Services for Architects, Structural Engineers and Planners
Our Mission in working with you
At Lithos-Skyline Aerial Photography and Drone Surveys, we strive to capture breathtaking aerial photography for a variety of industries and purposes.
Our mission is to elevate your vision with our high-quality drone photogrammetry services across The UK.
So what is photogrammetry?
How does it work?
Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images. It involves capturing overlapping images from different angles and using specialised software to create precise 2D maps or 3D models.
Our DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone with the RTK will fly over the asset or land to be surveyed in two opposing directions with camera set at low oblique angle, this means that when the 3D model is created the facade has good level of definition. In some situations where the detailing of the facades is critically important we will fly a specific facade mapping mission.
In some situations we have collected up to 10000 images and this is where the magic really starts to happen. We upload these images to our photogrammetry software called PIX4D. This software will stitch the images with almost pin point accuracy, this is achieved by the overlapping of images and the software does this by finding the same pixels in numerous images. The images are georeferenced often to an accuracy of 10mm in x, y and z.
The PIX4D can create different data to help and assist Architects, Structural Engineers and Planners. These are; 2D Orthomosaic Maps, Digital Terrain Models, 3D Point Clouds, 3D Textured Meshes and 3D Models. Please read on for more details on these services.
2D ORTHOMOSAIC MAPS and Mapping
WHAT ARE 2D ORTHOMOSAIC MAPS?
A 2D orthomosaic is a high-resolution, geometrically accurate image created by stitching together multiple aerial photographs taken by a drone. Unlike regular photos, an orthomosaic is corrected for topographic relief, lens distortion, and camera tilt, ensuring that it maintains a uniform scale and can be used as an accurate map.
Each pixel in an orthomosaic is georeferenced, meaning it corresponds to an exact location on the Earth's surface. This accuracy makes orthomosaics useful for mapping and measurement purposes.
The creation of an orthomosaic involves stitching together multiple overlapping images taken from different angles (as seen in the blue shaded areas of the photo). This process, known as photogrammetry, ensures that the final image is free from distortion and maintains consistent scale.
Specialised software, such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or Agisoft Metashape, is used to process the images and generate the orthomosaic. These tools also offer features like elevation models and contour lines.
BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS OF 2D ORTHOMOSAIC MAPS AND MAPPING.
The high level of detail and geometric accuracy allows for precise measurements of distances, areas, and volumes, making orthomosaics ideal for surveying, planning, and monitoring. Drones can quickly capture current data of the area, which is especially useful for rapidly changing environments like construction sites or disaster zones.
Creating an orthomosaic with drones is often more cost-effective and faster than traditional surveying methods, reducing the need for extensive ground-based surveys.
Orthomosaics are used in various industries, including agriculture (for crop health monitoring), construction (for site planning and progress tracking), mining (for volume measurement of stockpiles), and environmental management (for habitat mapping and monitoring).
Drones can access hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, providing comprehensive coverage without risking the safety of personnel. Orthomosaics can be integrated with other geographic information system (GIS) data, enhancing the analysis and visualization capabilities for urban planning, resource management, and infrastructure development.
3d Point Clouds
WHAT IS A 3D POINT CLOUD?
- Definition: A 3D point cloud is a collection of data points in space, each with X, Y, and Z coordinates, representing the external surface of objects or terrains.
- Creation: Generated by drones using LIDAR sensors or photogrammetry (overlapping aerial images).
Benefits of Using Drones for 3D Point Clouds
- Accuracy: High precision in capturing spatial data, essential for detailed analysis and modelling.
- Accessibility: Ability to survey hard-to-reach or dangerous areas safely.
- Detailed Analysis: Provides rich datasets for various applications, from construction planning to environmental monitoring.
KEY APPLICATIONS FOR 3D POINT CLOUDS
- Surveying and Mapping: Topographic surveys, land development planning, urban planning and infrastructure development
- Construction: Site planning, monitoring, volume calculations for earthworks and as-built documentation.
- Environmental Monitoring: Erosion & sediment transport studies, Forest inventory & management and Habitat & wildlife studies.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Powerline & pipeline inspections, bridge & infrastructure assessments and building façade inspections.
- Mining and Quarrying: Volume measurements of stockpiles, pit & quarry, monitoring and safety assessments.
3d textured Mesh
WHAT IS A 3D TEXTURED MESH?
- Definition: A 3D textured mesh is a digital model consisting of vertices, edges, and faces that define the shape of an object, combined with high-resolution textures that provide detailed surface appearance.
- Creation: Generated using photogrammetry or LIDAR data from drone surveys, where images or laser scans are processed to create a mesh, and textures are applied to enhance visual detail.
Benefits of Using Drones for 3D Textured Meshes
- Realism: Provides highly detailed and realistic visual representations of the surveyed area.
- Precision: Ensures accurate spatial data for detailed analysis and decision-making.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from construction to cultural heritage preservation.
KEY APPLICATIONS FOR 3D TEXTURED MESHES
- Architecture and Construction: Site planning, design, progress monitoring, documentation, virtual tours and presentation
- Urban Planning: City modelling & infrastructure development, land use planning & management and public engagement & visualisation
- Cultural Heritage: Documentation and preservation of historical sites, virtual reconstruction and visualisation and public education & virtual tourism.
- Mining and Quarrying: Detailed site modelling, volume & material estimation, safety and compliance monitoring.
Digital terrain models
THE BASICS ON DIGITAL ELEVATION AND TERRAIN MODELS
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are 3D representations of the Earth's surface that focus on representing the bare ground without any objects like buildings, trees, or other structures. DEMs are crucial for various applications in geography, engineering, and environmental science.
DEMs: Used in applications where surface features are important. DTMs: Used in applications requiring an accurate ground surface.
We use DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone to take 1000's of images of an area of interest, this high resolution imagery is then used with photogrammetry to make a 3D model of the the Earths surface using a software platform called PIX4D. This software creates our digital surface models, for more information please take a look at PIX4Dmatics.
WHO USES DIGITAL TERRAIN MODELS?
The majority of the digital elevation and terrain models are utilised in the following sectors:
- Geospatial and Mapping: in the creation of topographic maps and in urban planning and development.
- Environmental and Earth Sciences: for watershed. hydrology modelling, flood risk assessment and management.
- Civil Engineering, Construction and Energy: in site planning, design, land surveying, land use planning and solar farm design & construction.
Each of these industries leverages the detailed and accurate terrain information provided by DEMs and DTMs to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and improve overall outcomes.
File outputs and pix4D
File Outputs
PIX4D is the leading software provider to the drone industry and many of their files types are recognised by both Autocad and also REVIT. We offer the following files type for our architectural services.
- Orthomosaic (.tiff, .tfw, .prj, .jpg, and .jgw)
- Point cloud (.laz, .las1.4, .las1.2, and XYZ)
- Mesh (.obj, Cesium 3D tiles, and .slpk)
- Digital Surface Model (.tiff, .tfw, .prj)
- Quality Report (PDF)
Where Autocad or REVIT cannot work with the above file types, we convert these using Autodesk ReCap Pro.
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
LEGAL, SAFE, INSURED AND PROUD!
To operate drones and carry out aerial photography and drone surveys commercially, you must have GVC certificate and insurance. We have an Operations Manual for our flight operations and an Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority, which is renewed yearly.
I hold all of the requirements to carry out aerial photography and drone surveys commercially and hold insurance cover of £5,000,000.00, this allows me to fly in all open and specific airspace. For specific project this can be raised up to £50,000,0000.00.