Example use case settings for scanning with Skydio X10
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Default 3D Scan settings are optimized for photogrammetry reconstruction, however, there may be cases when you need to adjust settings, such as Overlap and Sidelap or the camera resolution, to better capture the scene.
If your goal is to create a high fidelity reconstruction, increase your Overlap/Sidelap percentages. If you do not plan to create a model of your scan, lower percentages will suffice.
- For optimal photogrammetry reconstructions, we do not recommend overlap/sidelap under 70/70
Scan Mode | Default Overlap/Sidelap |
3D Capture | 80/70 |
Surface Capture | 70/70 |
Indoor Capture | 70/70 |
Map Capture | 70/70 |
[note] Increasing Overlap and Sidelap increases the number of images, scan time, and post-processing time. [/note]
When scanning homogeneous surfaces, such as solid steel or concrete structures, we recommend setting a Distance to Surface of at least 32 ft (10 m) for the Narrow camera and 16 ft (5 m) for the Wide camera.
- If you do not have enough space to do so (e.g., not enough access underneath a bridge or not enough space inside the warehouse), we recommend to increasing Overlap/Sidelap to 85/85
When reconstructing thermal-only datasets, we recommend at least 80/80 Overlap/Sidelap. A translation of the color (RGB) camera's Overlap/Sidelap is shown at the bottom of the live camera feed.
Intended thermal (IR) Overlap/Sidelap |
Corresponding Color (RGB) Overlap/Sidelap Wide camera |
Corresponding Color (RGB) Overlap/Sidelap Narrow camera |
85/85 | 95/95 | 90/90 |
80/80 | 93/93 | 88/88 |
70/70 | 90/90 | 85/85 |
Suggested 3D Capture Settings
Industry Use Case | Example GSD | Camera Mode | Stop for Photo | Scan Pass |
Construction: Progress monitoring and asset inspection Artifacts to detect: Asset damage, misalignment, as-built vs. design |
2 mm | Full | OFF | Z, Y, X |
Transportation: Bridge inspection Artifacts to detect: Cracks and delamination of the bridge deck, bolts/nuts, connection points of bridge pillars |
1 mm | 1/4 Standard | ON | Z, Y, X |
Utilities: Distribution Artifacts to detect: Transformers, conductors, insulators, static wire, pole quality/damage |
1 mm | Full | OFF | Z |
Oil & Gas: Asset inspection Artifacts to detect: Surface corrosion or level changes of tanks, pipe damage or spills along the pipe, equipment failure |
2 mm | Full | OFF | Z, Y, X |
Suggested Surface Capture Settings
Industry Use Case | Example GSD | Camera Mode | Stop for Photo |
Transportation: Bridge inspection Artifacts to detect: Cracks and delamination in the concrete underneath the bridge |
1 mm | 1/4 Standard or 1/4 HDR | ON |
First responders: Day-time small collision scene or collision scenes with complex shapes Artifacts to detect: Crumple damage, skid marks, weapons, broken glass |
5 mm | Full | OFF |
First responders: Night-time small collision scene or collision scenes with complex shapes Artifacts to detect: Crumple damage, skid marks, weapons, broken glass |
5 mm | 1/4 Low Light | ON |
Construction: Rooftop inspection Artifacts to detect: Cracks, holes, or debris on the roof surface |
2 mm | Full | OFF |
Suggested Map Capture Settings
Industry Use Case | Example GSD | Camera Mode | Stop for Photo |
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC): Site survey, stockpile volumetrics Artifacts to detect: Site progress, volumetrics, terrain model |
10 mm | Full | OFF |
First responders: Day-time collision scene Artifacts to detect: Crumple damage, skid marks, weapons, broken glass |
5 mm | Full | OFF |
First responders: Night-time collision scene Artifacts to detect: Crumple damage, skid marks, weapons, broken glass |
5 mm | 1/4 Low Light | ON |
Utility: Solar inspection Artifacts to detect: Cell defects in solar panels, wires and connectors |
5 mm | Full | OFF |
Transportation: Road grading and survey
Artifacts to detect: Cracks and delamination in concrete, road damage, erosion, site survey, terrain model |
10 mm | Full | OFF |
Suggested Indoor Capture Settings
We recommend using the Wide camera for best photogrammetry reconstruction results and the most efficient time onsite.
If you plan to use the Narrow camera during an Indoor Capture, we recommend using a large Distance to Surface for better photogrammetry reconstruction results. We also recommend 1/4 resolution for indoor environments that are not well lit. For more information, read Comparing Skydio X10 sensor packages for 3D Scan.
Industry Use Case | Example GSD | Camera Mode | Stop for Photo |
Transportation: Tunnel inspection Artifacts to detect: Defects or cracks in tunnel walls and ceilings |
2 mm | 1/4 Low Light | ON |
Warehousing: Warehouse and Inventory Management Artifacts to detect: Layout of empty warehouses for planning purposes, aisles and pallets for inventory counting and monitoring |
2 mm | 1/4 Standard | ON |
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