The above picture was done with Skycatch online processing.
With the different cloud processing out there for maps I have tried several of them with different results and wanted to write what I have experienced. I ran a data set through mapsmadeeasy.com with and without GCPs. I have had great success with dronemapper, dronedeploy, without GCPs. When I ran the same set of photos through mapsmadeeasy.com without GCPs the whole map was offset. At first it didnt bother me because I wasnt using them for surveying (just a complete aerial overview) but the more I thought about it I started to question why the offset. Eample map without GCPs Why did the data set work on the other programs but not theirs? I had flown the flight with GCPs so I decided to go back and run it again and this time input the GCP data. I had 5 GCPs during this flight. This time the results were very different. Same map with GCPs
Same data set ran through Skycatch's online processing with GCPs Tylertown-road with GCPs.pdf notice the difference.
From my experience with cloud based processing
If you don't need to share a example map online and just need the basic files dronemapper comes in at the top for accuracy without a subscription (pay as you go)
Ease of use Dronedeploy comes in as number one but it adds extra hardware to the UAV and it has a monthly fee. with that fee you get excellent results without GCPs but still have the option to use them. You also have the availability to share example maps to potential customers online.
For mapsmadeeasy it comes in in between the two for ease of use. You can pay as you go small maps are free and you have a lot more options for file outputs. If you are wanting it to look professional be sure to process it with GCPs and have at least 5 to reference.
Comments
Can anyone comment on comparing the accuracy of volumetric calculations between mme and dronedeploy (or other cloud based software). I'm currently evaluating the two by comparing the same data set and getting wildly different results (mme aprox 20% lower volume - 6483m3 vs 7845m3 with dd). I was hoping the pile would be surveyed but plans changed and it will not be so I can't figure out which one is closer to the correct value.
Great, I will use this workflow as soon as the weather improves. good job and you explanation videos are very useful, I joined yesterday
Excellent! This is a win-win. It lets me know the areas I can work on to improve my input. I'll try a little more waypoint averaging and check and compare elevation settings. I am also testing a 2 axis gimbal to keep the camera orientation more parallel with the ground.
I will be using your service more as soon as I can get a break in the weather.
Maybe the Team over there can give some insight to what adjustments they did to make this happen and are they permanent?
I was going to upload some log file last night but got busy with other projects.
Glad it was of some use. I used the Pixhawk FC and trigger on distance with a Canon S100 for this flight then use the log to geotag the pictures. The data logger sounds promising for the other flight controllers like DJI that don't allow you to get into the logs and use the GPS. I know some people that will be interested in this.
Thanks for your sharing experience.