Drone 3D mapping software for textured models and point clouds you can measure
Fly a grid and a few oblique passes, upload the photos, and open a textured 3D model and a dense point cloud in the browser. Measure heights, distances and areas in 3D, then send the model to your client by link or export it as OBJ and LAS.
net volume
net volume
Two 3D outputs, each for a different job
A 3D textured model is a mesh of triangles wrapped in the colour of the original photos. It reads like the real site and is the one people understand at a glance: owners, inspectors, planners.
A dense point cloud is millions of measured points, each with a position and a colour. It is the one analysts work with: sections, classification, comparison with design, import into CAD and modelling software.
- Textured model: OBJ with its texture files (Team and above)
- Point cloud: LAS or LAZ (Team and above)
- Both come from the same processing run as the orthomosaic, DSM and DTM
The photogrammetry that produces them is explained on photogrammetry software.
A 3D viewer that runs in any browser
Large meshes and point clouds used to mean a workstation and a desktop viewer. In Dronemapping the model streams in levels of detail, so it opens on a laptop, a Mac or an iPad without a download.
- Orbit, pan and zoom around the model
- Switch between the textured mesh and the point cloud
- Pin comments and annotations to a spot on the model on Team and above
- Share the model with a view link that needs no seat
Measurements in 3D
A flat map measures what is visible from above. A 3D model also measures what stands up.
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01
Distance between two points, with the horizontal and vertical components
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02
Height of a structure, a wall or a stockpile face
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03
Area of a surface in 3D, such as a roof plane or a slope
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04
Volume against a base plane: lowest point, average of perimeter or a custom elevation
Measurements are stored in the project, visible to everyone on the view link, and exported as CSV.
How to fly for a good 3D model
Nadir photos alone produce a clean map but weak facades. A model that holds up from every angle needs views from the side.
- Start with a nadir grid at around 75 percent front and 65 to 70 percent side overlap
- Add a crosshatch grid with the camera tilted; a gimbal pitch of 45 to 70 degrees below the horizon is a common choice
- Orbit tall structures at two or more heights so every face is seen from several angles
- Avoid harsh midday shadows on facades and keep the exposure fixed through the flight
Plan the detail you need with the ground sampling distance calculator. When vegetation hides the ground, read photogrammetry vs lidar first.
Where teams use 3D photogrammetry
3D photogrammetry software earns its keep where height and shape matter as much as position.
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01
Inspection of roofs, facades, towers and bridges, with findings pinned to the model. See drone inspection software.
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02
As-built records of structures and earthworks for the project file
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03
Terrain and point clouds for topographic work, covered on drone survey software
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04
Stockpile and slope review where a 3D view explains a number better than a table
Measure a real surface now
The demo draws on a real elevation surface: outline a stockpile, pick a base plane and read cut, fill, net volume and an elevation profile. It is the same measuring logic as the full product.
The plan that includes 3D
The textured 3D model and the point cloud are part of Team at $249 per month or $2,490 per year, together with 15,000 processed images a month, two jobs in parallel, GCP accuracy reports, contours and a branded share page. Full comparison on drone mapping pricing.
Drone 3D mapping software FAQ
Team and above. Starter covers the orthomosaic, DSM, DTM and measurements.
The textured model exports as OBJ with texture files, the point cloud as LAS or LAZ.
For terrain and stockpiles, a nadir grid is enough. For buildings, towers and steep faces, add oblique passes or orbits so the sides are captured.
Yes. The model opens from a view link in any modern browser, on desktop, tablet or phone.
The model streams in levels of detail, so a full site model opens without downloading it first. Very large projects load in stages as you zoom.
Build your next site in 3D from the same upload
Textured model, point cloud and measurements, alongside the orthomosaic and elevation models.