3D mapping, another wonder of modern technology, is a new machine vision technology in the field of cartography. While we are already familiar with 2D maps and 3D vision, it is not hard to imagine how a 3D map looks like? Don’t let the curvature of Earth hinder your view and zoom in close to your location using 3D mapping.
3D mapping means profiling of objects in three dimensions to map the objects in real-world. There are several ways for a 3D profiling of an area or object, such as using a pair of a stereo camera. Another method is to measure the depth of an object or feature from focus. You can also create a 3D effect by detecting the light field by plenoptic methods or using active 3D imaging techniques.
Advantage of 3D mapping over 2D technology
One of the best benefits of 3D mapping is that it provides the latest technical methods for visualisation and gathering information. Knowledge visualisation and science mapping become easier when a 3D map is available for the object/area under study.
A 3D map provides a realistic view of a location that can be utilised by local authorities and planners. For the construction sector, a 3D map is as useful as a blueprint is. It is very easy to visualise floor plans on a 3D map and identify possible obstructions which may occur during construction.
When you have a 3D map in front of you, you enter a world of limitless imagination where you can experiment with many visual effects virtually before the final output. From determining the position of aircraft to making your event special with projection mapping, 3D mapping is working as a magical eye.
3D map preparation
3D mapping is also referred to as “Projection Mapping” or “Video Mapping.” Many people call 3D mapping as “Spatial Augmented Reality” also.
For projection mapping, a technique is used that can convert any surface into a dynamic visual display. Though many ways can create the same effect but combining the 2D or 3D data with some computer animations can highlight the required features and diminish not such relevant things.
3D mapping in GIS
A Z value (other than x and y), gives an enhanced depth when you are collecting data for GIS analysis. City-planning, building information modelling (BIM), Coastal modelling, Windfarm assessment are some areas where 3D GIS works as the screen of wonders.
3D mapping and cartography is an important tool in creating 3D scenes of a location that are useful for many studies like high rise development, building interior and exterior and effects of a disaster. If you want to create a 3D map using ArcGIS, you can do it in simple steps. ArcGIS provides a feature “ArcGIS scene viewer.” Another desktop application from ArcGIS is ArcGIS Pro a desktop application. Since it is a 64-bit application, it contains many extensive 3D inbuilt capabilities. It offers the facility of working with a 2D view as well as 3D scenes at the same time, side by side.
3D mapping provides minute information like the coordinates of a fire and helps in quick disaster response.
You can also use AutoCAD Map 3D software to create maps that are useful in the management and planning of resources. Integrating GIS data with CAD tools and some intelligent models, you can improve the quality and productivity of your project.
Very few of us know that we can create a 3D map in Microsoft Excel as well. Enter your data into a worksheet (with X and Y coordinates) and then select the data. The column headers should not be neglected in this step. Now click on insert followed by 3D Maps and open 3D Maps to explore more.
3D mapping has numerous applications in the various fields, from science to entertainment and advertising. When the Earth is not flat, then why to represent it in 2D? Add the ‘Z’ coordinate and see your projects turning into reality.
Ten years ago, UAVs were almost strictly within the purview of commercial applications. Today, many households have UAVs at home. UAVs are everything from toys for children to highly advanced, professional machines. But where is the line drawn? What are the differences between a commercial UAV and a consumer model? How can you tell the difference?
Here’s everything you need to know about what distinguishes commercial UAVs from consumer models.
The Commercial UAV
Today, commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are being used in everything from construction to the energy industry. UAVs are used for surveying, maintenance, and safety. But the UAV that is used for commercial use is a far cry from those that are in the standard home. An aerial mapping UAV will be much more technologically advanced than an at-home toy or hobbyist quadcopter, and much more expensive.
Still, there’s no strict delineation between commercial UAVs and consumer UAVs for a very simple reason: UAVs have become more and more advanced. Just as there is a sliding spectrum of cameras, from a simple phone camera to a professional grade model, there’s also a sliding spectrum between commercial and consumer UAVs. Between the two are “prosumer” (professional consumer) UAVs that are very similar to commercial models, but still are not generally used for commercial use. Consumer-grade UAVs in use today may very well have been commercial-grade UAVs 10 years ago.
Here are the major differences between today’s commercial and consumer UAVs:
Cost. Let’s begin with the most obvious difference. A commercial UAV is very expensive, with the cheapest being a few thousand dollars. More commonly, a commercial UAV is going to cost tens of thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, a prosumer UAV is likely to cost about a thousand dollars, while a recreational, consumer UAV may only cost a few hundred. Recreational UAVs are getting cheaper every day, but commercial UAVs are getting more technologically advanced, and thus more expensive.
Support. A commercial UAV is more likely to come with in-depth support. While many consumer or prosumer UAVs will still have customer support available, the customer support will be more along the lines of offering a refund if the UAV is defective. Meanwhile, commercial UAVs have support services that can help them with both technical and operational issues.
Durability. UAVs crash all the time. It’s just a fact. UAVs are extremely stable in most conditions, but during heavy winds, they simply may not be heavy enough to maneuver themselves. But when commercial models crash, they’re usually fine. Prosumer models are going to be very durable and will be able to take a lot of hard hits. Cheaper, consumer models could break on the first crash.
Sensor control and integration. Commercial UAVs allow for sensor control on a granular level and integration with precision solutions. Some UAVs are used for surveying, and others may be used for things like film production. Either way, they need to have the right level of sensor control. They have to be able to capture their exact location and maintain consistency.
Customization. Commercial UAVs can be used for many purposes, and consequently, must be built so that they can be altered and customized. Consumer UAVs are usually built for a single purpose. They may be built to carry a GoPro, or to carry small packages. Commercial UAVs are more commonly used for things such as surveying, but an aerial mapping UAV is likely to be a commercial UAV tailored for that purpose.
There are also some practical differences. Using a UAV for commercial flight requires different licenses and permits than using one for recreation. Consumer-grade UAVs are going to be billed as being good for consumer needs, whereas commercial UAVs are going to be billed for specific industrial applications. Consumer UAVs cannot be used for most of the things for which commercial UAVs can be used.
What Are the Similarities?
Of course, there are still similarities in commercial and consumer UAVs. In fact, at their core, they’re almost identical. Commercial UAVs have specifically been improved upon for commercial use. That means they’re better in virtually every way. They have longer battery life, they’re larger, they have more features, and they’re easier to control.
Both the consumer and commercial UAV markets are steadily growing. On the recreational side, people are enthusiastic about the opportunity to operate their own UAVs. On the commercial side, the applications for industrial UAVs are expanding by the day.
July 28, 2020