Flight Scenarios
Throughout the video, the DJI Mini 4 Pro was tested in various scenarios including flying over wooded areas, buildings, and fields to assess its performance.
Range of Motion
One of the key features that make the Mini 4 Pro ideal for photogrammetry is its exceptional range of motion for the gimbal camera. With the ability to tilt the camera up to 60 degrees off the horizon and down almost 90 degrees, users have a wide range of motion for capturing precise images.
Flight Planning
In order to capture accurate data for photogrammetry and 3D modeling, careful flight planning is essential. Generating a flight plan with specific waypoints and actions ensures that the drone captures all necessary images for the modeling process.
Image Capturing
During the flight, the DJI Mini 4 Pro autonomously captured a series of images of the buildings and surroundings. With each picture taken at predefined waypoints, a comprehensive dataset was collected for the photogrammetry analysis.
Flight Planning with DJI Mini 4 Pro
Utilizing the DJI Mini 4 Pro for photogrammetry and 3D modeling is a fascinating experience. The ability to generate flight plans with precision and fly over specific areas allows for detailed imaging. The Mini 4 Pro offers various options for creating flight paths, including circles and polygon shapes around buildings and other structures.
Utilizing Waypoint Map for Precision Flight
When using the Waypoint map feature for the DJI Mini 4 Pro, users have access to built-in tools that simplify the process of setting up flight missions. By selecting waypoints directly on the drone and starting the mission, users can automate the process of capturing images at specified intervals.
Capturing Images for 3D Modeling
Once the flight mission is initiated, the DJI Mini 4 Pro flies over the designated area, capturing images at regular intervals. Whether using the polygon tool for mapping large areas or circling specific structures, the Mini 4 Pro ensures high-quality image capture for 3D modeling.
Experimenting with Different Flight Plans
Experimenting with different flight plans allows users to explore the capabilities of the DJI Mini 4 Pro for photogrammetry. Whether flying over buildings, sports stadiums, or other landmarks, the Mini 4 Pro can generate detailed 3D models with remarkable accuracy.
Enhancing Photogrammetry Skills with Tutorials
For users looking to improve their photogrammetry skills with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, tutorial videos are available to guide them through the process of using the Waypoint map feature. By following step-by-step instructions, users can optimize their flight missions for better results.
Mapping a Baseball Field
I wanted to generate a whole map of this baseball field, but in the final result, I’m only doing like the Center building and then also I had to stop because the battery was low. So I’m just going to resume the Waypoint back where I was. I think I was at around 60 so that way it just starts and resumes the mission, and I don’t have to fly the whole thing over again. So just hit 60 and then what will happen? Is you just hit, go and started up. Do the normal stuff – and it will then take off and do what its supposed to so here we go loading it in there and then coming over here here.
Flight Automation
It goes off to finish the rest of the mission, and here it is flying nice and high. Fully automatically, which is actually really awesome, that you can do this on such a small lightweight drone. Heck, you could even get a couple of these and map something even quicker if you really wanted to.
Mapping a Picnic Area
Now, I’m also going to go map the second building, which I think this is like a picnic area or whatever and again, we’re just going to fly the same drone. This time, it’s a circular flight plan, so I’m going to get started hit next, as you can see it’s just going to run around here take the pictures. I did these all in 12 megapixels because I found that when you start doing the larger megapixels limitations on what I can do in terms of my photogrammetry machine.
Overview of DJI Mini 4 Pro
So I have limitations there, but you easily could do this on the 48 megapixel version. So just keep that in mind as well. However, if you do choose to do that, you have to increase the SEC second interval if youre doing time shots feature. So you have to actually shoot at like 5 Seconds versus which you can do with the 12 megapixel, which I think goes as low as one so realistically.
Photogrammetry and 3D Modeling Features
This is just me flying around, and this is 12 megapixels with a 2-second interval. So I went through and I flew two other areas that I don’t actually have video of me doing it um. I flew this park nearby, um, that’s really nice and I went through and did this with only the free version of Waypoint map. So this is everything that you can achieve fully automatically, and this was, as you can see, flown with the free version above a couple things that I find very interesting, though, was just the resolution and depth of resolution on this uh.
Resolution Quality
I think they have like a pipe down here or something – and this is where I was standing so that’s a little messed up, but overall you can see that there is some pretty clear defined ground um. The resolution is pretty nice. There is some pretty clear details about like the different spots of graphs and also there’s like a manhole cover here, you can see and you can actually make that out really well.
DJI Mini 4 Pro For Photogrammetry and 3D Modeling Review
Ground Mapping
If we set this up to make the model, you can actually see very nicely just how well this looks, it looks pretty much indistinguishable looks very nice except other than my liked stuff here, and obviously the trees, since its the middle of winter is not the best Time to be doing, photogrametry um, but overall, this ground definitely looks, looks a little bit better with the points, but overall um really really solid across the board. I dont think I see anything too crazy, but definitely a great model in terms of just mapping and obviously even the trees came out pretty well. But then again, if you look at the cameras, didnt fly too much over them. But again us doing this in, like when theres leaves on the trees, would be a little bit better in terms of collecting those. But I think I flew this at 60 M high as well, and it did a good job with kind of what I covered.
Community Center Mapping
So next up is this community center thats nearby? I did this in Sunset, so it was a little rougher um and, as you can see, if I turn on the camera view you can see, I did did just two concentric circles and, as you can see, that looks really like the amount of photos for what You got is pretty insane um, especially when you look at like thats realistically, like under 50 pictures. So I did this in 48 megapixels as well and, as you can see, one of the things that I thought was really interesting was just how detailed and well the roof came out um.
Flight Experience and Camera Quality
When examining the capabilities of the DJI Mini 4 Pro for photogrammetry and 3D modeling, the flight experience and camera quality play a crucial role. The user mentions the limitations in camera angle and visibility due to glare from the sun. It is suggested that flying closer and maneuvering the drone strategically can help in capturing better images for mapping and modeling purposes.
Optimizing Flight Path
To enhance the accuracy of the data collected for photogrammetry, it is recommended to optimize the flight path. By flying at different altitudes, distances, and angles, it is possible to cover all areas effectively. The user points out the importance of capturing multiple images to ensure complete coverage, especially in areas with obstacles or overhangs that might obstruct visibility.
Camera Settings and Image Resolution
The user highlights the importance of camera settings and image resolution in achieving high-quality outputs for photogrammetry and 3D modeling. In this review, the 12-megapixel camera setting was used, resulting in satisfactory but not perfect results. Issues with capturing certain details, such as rooftops, are mentioned, indicating the need for adjustments in flight height and image capture techniques.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro For Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the practice of creating detailed, accurate 3D models of objects or environments using photographs. It is a valuable tool for a variety of industries, from architecture and engineering to archaeology and film production.
The Benefits of Using DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a popular choice for photogrammetry due to its high-quality camera and stability. The drone’s ability to capture high-resolution images with precise detail makes it ideal for creating 3D models with accuracy.
Challenges Faced During the Process
One of the challenges faced when using the DJI Mini 4 Pro for photogrammetry is the potential for missing data or inaccuracies in the final model. Factors such as changing landscapes or obstacles like trees can interfere with the drone’s ability to capture all necessary information.
Potential Improvements for Better Results
To improve the accuracy of the 3D models created with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, it is important to carefully plan the flight path and consider potential obstacles. Clearing the area of any obstructions and ensuring that the drone has a clear line of sight can help to minimize missing data in the final model.
High Coverage and Distortion
Obviously, the lines start getting distorted, etc, but places of really high coverage were interesting to see as well. The lines in the road are pretty high and my car over here is pretty high. It did get a little bit of the tree, but definitely for just two concentric circles: that’s a lot of coverage, especially at such a low altitude.
Selective Picture Choices
Now here is the baseball field center. If you’ll notice, I did actually selectively choose which pictures to include, because I put a high priority on the pictures around the center and a low priority on the baseball field. Realistically, you don’t need to worry too much about the baseball field.
Interesting Brushed Field Detail
One thing I thought was very interesting was they had just brushed the baseball field and I thought it was a little error there. If you look at these pictures, you can see how they brushed the baseball field and all these lines in it. It’s interesting that you can then pick those up and they actually register as changes in depth as well.
Potential Lower Altitudes for Better Detail
This example could have been done at a lower altitude to capture more details like ledges and other features. But overall, I thought it did a pretty solid job.
Rooftop Detail
All things considered, the roof looks really good, actually um its definitely got some nice depth to it. Its definitely can definitely make out some pretty fine details. However, of course, the model would probably, if you wanted to make a really adequate model, youd still need to go through and adjust this a little bit more.
Challenges with Small Objects
A lot of this clear, SL, opaque stuff in these small little poles that move a whole lot during pictures between pictures are not going to work this, especially since you always have something blocking it. Thats going to struggle and thats the only time, youre getting pictures of it um and then a lot of these, like poles and stuff, are not going to register properly.
Accuracy of Model
As you can see, the bleachers did an okay job depending on where you looked, but usually these poles – or these tops here did not just cuz. There was a pole here and, as you can see, the pole did not register but the, and so that probably messed it up here. But overall, I think that looks pretty solid. Youd probably definitely want to do a much more in depth picture, taking process um, but just for a quick overview run, I think thats a a pretty solid representation of what its capable of I think with a lot more pictures at a diff.
Performance in Photogrammetry
When using the DJI Mini 4 Pro for photogrammetry, it is evident that the drone is capable of capturing high-quality images from various angles. With its ability to fly at lower angles, the Mini 4 Pro allows users to obtain detailed and precise models for 3D mapping and modeling projects.
Automatic Mapping with Waypoint
One of the standout features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its ability to automatically map with Waypoint. This feature enhances the efficiency and accuracy of the mapping process, making it easier for users to create detailed maps and models with minimal effort.
Portability and Extended Gimbal Range
Compared to other drones like the Mavic, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is much more portable, allowing users to easily carry it to various locations for mapping and modeling tasks. Additionally, the extended gimbal range of the Mini 4 Pro provides users with more flexibility when capturing images and videos for their projects.
Conclusion
Overall, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a valuable tool for photogrammetry and 3D modeling. By understanding the potential challenges and making necessary adjustments, users can achieve high-quality results with this drone.
In conclusion, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a highly recommended drone for photogrammetry and 3D modeling purposes. Its performance in capturing high-quality images, automatic mapping feature with Waypoint, portability, and extended gimbal range make it a solid choice for professionals and enthusiasts in the field.
