Scan reconstruction best practices with Skydio X10
Published: Updated:
While Skydio X10 can create onboard models immediately after a scan, you also have the ability to upload your scan imagery to third party photogrammetry softwares.
To create 3D reconstructions, you must upload your scan images to the third party photogrammetry provider. To do so, first transfer your media from X10 and locate your scan files.
- Images that are captured using Full resolution and ¼ resolution will be treated as two separate models (e.g., photos from VT300-L with Full resolution will be one model, and photos also from VT300-L with ¼ resolution will be a second model)
We’ve included best practices for some of the most common photogrammetry platforms below.
[tip] If you have captured color photos (RGB) as well as thermal JPGs/RJPGs, try sorting by file size to easily locate the files you want to upload. Skydio X10 Thermal JPGs are 100-200 KB/image. Skydio X10 Thermal RJPGs are 800-900 KB/image. [/tip]
[accordion heading="PIX4Dmapper"]
[note] Please use the Pix4D_Matic_geolocation.csv file from your scan folder to create reconstructions with PIX4Dmatic. [/note]
Under Geolocation and Orientation, select From File… and upload the Pix4D_Mapper_geolocation.csv file.
- Ensure the file format is Latitude, Longitude, Altitude
- Skydio uses WGS84 for latitude and longitude, and WGS84 Ellipsoidal Height for altitude
After importing, a window called Image Properties will appear and automatically load the geotag information from your scan photos.
If you have trouble processing 64 MP images in PIX4Dmapper, please ensure you have the latest software version installed. Read more details in their support article, Can PIX4Dmapper process large frame images? Reach out to the PIX4D support team for further assistance.
[info] Check out PIX4Dmapper documentation and PIX4Dmapper video tutorials for in-depth directions and tips. [/info]
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[accordion heading="Bentley iTwin Capture Modeler / Console"]
After importing your scan photos, ensure you have the correct camera model selected. You can find all Skydio X10 camera models by right clicking Get Camera Model from the Database and searching Skydio X10.
Your photos will show up as one photogroup, meaning they are assumed to have the same calibration. In the 3D View tab, you have the ability to verify the initial positions as reported by the photo EXIF metadata.
[info] Check out Bentley Education and Bentley Communities for in-depth videos and tips. [/info]
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[accordion heading="DroneDeploy"]
Log in to your DroneDeploy account and upload your scan photos using the Upload tab within the Project on DroneDeploy Web.
For 3D Capture, Surface Capture, and Map Capture, select Map or Model.
For Upward Capture or Indoor Capture, ensure you change the upload type:
- Select Choose Files
- Select More under Options
- From the dropdown menu, select Change upload type and choose Facade
[info] Check out DroneDeploy Academy or their article Uploading and Processing Data for more in-depth videos and tips. [/info]
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[accordion heading="ESRI"]
Site Scan and Drone2Map are both compatible solutions for Skydio X10.
Classify your 3D Scan missions under Other, as there are no specific mission types for 3D Scans. This selection only changes the icon displayed in the mission list and does not affect the processing of your data.
[note] Please do not designate 3D Scan missions as Panorama. Panorama missions undergo a separate data process to create panoramic images, which is different from the processing required for 3D Scans. [/note]
If you are interested in using Skydio Extend ESRI Site Scan integration for seamless processing of your 3D Scan images, please read How to use the Skydio Extend ESRI Site Scan integration.
[info] Check out ESRI SiteScan Documentation for more in-depth tutorials and tips. [/info]
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[accordion heading="gNext"]
Log in to your gNext account and upload your scan photos in the Projects tab.
If you are interested in using the gNext API integration with Skydio Cloud for seamless post-production modeling of your 3D Scan images, please read How to Integrate Skydio Cloud with gNext Labs.
[info] Check out gNext FAQ for more tips. [/info]
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Skydio, Inc. A0518
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