California-based aerial data collection and analytics company Aerial Imaging Technology has released a new, free drone image overlap estimator tool. As the name suggests, the tool can help operators using DJI drones or Micasense payloads to confirm a project’s orthographic image coverage while still on site.

Gathering consistently overlapping images is one of the most critical factors for producing a high-resolution map or 3D model using a drone. The higher the image overlap, the easier it is for modern image processing software to stitch together the images using repeated areas as a reference to ensure that everything aligns perfectly.

Generally, overlap settings of 70% or greater are considered sufficient for high-quality 3D model reconstruction with a visual sensor. If thermal is required, an 80% sidelap and frontlap is recommended.

But it’s not uncommon for drone pilots to realize the dataset has gaps or missing imagery after they have left the job…

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Source: dronedj.com