James
Your comment about cameras is generally correct, although the processing in Drone2Map must have knowledge about the camera (primarily the sensor size and lens focal length) as well as GPS, so if you had some unknown camera (with GPS) you might still run into challenges - but I know we have processed imagery from a Falcon 8 in the past, so I am ~90% sure this will work "out of the box". However, I will admit I don't know intimate details of the Falcon 8, and if there are multiple cameras available, there is a SLIM chance we wouldn't have info about that camera in our database.
There are ways to work around this but if in doubt and you want to be sure BEFORE buying the drone and camera, I'd suggest you request 3 sample images (ideally taken above ground, with overlap) and send them to me, and I can test and confirm
As to your overall project, there are a lot more issues to discuss - but it's good to know where you're going. Here are some BRIEF thoughts, not intended to answer everything you need to consider:
- Yes, Drone2Map can build a 3D model that would (SHOULD) be suitable for printing as a 3D solid model. However, this requires that one of our output formats for a 3D mesh is compatible with your 3D printer, and I can't answer that for sure. I'd suggest a SMALL test area (and if you don't want to get the drone and do the processing, I could give you models to test - they just wouldn't be in your town).
- formats include *.i3s (this is our preferred format), OSGB, OBJ, FBX, Autocad DXF, PLY, and a 3D PDF.
- Second question for the 3D printer is "does it work well with something like building overhangs?" - e.g. think of an umbrella - would your 3D printout show the top surface of the umbrella then extend from the edges straight to the ground (essentially a solid cylinder) or would you really expect it to be an umbrella or mushroom shape?
- 3rd is to explore the legal requirements on flying a drone. You will need special permission to fly over pedestrians in the city.
- 4th is total area. I see Opelika is 60 square miles - that's not a big project for photography from a manned aircraft, but it is LARGE for a drone project. Realistically it would take you many separate days of flying, and you'd run multiple overlapping projects through Drone2Map. That should be doable, but merging many projects requires additional decisions. And note you may end up with brightness and color differences across the city (bright sunny day in May for one flight, cloudy day in April for another...).
If you look at this example http://esriurl.com/EsriCampus3D it will illustrate some of these issues.
- This is 1/6 of 1 square mile, and required 3 drone flights to cover our full campus. You could do more in one full day, and you could cover more area if you flew higher than we did but you'd get lower resolution. I'm only estimating but you might need 60 days of flying (good weather, possible clouds & cloud shadows, etc.) to cover 60 square miles.
- Also, look at the trees - you'll have many features in the 3D mesh that will have a small bottom and large volume overhead (my "umbrella" or mushroom comment above). Also, there may well be some objects "floating" above the ground such as some of the tree canopy. This would require editing before sending to a 3D printer...
I hope that is helpful
Cody B
