Of course, using drones to collect imagery data is only part of the solution, users will also need robust software to turn drone imagery data into actionable digital assets that are easy to analyze and extract valuable data.
There are many drone mapping apps suitable for agricultural data analysis, the most popular ones are as follows:
What is drone mapping?
Drone mapping is a great way to get high quality aerial footage of any location. Using drones with built-in cameras, users can generate a large dataset, allowing them to do in-depth analysis, create detailed maps, assess risks and much more.
Depending on the type of sensor and data required, these applications can be used to develop different types of maps and 3D models and extract data through different agricultural indices.
These drone mapping apps will help farmers to identify problems related to pests, irrigation, diseases, plant stress level, soil nitrate level, etc.
This technique is relatively simple and can be done in four main steps:
• Choice of equipment,
• Flight planning,
• Mission execution,
•Data processing.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to obtain high quality aerial images, accurate and up-to-date information about any location.
Check here the Best Aerial Mapping Software With Drones in 2023
litchi
Litchi for DJI Drones is a popular autonomous flight app for DJI drones, an alternative to DJI Go or DJI FLY. The application, available for devices with Android and iOS operating systems, offers the user the possibility to create automated missions, some intelligent flight modes and, in general, an improved user experience.
Dronelink
Dronelink is a drone flight automation mobile app and web app, allowing you to create and fly missions across multiple drones and devices using one account. Plan mapping, waypoint, orbit, 360 panorama, inspection and many other missions, use pre-flight 3D mission views, perform follow or other modes, or generate field missions using drone position to mark entries.
Map Pilot Pro
Map Pilot Pro is a companion application designed to collect data for the Maps Made Easy processing platform. Maps Made Easy processing can be purchased by purchasing points on a prepaid basis or can be subscribed to on a monthly basis.
Collect world-class aerial data using Map Pilot Pro and process unlimited jobs of up to 325 images (12 megapixels) for free with Maps Made Easy.
Reality Capture:
RealityCapture is a 3D photogrammetry/scanning software for Windows. With it, you can create ultra-realistic 3D models for your projects from a set of photos and/or laser scans. Since RealityCapture uses external algorithms for almost all tasks, you don't have to worry about your computer's memory.
Reality Capture is a photogrammetry software solution that helps you create 3D models from photographs or laser scans. Reality Capture vastly improves productivity, accuracy, quality, and safety throughout the project.
Drone Harmony
Drone Harmony is an aerial mapping software designed to help drone pilots to plan, execute flights and process data in an automated way. By presenting a series of facilities, Drone Harmony has been consolidating itself as a software of excellence and attracting an increasing number of users linked to different segments of the drone market.
Drone Harmony is a software developed in 2016 with the main purpose of bringing automated solutions to the drone market. Due to the facilities it offers, Drone Harmony has stood out over the last few years and can be compared to other renowned applications on the market, such as Drone Deploy and DJI GO. Drone Harmony is a complete platform, with a friendly and intuitive interface, making it extremely simple to fly drones using this software.
In addition, Drone Harmony also offers automated planning, flight execution and data processing solutions, aimed at meeting specific areas of knowledge.
Agisoft Metashape
Agisoft is a software company, founded in 2006, specialized in developing algorithms for photogrammetric surveys.
Agisoft Metashape is a digital photogrammetry software widely used by professionals in the area and that can be a great choice for those who are starting and looking for software with a friendly interface, easy to learn and relatively low acquisition cost.
The great advantage of Agisoft Metashape over other photogrammetry software on the market is thatue, once you buy your subscription, you have it forever. That's right! Agisoft Metashape license is lifetime. In addition, acquisition prices are relatively low, making it an ideal software for beginners and freelancers.
The Standard Edition has a relatively low cost of ownership and provides many essential features when processing photogrammetry data. However, if your objective is to create Georeferenced and Orthomosaic Elevation Models, you need to buy the Professional version and invest a little more. With this version, you can also work with NIR, RGB, Infrared and Multispectral images.
With an intuitive and easy-to-learn interface, Metashape is an excellent choice for beginners. Agisoft even offers a 30-day free trial version with some limited functions. Anyway, if you intend to buy this software, it's worth trying it out first.
The big disadvantage of Agisoft Metashape is that, depending on your purpose, the functions of the Standard Edition may not be enough and perhaps purchasing the Professional license may be well below your budget.
However, by acquiring the Professional version, you guarantee a good position in the job market, in addition to having a lifetime license, which can generate great savings over time.
AirMap
AirMap is the ideal application for all types of drone pilots. It has advanced map functions like geofencing and flight logs. In addition, it presents flight restriction information based on the user's location, an essential feature.
The application thus contains information on laws and flight restrictions from a total of 20 countries. This even makes it possible for the pilot to fly in different areas without worrying about looking for the specific norm of the place on the internet.
Even though it has all these features, it is a free app for both Android and iOS devices.
DJI Ground Station Pro
DJI, aware of the need for aerial mapping apps, has developed its own app, DJI Ground Station PRO. It is only available for iPad (Air, Air 2, Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 4 and Pro). Anyone who has an iPhone or an Android device, therefore, will not be able to use it.
The application has 5 different types of tasks, in addition to having several configuration options. This doesn't make it difficult to use, but you need to be careful when planning the flight to avoid problems during execution.
Its functionalities are: 2D and 3D area mapping, virtual fence and pre-flight autonomous piloting. DJI GS Pro can be downloaded for free, although it also has some paid features.
Drone deployment
Drone Deploy is an application compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. In addition, it is integrated with an online platform, that is, you can also carry out flight planning on your computer (as well as on your smartphone or tablet).
If you prefer the first option, just visit the Drone Deploy website, plan the route and save. Upon completion, simply login to the device you will be using and the flight plan will be updated automatically. This, of course, as long as your device is connected to the internet.
The application is free for flight planning and execution, but it has paid plans with more features. One of them, for example, is cloud processing.
The app thus provides advanced flight planning and autonomous control for your drone. You can then choose a coordinate path and watch your drone fly over the route. You can also use it to control camera exposure, among many other tools.
Therefore, Drone Deploy is a reference among drone mapping applications precisely because it is a complete application. Not only is it great for mapping, it's also great for taking beautiful photographs, for those of you interested in the niche.
Pix4D Capture
Pix4D Capture is an automatic flight application developed by Pix4D. It is a free application that can be used by both Android and iOS systems.
Like the DJI GS Pro, it has 5 mapping modes, being able to fly 3D structures (buildings, houses, etc.), free flight and aerial drawing. Also, on the Pix4D website, there is a relationship between mission type, operating system and drone. Of the five available modes, four are for mapping, two of them for 2D mapping and two for 3D. These modes are: polygon, grid, double grid and circle.
Also Read: What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Laptop for Drone Mapping and Photogrammetry? Read Here
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