Import aerial survey data that was captured with a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) aerial mapping and survey system, adjust aerial photo stations using automatically detected tie points and, optionally, trajectories and/or manually measured ground control points (GCPs), and create orthomosaic, raster-based digital surface model (DSM), and point cloud deliverables.

Following are the the basic steps for this workflow. For more detailed instructions, see Import and Process Aerial Photogrammetry Data, Merge Aerial Survey Flight Missions, Adjust Aerial Survey Photo Stations, and Create Aerial Survey Deliverables.

Steps:

Commands:

1.

Use the Project Settings dialog (select Coordinate System in the left navigation pane) to verify that your project is configured with the correct coordinate system for the aerial survey.

Project Settings

Change Coordinate System

2.

If the UAS data includes a JXL (.jxl) file:

• Use the Import command or drag-and-drop the JXL file into your TBC project. All related UAS data and images are copied into your project.

  UAS models that produce a JXL file...

  These UAS manufacturers provide models that produce a JXL (.jxl file):

  • Gateway®
  • Delair®
  • senseFly®
  • Wingtra® (optional)

If the UAS data does not include a JXL (.jxl file):

• Use the Import UAS Data command (or use the Import command or drag-and-drop) to import the folder containing UAS data and images into your TBC project. Regardless of the import method you select, the Import UAS Data command pane opens and displays key parameters extracted from UAS image metadata and specifies whether baseline processing or GCP measurements are recommended to perform an absolute orientation adjustment.

  UAS models that do not produce a JXL file...

  These UAS manufacturers provide models that do not produce a JXL (.jxl file):

  • DJI®
  • Microdrones®
  • Wingtra® (JXL is optional)

  In these cases, positioning information is extracted from image metadata and a JXL file is produced on import to be used in processing.

If the Receiver Raw Data Check In dialog displays, verify and/or select options as described in Raw Data Check-In Options. Then click OK.

Import

Import UAS Data

3.

If necessary, use the Merge Flight Missions command to merge multiple flight missions into a single mission.

Merge Flight Missions

4.

If the data is from a trajectory-enabled UAS, process baselines for the continuous data contained in the receiver file to create a trajectory in your project. (The trajectory will provide the control needed to perform an absolute adjustment.)

Process Baselines

5.

Use the Adjust Photo Stations command to adjust the aerial photo stations relative to each other (relative adjustment) and to the ground (absolute adjustment). View adjustment results and make changes if necessary.

Note: If you are working with autonomous UAS data, you will need to measure at least five control points to use in the absolute adjustment.

Adjust Photo Stations

6.

View adjusted aerial survey data in the software.

Project Explorer

Plan View

3D View

Properties

7.

Use the Create Deliverables command to create a point cloud, elevation raster, and/or orthomosaic image from aerial survey data.

Create Deliverables