Photogrammetry Applications and Equipment

Understanding Equipment for Photogrammetry Applications

• There are different types of photogrammetry applications:
  • Acquisition applications (e.g., Drone Deploy) for controlling drones to fly autonomous missions and acquire images for mapping
  • Desktop processors or processing engines (e.g., Pix 4D) for creating point clouds, meshes, and deliverables
  • Cloud-based applications that combine acquisition and processing
• The choice of equipment and processing software depends on the industry vertical, deliverables, and workflow

Types of Processing Engines

• Desktop processors (e.g., Pix 4D) require a powerhouse machine with significant processing power, RAM, and storage
• Cloud-based processors (e.g., Drone Deploy) do not require high-end computers, but may have limitations in terms of deliverables and verticals

Understanding Deliverables

• Different industries require different deliverables (e.g., contour lines, 2D rapid orthomosaics, 3D meshes)
• The processing engine and equipment needed depend on the deliverables required
• Flexibility is important, especially for drone service providers, to accommodate different client needs

Computers for Processing Maps

• A dedicated machine is recommended for processing maps to avoid slowing down other tasks
• Consider the CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, and storage when choosing a computer for processing maps
• Research websites like Puget systems can provide valuable insights on the best configurations for specific software and deliverables

Pix 4D Mapper

• Pix 4D Mapper can be used on a Mac, but may have glitches and limitations
• Using Boot Camp or Parallels can resolve some issues, but may still have errors and limitations
• Matt Schaer recommends using a 16-inch MacBook Pro (2020 model) for mapping

Hardware Components

• CPU: AMD is a good option for the money, but consider the ecosystem when choosing components
• Motherboard: Choose a reputable brand, ensure it has multiple ports for adding GPUs, and max out on features for future upgrades
• RAM: Get a minimum of 64 GB for mapping, and the highest speed possible
• GPU: Get the highest-end GPU possible, and ensure it's CUDA-enabled for Pix 4D
• Storage: Get a lot of storage, and consider having multiple M.2 slots on the motherboard
• Cooling: Keep the computer cool, consider liquid cooling, and ensure good airflow

RAM and Memory

• RAM is like acute memory, quickly accessible for decision-making

• Get a minimum of 64 GB of RAM for mapping, and consider 128 GB or more for heavy usage

• Speed is also important, get the highest speed possible### Computer Components for Drone Mapping

• The GPU is crucial for processing, and having more RAM allows it to process more data.

• The RTX 2070 card is a good option, but consider getting the RTX 2080 TI for better performance.

• The GeForce GTX 1080ti card has 11GB of RAM, compared to the RTX 2070's 7GB.

Storage

• Direct mount storage allows for faster access to files and faster workflow.
• Ensure the read and write speeds are above 3000 megabits per second.
• Avoid cables, as they can downgrade bus speed.
• SATA SSDs are a good alternative if direct mounted storage is not feasible.
• HDDs are not recommended due to their slower performance and potential for data loss.

Power Supply

• Get a power supply that is more than what you need to ensure you have enough power when the computer is under load.

Case and Cooling

• A basic case is sufficient for building a desktop, as you'll be taking everything off and pushing air through it.
• Consider getting LEDs for your computer from monoprice.com.

Monitors

• An IPS-rated monitor is essential for accurate color representation and calibration.
• IPS-rated monitors are necessary for drone mapping, video editing, and photography.

Building a Computer

• A budget rig for drone mapping can be built for around $1000, but it's recommended to spend more for better performance.
• Consider building a mid-range or high-end computer for better performance.
• Laptops can be a good option for mobile processing, especially Alienware laptops.

Laptops

• Alienware laptops are recommended for mobile processing and have good performance.
• A laptop with an RTX 2070, i7 processor, and 16GB of RAM can handle mapping tasks, but may not be suitable for large image sets.

Profit Margin and Supporting Small Businesses

• Buying from small businesses can support the community and provide better profit margins.
• Avoid asking for discounts from small businesses, as it can hurt their profits.
• Support small businesses by buying their products at full price.

Equipment for Photogrammetry Applications

• Photogrammetry applications include acquisition, desktop processing, and cloud-based applications that combine both
• The choice of equipment and processing software depends on the industry, deliverables, and workflow

Processing Engines

• Desktop processors require powerful machines with significant processing power, RAM, and storage
• Cloud-based processors do not require high-end computers but may have limitations in terms of deliverables and industries

Deliverables

• Different industries require different deliverables (e.g., contour lines, 2D rapid orthomosaics, 3D meshes)
• Flexibility is important, especially for drone service providers, to accommodate different client needs

Computers for Processing Maps

• A dedicated machine is recommended for processing maps to avoid slowing down other tasks
• Consider CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, and storage when choosing a computer for processing maps

Recommended Computer Configuration

• CPU: AMD is a good option for the money
• Motherboard: Choose a reputable brand, ensure multiple ports for adding GPUs, and max out on features for future upgrades
• RAM: Minimum 64 GB for mapping, highest speed possible
• GPU: Highest-end GPU possible, CUDA-enabled for Pix 4D
• Storage: Lot of storage, multiple M.2 slots on motherboard
• Cooling: Keep computer cool, consider liquid cooling, and ensure good airflow

Importance of RAM and Memory

• RAM is like acute memory, quickly accessible for decision-making
• Minimum 64 GB of RAM for mapping, 128 GB or more for heavy usage
• Speed is important, get highest speed possible

Computer Components for Drone Mapping

• GPU is crucial for processing, more RAM allows processing more data
• RTX 2070 card is a good option, but consider getting RTX 2080 TI for better performance
• GeForce GTX 1080ti card has 11GB of RAM, compared to RTX 2070's 7GB

Storage Options

• Direct mount storage allows for faster access to files and faster workflow
• Ensure read and write speeds are above 3000 megabits per second
• Avoid cables, SATA SSDs are a good alternative if direct mounted storage is not feasible
• HDDs are not recommended due to slower performance and potential for data loss

Power Supply and Case

• Get power supply that is more than what you need to ensure enough power when computer is under load
• Basic case is sufficient for building a desktop, consider getting LEDs for your computer

Monitors

• IPS-rated monitor is essential for accurate color representation and calibration
• IPS-rated monitors necessary for drone mapping, video editing, and photography