While the map is flat, most drone technology companies call it 3D mapping – because creating an accurate map from aerial images gives a result that doesn’t look anything like the kind of map you buy in a gas station. Instead, it’s a precise picture of terrain – including all of the buildings and natural components of the terrain. It can give a sense of size and depth. It’s often combined with other information, such as thermographic data or industry specific data (think agriculture crop counting systems) to make the map an actionable tool.
Biglin Photography use photogrammetry (the science of taking measurements from pictures) and orthomosaics to create 3D maps. Orthomosaics is a combination of processes. Ortho-rectifying or creating an orthophoto means adjusting an image for topographic relief, lens distortion, and camera tilt: allowing it to be used for true measurement. “Mosaics” is stitching together multiple images into one. The resulting maps – now highly accurate – can be used for a wide range of industrial applications, such as construction, surveying, urban planning, and land management.