OpenDroneMap: Open Source Platform to Create Maps with Drones

The cameras installed on the average drone usually behave like a point and shoot. Their perspective may be different, but there is no advanced data in the frames, a detail that limits their usefulness under certain conditions. The alternative is to process these images in some way, and that is the role of OpenDroneMap. This open source platform allows us to generate maps, point clouds, elevation models, and 3D models from drone photos in offline mode and without paying a cent.

The creation of three-dimensional maps and digitized models was never particularly simple or economical, but in recent years some trend changes have been seen. The necessary hardware is becoming cheaper, and something similar can be said about software, thanks to new open source projects. For example, today there is the possibility of creating elevation models and point clouds from images captured with a drone. All the vehicle requires is storage large enough to save the photos, and applying a tool at the level of OpenDroneMap.

Create Drone Maps with OpenDroneMap

OpenDroneMap is a platform intended for processing visual material obtained with drones. In other words, it transforms conventional photographs into three-dimensional geographic resources.

Point clouds, digital surface models, elevation models, orthorectified images, and 3D reconstruction are some of the available functions.

The platform can be run locally and natively, online using one of the main providers (AWS, Google Compute, etc.), or via Docker.

Although there is an online demo called WebOpenDroneMap that teaches us the essential features of the platform "and" a couple of integrated projects, its installation and use is not a matter of a couple of clicks.

Thanks to its open source profile, we can do whatever we want with its code, but if someone needs additional assistance, the developers offer special installers and technical support for a one-time payment of 57 dollars.

If we consider that other alternatives cost hundreds of dollars or require specific hardware, OpenDroneMap is definitely welcome beyond the natural difficulties it may carry. Furthermore, it can only improve over time, and I imagine it will become more user-friendly.

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