Orthomosaic with the MA2?

[BuckeyeRay]

So I have the opportunity to earn some money with my MA2 if I can figure out how to fly, image, and create an orthomosaic. Since we can't fly the mission with 3rd party apps, what are my options (besides using a different drone, not an option)? Obviously I'm new to this, and I won't take the missions without a clear path forward to providing a professional result.

 

[mschaffer66]

I wonder what the first thing someone is going to scold you about... Part 107 or VLOS.... lol

 

[BuckeyeRay]

Well, I am Part 107 certified and intend to bring a JAFO if the property requires it, but I don't think it will.

 

[svenmarbles]

I wonder what the first thing someone is going to scold you about... Part 107 or VLOS.... lol

I wish people didn’t feel like they needed to be the drone police. Why is it a foregone conclusion that the guy isn’t a 107...

Just address the post as posted....

 

[mschaffer66]

I wish people didn’t feel like they needed to be the drone police. Why is it a foregone conclusion that the guy isn’t a 107...

Just address the post as posted....

I'm far from the drone police and I've found there is no shortage of them, which is why I made a sarcastic comment.

 

[lee82gx]

With the new waypoints hyperlapse I reckon it’s possible to do the orthomosaic. But your flight path needs to be created on the drone in the air with 1 pack of battery at least. I suppose 45 points can cover something if you really want it to...

 

[Meta4]

So I have the opportunity to earn some money with my MA2 if I can figure out how to fly, image, and create an orthomosaic. Since we can't fly the mission with 3rd party apps, what are my options (besides using a different drone, not an option)? Obviously I'm new to this, and I won't take the missions without a clear path forward to providing a professional result.

You would need to be able to use one of the mapping apps like DroneDeploy to properly fly a grid and capture images at the right places with precise overlaps of 70% or more.
That's not possible with the Mavic Air 2 until DJI release the SDK for the drone to allow 3rd party developers to produce apps that work with the Air 2.
You don't want to hear it but for now, your only option would be to use a different drone.

 

[BuckeyeRay]

You would need to be able to use one of the mapping apps like DroneDeploy to properly fly a grid and capture images at the right places with precise overlaps of 70% or more.
That's not possible with the Mavic Air 2 until DJI release the SDK for the drone to allow 3rd party developers to produce apps that work with the Air 2.
You don't want to hear it but for now, your only option would be to use a different drone.

I don't buy that at all. Creating orthos with (and without) geotagged imagery was done before there was DroneDeploy or Pix4D. ArcGIS can do it, but it's ridiculously expensive. I'm looking for something like that, but at a level I can afford.

 

[BuckeyeRay]

With the new waypoints hyperlapse I reckon it’s possible to do the orthomosaic. But your flight path needs to be created on the drone in the air with 1 pack of battery at least. I suppose 45 points can cover something if you really want it to...

I've got 3 batteries, and the property is pretty small. I haven't tried the waypoint hyperlapse yet, I'll test that this weekend. What I need is software to create the ortho. Any ideas? I just discovered AgiSoft, it looks like that might work.

 

[Thmoore]

My understanding is that the SDK for the Air 2 will be released this month. When they released the SDK for the Mavic Mini, the software companies had versions for the Mini almost immediately. If you can wait a week or two or three, the Mavic Air 2 might be just right for what you were talking about.

 

[Meta4]

I don't buy that at all. Creating orthos with (and without) geotagged imagery was done before there was DroneDeploy or Pix4D.

Yes, it was done from images captured by specialised aerial mapping companies, flying precise grids and creating precisely calculated overlaps.
Just like this from a small DroneDeploy mapping flight:

That's what you can't do by hand.

What I need is software to create the ortho. Any ideas? I just discovered AgiSoft, it looks like that might work.

It should work.
It's the industry standard photogrammetry software.

When they released the SDK for the Mavic Mini, the software companies had versions for the Mini almost immediately. If you can wait a week or two or three, the Mavic Air 2 might be just right for what you were talking about.

You are talking about Litchi.
The Mini still isn't supported by DroneDeploy or Pix4D for mapping missions, so there's no guarantee the Air 2 would be soon.

 

[BuckeyeRay]

Yes, it was done from images captured by specialised aerial mapping companies, flying precise grids and creating precisely calculated overlaps.

It can also be done manually through simple aerial photos in ArcGIS and other GIS programs. Not as convenient, sure, but this is what I'm after. I don't need all the reasons "why not." I need "how to."

 

[Meta4]

It can also be done manually through simple aerial photos in ArcGIS and other GIS programs. Not as convenient, sure, but this is what I'm after. I don't need all the reasons "why not." I need "how to."

Then go out and fly a grid with >65% frontlap and sidelap all by yourself and you'll have no worries.
It seems you don't want to hear from anyone that actually does this stuff.

if you were really doing it professionally, it would be nothing to buy the appropriate equipment that can do the job properly.

 

[Kyle76]

Dronelink has mapping and beat Litchi with Mini support when the SDK was released. Less than a week to add Mini support. I’d expect about the same for the A2 unless the SDK is far more complicated.

 

[BuckeyeRay]

Then go out and fly a grid with >65% frontlap...blah blah blah...equipment that can do the job properly.

I appreciate your unhelpful but informative advice.

 

[lee82gx]

I've got 3 batteries, and the property is pretty small. I haven't tried the waypoint hyperlapse yet, I'll test that this weekend. What I need is software to create the ortho. Any ideas? I just discovered AgiSoft, it looks like that might work.

I have not done it in practice sorry. Was hoping you'd lead the way.

 

[Thmoore]

Yes, it was done from images captured by specialised aerial mapping companies, flying precise grids and creating precisely calculated overlaps.
Just like this from a small DroneDeploy mapping flight:

That's what you can't do by hand.

It should work.
It's the industry standard photogrammetry software.

You are talking about Litchi.
The Mini still isn't supported by DroneDeploy or Pix4D for mapping missions, so there's no guarantee the Air 2 would be soon.

Gotcha. DroneLink also picked up Mini compatibility very quickly; it does seem to do mapping missions. Would that do the job?

 

[Meta4]

Gotcha. DroneLink also picked up Mini compatibility very quickly; it does seem to do mapping missions. Would that do the job?

I only found out today that Dronelink also does mapping and have been looking at their website.
It looks like it's another option for mapping flights.

 

[Kyle76]

Dronelink will automatically map out an area once you input the boundaries, drone height and starting point. There's a bit of a learning curve, but for mapping you shouldn't have to worry about obstacles, as you'd be flying above the highest tree or building. It's a very robust program with a one-time fee for hobbyists and a subscription for professionals.

 

[joecnc2006]

Dronelink hobbyist version may not do mapping as it says recreational missions and the Pro says commercial missions. I would surely ask them first.
Plus it says Hobbyist can not be used for commercial purposes.

I use the MA1 with dronedeploy and works very well I'm sure many are waiting to have support for the MA2.

Also what is your mission plan and deliverables? This will help determine what minimum software you can use or get away with.