package I just purchased for $57? I already ran an test case with my newly purchased package and the results were so so in comparison to Pix4D, Metashape, etc…those being free trials of course.
Can someone explain what the Lighting stuff is?
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Welcome!
Lightning is our Cloud processing platform.
You purchased the desktop software which processes locally, or can optionally interface with Lightning.
As for your results, please note our Default preset is very conservative and you can get much better results by changing presets or tuning parameters.
Ok great…I was wondering if you could offer suggestions on settings? I posted a separate thread about that as my initial results are pretty poor.
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So do I need to use Lighting then if I’m using the desktop software?
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When you say flight plan…you mean when using a mapping flight software? Like DroneLink?
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Lightning is completely optional, and it’s offered as a convenience to speed processing for most folks.
Thanks for the reply. To be clear, in regards to your comment about flight plans…that’s through a mapping flight app/software correct?
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I was under the impression you need shots at 45 to 65 degrees facing down? From most videos I’ve seen, those are the angles people use? How do you accomplish the overlap and sidelap of 85%?
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Yes, I’m referencing the angles from nadir, or 0 deg, straight down from the sUAS. Some folks do it from the horizon as 0 deg.
You get the overlap and sidelap from the image capture frequency and transect-to-transect spacing respectively.
When you are planning in the Z-axis as well, you maintain vertical overlap by changing the gimbal angle and possibly also the height above ground.
I’ve failed a lot and learned a few things.
Flying a crosshatch with the camera 10% from nadir and having an overlap set att 70/70 will work well. That’s 70/70 for each of the flights that’s made so the total overlap will be greater.
For WebODM I would suggest using Hahog with Flann.
But just do a lot of tests to get the feeling for what works best for you.
Every failed attempt is a source of wisdom.
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To be honest I have no idea what that terminology is…" Hahog with Flann"?
Ok. Could you explain more what the settings mean? What do they change? Etc.
I’m no expert but
Hahog/sift/orb is how futures are extracted and matched between images.
Flann/bruteforce/… is how the matching is applied.
I think
Orb is extremely fast but not very precise as of what I have learned, sift is very precise but very slow. Hahog is pretty fast and precise.
I see ok. I’ll try and find them. I know one can try and sit through hours of reading their help files…but frankly I’m trying to avoid re-inventing the wheel when people who have already done all this can show the way.
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Some things though is hard to teach.
I suggest taking time to test techniques and find a way that works for you.
I’m making pointclouds and ortophotos mainly in my field as a construction surveyor and also for mapping and maps.
I’m still struggling to find a good, solid mapping and flight software to use with my drone. I got the wrong drone…a toy for social media and glamour shots frankly…a Mini 3 Pro. And I’m paying the price for it both in use and support/service from DJI. If I can unload it and get a better drone (like Skydio 2+) I will. Half the battle is being able to deal with the ridiculous amounts of software all over the place just to get proper shots.