Photogrammetry Applications and Equipment

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

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

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

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 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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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