Drone 3D Modeling for Virtual Stores

Drone You Interactive 3D Modeling Course

• The course teaches students how to create 3D models using Drone Deploy and Matterport.
• The course aims to help students create virtual stores and experiences to bring businesses to customers, especially in the wake of the Corona virus.

Benefits of Virtual Stores

• Virtual stores allow customers to experience a space without physically being there.
• Virtual stores can increase conversion rates for businesses.
• They can be used in various industries, such as real estate, museums, and retail.

Drone Deploy and Matterport

• Drone Deploy creates 3D models of exterior spaces.
• Matterport creates 3D models of interior spaces.
• Both can be used to create interactive models.

Bridging Exterior and Interior Models

• The course teaches students how to merge exterior and interior models using SketchFab and Matterport.
• This allows users to navigate between the two models.

Virtual Reality Modeling

• Virtual reality (VR) modeling is a way to experience a new environment using all human senses.
• VR models can be used in conjunction with headsets, desktops, and mobile phones.

Services Offered by Drone Pilots

• Drone pilots can offer various services, including:
  • Virtual stores for real estate, museums, and retail.
  • Interactive modeling for art exhibits and historical buildings.
  • Virtual design and construction (VDC) for construction companies.
  • Insurance adjustments and architecture.

Construction and VDC

• Construction companies can use virtual reality models to:
  • Annotate and take measurements.
  • Communicate with contractors and clients.
  • Identify and track progress.

Communication and Organization

• Virtual reality models can improve communication and organization in construction by:
  • Allowing for easy annotation and tracking.
  • Enabling contractors to identify and complete tasks.
  • Reducing errors and miscommunication.

Pricing and Business Opportunities

• Pricing for interior 3D models can range from 300to300 to 300to500.
• Upsell opportunities include:
  • Exterior models.
  • Floor plans.
  • Google Street View integration.
  • Linking products and videos.
• Package pricing can be structured to offer different levels of service and features.### Virtual Showcase
• A virtual showcase includes 2D, 3D, and 20 product links, making it more interactive than a basic product listing on Amazon.
• A Pro package could include a larger showcase, up to 5,000 square feet, 50 links, and services like article writing to help clients with their marketing.

Matterport 3D Showcase Pros

• The ABC's package includes:
  • Exterior model
  • Interior model
  • Product showcase
  • Article on website
  • Pixel tracking setup
  • Retargeting
• This is the ultimate package, allowing clients to create a virtual store with interactive links and pixel tracking for retargeting.

Pricing Model

• The pricing model should have a breakaway point at 3,000 square feet, as this is where the work required increases significantly.
• Consider offering packages like:
  • Small spaces up to 1,000 square feet
  • Medium spaces up to 2,000 square feet
  • Large spaces up to 3,000 square feet
  • Luxury spaces up to 5,000 square feet
• Be mindful of the number of clients in each tier and price accordingly.

Deliverables

• When delivering a link to a client, make sure it is unbranded and follows MLS rules.
• Always link the Matterport interior model with the exterior model and vice versa.
• Consider offering additional services like Google Maps street view and tracking links.

Costs

• Fixed costs include:
  • Drone equipment (if not already owned)
  • Mapping software (Drone Deploy and Pix 4D)
  • Sketch Fab software
  • Interior modeling equipment (Matterport camera or 360 camera)
  • Monopod
• Total fixed costs: $737 (if drone equipment is already owned)

Interior Modeling Equipment

• Matterport camera:
  • Expensive
  • Higher barrier to entry
  • Minimal benefits over a 360 camera
• 360 camera:
  • Faster than Matterport hardware
  • No physical spin
  • Cheaper than Matterport camera
• Cameras that can be used with Matterport software:
  • Matterport Pro 2
  • BLK 360
  • RICO Theta V
  • RICO Theta Z1
  • Insta 360 1X

Drone You Interactive 3D Modeling Course

• The course teaches students to create 3D models using Drone Deploy and Matterport for virtual stores and experiences.

Benefits of Virtual Stores

• Virtual stores allow customers to experience a space without physically being there.
• They can increase conversion rates for businesses.
• They can be used in various industries, such as real estate, museums, and retail.

Drone Deploy and Matterport

• Drone Deploy creates 3D models of exterior spaces.
• Matterport creates 3D models of interior spaces.
• Both can be used to create interactive models.

Bridging Exterior and Interior Models

• The course teaches students to merge exterior and interior models using SketchFab and Matterport.
• This allows users to navigate between the two models.

Virtual Reality Modeling

• Virtual reality (VR) modeling is a way to experience a new environment using all human senses.
• VR models can be used in conjunction with headsets, desktops, and mobile phones.

Services Offered by Drone Pilots

• Drone pilots can offer various services, including virtual stores, interactive modeling, virtual design and construction, and insurance adjustments.

Construction and VDC

• Construction companies can use virtual reality models to annotate and take measurements, communicate with contractors and clients, and identify and track progress.

Communication and Organization

• Virtual reality models can improve communication and organization in construction by allowing for easy annotation and tracking, enabling contractors to identify and complete tasks, and reducing errors and miscommunication.

Pricing and Business Opportunities

• Pricing for interior 3D models can range from 300to300 to 300to500.
• Upsell opportunities include exterior models, floor plans, Google Street View integration, and linking products and videos.

Virtual Showcase

• A virtual showcase includes 2D, 3D, and 20 product links, making it more interactive than a basic product listing on Amazon.
• A Pro package could include a larger showcase, up to 5,000 square feet, 50 links, and services like article writing to help clients with their marketing.

Matterport 3D Showcase Pros

• The ABC's package includes exterior model, interior model, product showcase, article on website, pixel tracking setup, and retargeting.

Pricing Model

• The pricing model should have a breakaway point at 3,000 square feet, as this is where the work required increases significantly.
• Consider offering packages like small spaces up to 1,000 square feet, medium spaces up to 2,000 square feet, large spaces up to 3,000 square feet, and luxury spaces up to 5,000 square feet.

Deliverables

• When delivering a link to a client, make sure it is unbranded and follows MLS rules.
• Always link the Matterport interior model with the exterior model and vice versa.
• Consider offering additional services like Google Maps street view and tracking links.

Costs

• Fixed costs include drone equipment, mapping software, Sketch Fab software, interior modeling equipment, and monopod.
• Total fixed costs: $737 (if drone equipment is already owned).

Interior Modeling Equipment

• Matterport camera: expensive, higher barrier to entry, minimal benefits over a 360 camera.
• 360 camera: faster, no physical spin, cheaper than Matterport camera.
• Cameras that can be used with Matterport software: Matterport Pro 2, BLK 360, RICO Theta V, RICO Theta Z1, and Insta 360 1X.

Pre-Site Planning for Interior 3D Modeling

• Cleanliness is essential: ensure the house is clean, windows are clean, floors are clear, and areas are dusted
• Prepare lighting: turn on all lights, including kitchen lights, under cabinet lights, and oven lights
• Control the environment: close all toilet lids and cover any areas you don't want to show

Equipment Preparation

• Essential equipment: charged camera batteries, monopod, backup light, and extra phone or tablet
• Recommended equipment: Digiant Mp3 606 monopod and Newer lights brand
• Monopod vs. tripod: use a monopod to avoid capturing tripod legs in the scan

Acquisition Guidelines

• Site survey: identify difficult points and areas needing multiple scans
• Optimize lighting: turn on all lights, especially in dark rooms
• 360 camera rules:
  • Start scanning 2 feet from the wall
  • Move no more than 4 feet between scans
  • Avoid looking at the camera during scanning
  • Shoot in doorways, leaving doors halfway open or fully open
  • Use sticky notes to remind yourself not to scan certain areas

Scanning Process

• Connect the camera to the monopod and iPad via Wi-Fi
• Start a new project in the Matterport app
• Determine the scan path: think about smooth motion throughout the house
• Shooting technique:
  • Shoot in door jams
  • Use overlapping shots for good data
  • Mark windows, mirrors, and trim out areas you don't want to show using the Matterport app

Tips and Tricks

• Manage lighting: avoid extreme light differences and direct sunlight
• Control natural light: close blinds to avoid too much light entering the room
• Mark windows and mirrors correctly to showcase the correct direction of the building's interior
• Use the trim tool to cut out unwanted areas
• Process interior maps: upload data to Matterport

Time and Cost Considerations

• Scanning time: approximately 45 minutes for 1,000 square feet, 1.5 hours for 3,000 square feet
• Hourly value and cost-benefit analysis: factor in time and cost when deciding whether to scan a building's interior

Matterport Camera Scanning

• Use Insta 360 camera with Digiant monopod to scan a room
• Attach extension rod and 360 camera to monopod
• Place camera at eye level (around 6 feet) for best results

Pre-Scanning Preparation

• Ensure room is well-lit and avoid direct sunlight
• Remove unnecessary objects or furniture to avoid distortion

Scanning Process

• Open Matterport app on iPad and connect to camera
• Start scan and move camera to next position, ensuring it's perfectly still
• Avoid direct sunlight and cover windows or mirrors
• Mark windows or doors using editing tool to avoid distortion

Overlapping Scans

• Take multiple scans in a room, especially in areas with limited visibility
• Overlap scans by about 2-3 feet to ensure complete map

Doorway Scanning

• Place camera in middle of doorway, facing room
• Shoot scan and move to next position
• Keep doors open or closed consistently throughout scan

Dealing with Distortion

• Avoid scanning near reflective surfaces
• If distortion occurs, move camera to different position and re-scan
• Use editing tool to remove unnecessary areas

Post-Scanning

• Process scans to view completed map
• Check for holes or areas of distortion
• Use cut tool to remove unwanted areas from map

Doorways and Windows

• Accurately capture doorways and windows to avoid errors
• Mark windows correctly to avoid fragmentation and incorrect mapping

Pro Tips for Scanning

• Move door to half-open position to capture area behind it
• Use trick of standing in doorway and shooting scan to capture area behind door
• Line up camera lens with door to capture entire area

Overcoming Challenges

• Retake scans to overcome challenges like bad lighting
• Show behind door and capture area accurately
• Ensure visibility in scanning

Mapping and Course Completion

• Use single battery to complete scan of room
• Review scan, discussing key points:
  • Less furniture means faster scanning
  • More furniture means longer scanning times
  • Corners must be seen in three shots for accurate mapping
  • Overlap is crucial for accurate mapping

Uploading and Processing

• Review checklist before uploading model, including:
  • Marking all windows correctly
  • Cutting off unnecessary areas
• Model is uploaded and begins processing

Drone Mapping: Exterior Image Acquisition and 3D Textured Meshes

Pre-Flight Planning

• As a drone pilot, it is essential to have a Part 107 certificate and registration on hand.
• Complete pre-flight planning involves checking airspace, weather, and wind speed at different altitudes, considering the Ryan Carlton effect.
• Utilize the UA Sidekick app to check airspace and avoid flying over people.

Drone Mapping Formula

• The formula for optimal image acquisition involves a double grid at a slightly oblique angle (75° tilt).
• Triple orbit (point of interest mode) is used to capture facade data.
• Drone Deploy software is used to capture images and process data.

Drone Deploy Software

• Drone Deploy is an all-in-one software that provides acquisition, processing, and cloud-based solutions.
• It offers an efficient and scalable solution for 3D textured meshes.
• The software's enhanced 3D mode and live map turned off provide optimal data acquisition.

Image Acquisition

• Automatic settings should be changed to optimize overlap and flight direction.
• Optimal image capture requires 80% front overlap and 70% side overlap.
• Flight direction should be adjusted to avoid reflection from the sun.
• Cross-hatch 3D and obstacle avoidance are used for better data.

Orbit Flight Mode

• Triple orbit flight mode is used to capture facade data.
• Point of interest mode in DJI go4 is used to set up timed shot settings.
• Timed shot settings should be set to 2 seconds in JPEG mode for optimal image capture.

Key Takeaways

• Follow the formula for image acquisition: double grid, triple orbit, and optimized settings.
• Use Drone Deploy for efficient and scalable 3D textured meshes.
• Pre-flight planning and image acquisition settings are crucial for better data.

Introduction to Drone Mapping

• Drone mapping is also known as photogrammetry, which is the science of taking measurements from photos.
• Photogrammetry does not require drones, but drones have made it more accessible and valuable.

Drone Mapping Process

• The process involves taking multiple 2D images and stitching them together to create a 3D model.
• The camera needs to be positioned at a specific angle and altitude, and the images need to have a high degree of overlap (at least 75%).
• Software uses key points in the images to create a point cloud, which is then used to create a 3D model.

Key Points and TI Points

• Key points are unique pixels in an image that can be identified in multiple images.
• TI points are the points that the software has verified as having the same X, Y, and Z position in multiple images.
• The point cloud is a collection of TI points with four data points: X, Y, Z, and color.

Ground Sampling Distance (GSD)

• GSD is the distance between two pixel centers, normalized for real-world differences.
• A lower GSD is desired for more accurate models, which can be achieved by flying lower and using a camera with a fixed focal length.

Image Capture Best Practices

• Capture images when the sun is not directly overhead (e.g., overcast weather).
• Avoid capturing images with high reflectivity, dynamic scenes, or complex geometry.
• Ensure the camera is not moving too fast, and the images are not blurry or overexposed.
• Set the white balance before capturing images.

Sensor Resolution and Focal Length

• A higher sensor resolution and a fixed focal length can improve the accuracy of the 3D model.
• Avoid using cameras with rolling shutter sensors, as they can create incorrect GSD.

Drone Mapping Challenges

• Mapping complex scenes, such as those with overhangs or awnings, can be challenging.
• Windy or rainy weather can affect the drone's ability to capture accurate images.
• GPS interference can affect the drone's ability to capture images.

Drone Deploy Workflow

• Upload images to Drone Deploy and set the mapping area.
• Ensure the mapping area is small to avoid file size limitations.
• Click export to receive the 3D textured mesh as an OBJ file.
• The OBJ file can be used in various applications, such as SketchFab.

Drone Mapping and Acquisition

• Acquiring images for drone mapping requires a Part 107 certificate, registration, and insurance.
• The exterior acquisition formula involves a double grid, which can be created using the Drone Deploy app with advanced mode, 75% overlap, and 70° camera tilt.
• Fly at an altitude of 150-200 ft to complete the double grid.

Point of Interest Mode

• Use DJI Go4 and Point of Interest mode to create three circles around the subject with a 15 ft deviation and elevation from one flight rung to the next.
• Point and tilt the camera down before starting orbits to eliminate sky from images.

Data Management

• Use various acquisition applications, but be aware of compatibility issues with older drones and firmware.
• Check and back up data after every mission to ensure quality and avoid client issues.

Image Review and Upload

• Review images for blurriness, overexposure, or weird direction.
• Use the Drone Deploy app for direct upload, but check images before uploading.
• Create a new project, plug in the drone, and upload new images to create a map or model.

Workflow and Processing

• Create a project area, select photos, and choose the processing area carefully as it affects the entire workflow.
• Understand the difference between processing area and mapping area in Drone Deploy.
• Limit the mapping area to create a small 3D mesh for Sketch Fab upload.
• Set the mapping area tightly around the building to exclude unnecessary photos and reduce file size.

Deliverable and Quality

• The deliverable does not require geo-referencing due to Drone Deploy processing.
• Focus on quality and avoid using turbo upload.
• Manual tie points are not required in Structures mode in Drone Deploy.

Learn to create 3D models using Drone Deploy and Matterport for virtual stores and experiences. Improve business conversion rates and customer engagement.