Import and Process Aerial Photogrammetry Data Using UASMaster

Use the Send to UASMaster command to perform either of the following workflows in conjunction with Trimble's Inpho UASMaster, a powerful software program for processing, georeferencing, geo-imaging, geo-capturing, and geo-modeling UAS (unmanned aircraft system) data, resulting in the highest quality aerial photogrammetry deliverables possible.

• Import third-party (non-Trimble) UAS data via UASMaster - TBC does not support the direct import of third-party (non-Trimble) UAS data; however, UASMaster does. In this workflow, you use UASMaster as a "go-between" to process and import third-party UAS data into TBC.
• Work with Trimble Business Center UAS data in UASMaster - UASMaster includes powerful features, some of which are not available in TBC, making it an excellent adjunct tool for working with UAS data. In this workflow, you export UAS data from your TBC project into a UASMaster project where you can then continue to analyze and process the data and, optionally, create deliverables. When you are done, you can easily export the data and deliverables (including point cloud data, orthomosaics, digital elevation models (DEMs), vector data, cameras and photos, and ground control points (GCPs) and observations) from UASMaster back into your TBC project.

Notes:
- The Inpho UASMaster software application is automatically installed on your computer when you install TBC or update to a new version (unless you deselect this option on the Custom page of the TBC Installation wizard). You can open UASMaster directly from your desktop, or when using the Send to UASMaster command in TBC.
- The software is licensed through your TBC license, providing you full access to all features. Click any of the instructional links in the UASMaster Help menu for additional information.
- If you are using a subscription license and during processing your Internet connection is lost or, if you have a checked-out subscription license, your license expires, processing will fail.

Prerequisites:

• See the Subscription Plans page. For a license matrix by command, see the License page in the TBC Community. Also see View and manage licensed features.
• Trimble's Inpho UASMaster must be installed and operating correctly. (See previous note.)

To import third-party (non-Trimble) UAS data:

Because the coordinate system library supported in UASMaster is different than the coordinate system library supported in TBC, if your third-party UAS data includes GNSS positions it is recommended that you start by creating a project for the data in TBC, where you can specify a supported coordinate system. You can then export the "empty" TBC project into UASMaster where a UASMaster project will be created with the same coordinate system assigned to it. Next, you can import the third-party UAS data into the UASMaster project, perform processing and, optionally, create deliverables. When you are done working in UASMaster, you can export the processed data and deliverables back into the "empty" TBC project without any coordinate system conflicts.

Follow these steps:

1. In TBC, do the following:
   1. Create a new project, or select an existing project, into which you want to import the third-party UAS data. If the data includes GNSS positions, be sure the appropriate coordinate system is specified for the project.
   2. Select Send to UASMaster in Photogrammetry > Adjust to display the Send to UASMaster command pane.
   3. Ensure nothing is selected in the Select flight missions list or the Select ground control points list.
   4. Click OK.

      The UAS Application Master window opens along with the the Inpho Project File Path dialog.

   5. In the Inpho Project File Path dialog, enter a file name and location for the new project to be created in UASMaster. Then click OK.

      The new "empty" project opens in UASMaster. The project includes the coordinate system specified in TBC.

2. In UASMaster do the following. (Click any of the instructional links in the UASMaster Help menu for additional instructions.)
   1. Import the third-party UAS data into your new UASMaster project.
   2. Process the data, modify and create GCPs, and create deliverables as necessary.
   3. When you are done, export the processed data back into the original "empty" TBC project.

      Note: The Send to TBC function in UASMaster allows you to send back to TBC only DSM point clouds. You cannot send back DTM point clouds. You must manually import DTM point cloud files, which are stored in the UASMaster project folder.

   One of the following occurs:

   • If TBC is running and the original project is open, a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to import the data.
   • If TBC is running but the original project is not open, a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to open the original project and import the data.
   • If TBC is not running, the application launches with a new project open and a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to open the original project and import the data.
3. In TBC, do the following:
   1. If the Open Project button is displayed on the new Process View tab, click it to open the original project.
   2. On the Process View tab in the original project, click the Accept button to import the data into the project.

   Note the following:

   • New UAS objects generated in UASMaster are imported into new flight missions/flight blocks in TBC, which are automatically named on import. You can change any name later using the Properties pane.
   • Automatic tie points are not imported.
   • Only images with JPG format are imported.
   • Flight plan trajectories are not imported.

   A report is generated showing the following:

   • The number of objects that were created during the import
   • The deliverables that were imported
   • Any errors that occurred during the process

To work with Trimble Business Center UAS data in UASMaster:

This workflow assumes that Trimble UAS data has been imported into your project and you want to export it to UASMaster to do additional processing and optionally create deliverables, before exporting the data and deliverables back into TBC.

1. In TBC, do the following:
   1. Ensure the correct coordinate system has been specified for your project.
   2. Select Send to UASMaster in Photogrammetry > Adjust to display the Send to UASMaster command pane.
   3. In the Select flight missions list, select one or more flight missions whose data you want to include in the export to UASMaster.
   4. To select ground control points (GCPs) to include in the export, click in the Select ground control points field. Then, use the Project Explorer or a graphic view to select the GCPs.

      Click the Options button for more selection options.

   5. Click OK.

      The UAS Application Master window opens along with the the Inpho Project File Path dialog.

   6. In the Inpho Project File Path dialog, enter a file name and location for the new project to be created in UASMaster. Then click OK.

      The new project opens in UASMaster. The project includes the coordinate system specified in TBC.

   7. Save your project in TBC.

      Note: If you delete or change any of the images, stations, cameras, or GCPs you exported to UASMaster, the program will try to recreate or update them when you import the data back into TBC.

2. In UASMaster do the following. (Click any of the instructional links in the UASMaster Help menu for additional instructions.)
   1. Process the data and create deliverables as necessary.
   2. When you are done, export the processed data back into the original TBC project.

      Note: The Send to TBC function in UASMaster allows you to send back to TBC only DSM point clouds. You cannot send back DTM point clouds. You must manually import DTM point cloud files, which are stored in the UASMaster project folder.

   One of the following occurs:

   • If TBC is running and the original project is open, a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to import the data.
   • If TBC is running but the original project is not open, a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to open the original project and import the data.
   • If TBC is not running, the application launches with no project open and a new Process View tab displays, allowing you to open the original project and import the data.
3. In TBC, do the following:
   1. If the Open Project button is displayed on the new Process View tab, click it to open the original project.
   2. On the Process View tab in the original project, click the Accept button to import the data into the project.

   Note the following:

   • Any changes made to the original TBCUAS data in UASMaster are applied to the matching data on import.
   • New UAS objects generated in UASMaster are imported into new flight missions/flight blocks in TBC, which are automatically named on import. You can change any name later using the Properties pane.
   • Deleted points in UASMaster are not be deleted in TBC.
   • Automatic tie points are not imported.
   • Only images with JPG format are imported.
   • Flight plan trajectories are not imported.

   A report is generated showing the following:

   • The number of objects that were created or updated during the import
   • The deliverables that were imported
   • Any coordinate system changes
   • Any errors that occurred during the process

Related topics

Understanding Aerial Photo Station Data