Onboard Modeling using Skydio X10 features a fully end-to-end workflow that enables you to build a 3D model (Onboard Model) or 2D map (Onboard Map) immediately after your scan.

Use the Model Viewer to browse through scan photos, review a coverage mesh of your scan, and preview Onboard Maps or Models of your scan to validate data before leaving the scan site. Access this using Skydio Flight Deck.

  • All scan modes include the option to generate a Textured 3D Model, or Onboard Model (.gLTF file)
  • For Map Capture and Surface Capture, an additional Orthorectified 2D Map, or Onboard Map, is automatically generated (.tiff file)

[note] Onboard Model generation is only available with Skydio X10. For Skydio 2/2+ or Skydio X2 users, read How to use the Edge Model Viewer. [/note]

[accordion heading="Creating Onboard Maps or Models"]

There are two ways to create onboard maps/models after scans:

Immediately after a scan using Flight Deck

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Using the Media menu

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Using Flight Deck

Step 1 - Perform a scan

Select Save after you complete a scan.

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Step 2 - Select Yes

When asked if you would like to process an onboard model, select Yes to begin generating.

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Step 3 - Wait for your model to generate

Your scan will process first, followed by the Onboard Model.

Onboard Map/Model creation uses HD thumbnails (1920x1440) and processes about 30 images per minute.

  • Model generation may take longer for larger scans (1000+ images)

If the battery is low and you are processing a large model, ensure the drone is plugged into a power source.

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[caution] Do not power off or remove the battery while processing. Doing so will result in the loss of data. [/caution]

[note] Onboard Modeling is not available with thermal images. [/note]

Step 4 - View your model

Select Review Scan to enter the Model Viewer. You can also view your scan at any point using the Media menu. 

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Using the Media menu

Step 1 - Navigate to the Media menu

Open Global Settings and select Media.

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Step 2 - Select a scan CS_3DS_X10_media_UI_onboard_model7_rounded.png

Step 3 - Select Create Model

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Step 4 - Wait for your model to generate

Onboard Map/Model creation uses HD thumbnails (1920x1440) and processes processes about 30 images per minute.

  • Model generation may take longer for larger scans (1000+ images)

If the battery is low and you are processing a large model, ensure the drone is plugged into a power source.

CS_3DS_X10_media_UI_onboard_model4_rounded.png

[caution] Do not power off or remove the battery while processing. Doing so will result in the loss of data. [/caution]

[note] Onboard Modeling is not available with thermal images. [/note]

[/accordion]

[accordion heading ="Viewing Onboard Maps and Models with Flight Deck"]

Step 1 - Navigate to the Media menu

Open Global Settings and select Media.

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Step 2 - Select a scan

A summary of the scan will display. Select Review Scan.

The Model Viewer will open with the Onboard Map or Model loaded.

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Step 3 - Select 3D Coverage to change views (optional)

If you would like to see the coverage mesh of your model, select Settings in the top right of the toolbar.

Use the dropdown menu under Select Model Type and choose 3D Coverage.

 

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[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Tools"]

Coverage heatmap indicates the number of images taken at each location.

  • The photo count in the bottom left defines the coverage mesh colors in relation to the number of photos taken
    • Yellow indicates minimal coverage
    • Purple indicates full coverage

CS_3DS_EMV_UI_coverage_mesh.png

Capture points are the frustum shapes surrounding the scan.

  • Select individual capture points to view photos
  • The frustum will turn blue to denote you have already viewed that point
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CS_3DS_X10_media_UI_onboard_model_frustum1_rounded.png

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Inspect Tool 

Allows you to pick any point on the model and filter for all images containing that specific point.

  • A red circle will appear on both the model and photo to show your current placement
  • Use this tool in the field to review the settings and angles you chose and see where images are spatially located in relation to the model

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Settings

Opens the Settings menu which allows you to adjust how your scan is displayed. 

Select Model Type
3D Coverage
Displays an image coverage map that matches the in-flight AR Coverage Mesh.

2D Coverage
Highlights the idealized plane at the bottom of the scan volume.

Onboard Model*
Displays textured 3D Models processed on-drone

Onboard Map*
Displays Orthorectified 2D Maps processed on-drone

*Only available if you chose to generate a model

Zoom to Selected Capture Point

Automatically aligns the 3D view with the active capture point.

Show All Capture Points

Displays all capture points. When toggled off, this hides other points and displays only the active camera selected.

Show Volume

Displays a yellow prism around the structure to denote the user-defined scan volume.

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Info

Summarizes information about the scan, the model, and the selected image including:

  • Data
  • Time of the scan
  • Image size
  • Scan name
CS_3DS_X10_media_UI_onboard_model_info_rounded.png

 

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Copy an image (when viewing on a computer)

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Help

Provides information about how to navigate the Model Viewer using Flight Deck or a computer

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Expand

Enters fullscreen (when viewing on a computer)

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Battery

Indicates the battery level of your drone

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Home

Resets to the default view (when viewing on a computer)

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Download image 

Images download as .JPG files (when viewing on a computer). Downloaded images include scan information such as time, scan name, and dimensions. 

You have the option to rename your photo. 

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Exporting Onboard Maps or Models"]

Both Onboard Models and Onboard Maps are saved on the Media card. To access them, you will first need to transfer your data from Skydio X10.

If you have Media Sync, Onboard Models and Onboard Maps are uploaded to Skydio Cloud along with other media files.

Files for onboard models can be found in the corresponding scan folders:

  • 3D Capture
    • onboard_model.gltf
  • Map or Surface Capture
    • onboard_model.gltf
    • orthophoto.tiff
    • orthophoto_cloud_optimized.tiff (optimized for viewing on a laptop or in Skydio Cloud) 

We recommend the following tools for viewing onboard modeling files:

Windows

Mac

  • MeshLab for .gltf files
  • MacOS Preview for .tiff files

[/accordion]

Explore More

Getting Started Skydio X10

Flying Skydio X10

Skydio X10 Maintenance 

 

Skydio, Inc. A0467

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