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Geospatial Coordinate Systems and Drone Photogrammetry.

Writer's picture: Ian TitchenerIan Titchener

Geospatial coordinate systems play a crucial role in processing drone photogrammetry data. Photogrammetry is the process of analyzing photographs and extracting data from them to create 2D or 3D models. When using drones for photogrammetry, it is important to establish a geospatial coordinate system to ensure accuracy and consistency in the data collected.


A geospatial coordinate system is a framework used to define and locate features on the Earth's surface. It consists of a reference point, a set of reference axes, and a measurement unit. There are two types of coordinate systems commonly used in photogrammetry: geographic coordinate systems (GCS) and projected coordinate systems (PCS).

A GCS uses latitude and longitude to define the location of a point on the Earth's surface. It is a 3D spherical system that is based on the Earth's shape and size. The most commonly used GCS is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), which is used by the Global Positioning System (GPS). When collecting drone photogrammetry data, it is important to use a GCS to ensure accurate location information.


A PCS, on the other hand, uses a 2D Cartesian coordinate system to define the location of a point on the Earth's surface. It is a projected system that is based on a specific map projection. When processing drone photogrammetry data, it is important to use a PCS to ensure accurate measurements and distances.


There are several PCS that can be used for drone photogrammetry, including Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS). UTM divides the Earth into 60 zones, each with a unique coordinate system. It is commonly used for large-scale mapping projects. SPCS is a set of 120 coordinate systems that are used in the United States to define the location of a point on the Earth's surface.


When processing drone photogrammetry data, it is important to choose the appropriate geospatial coordinate system based on the project requirements. This includes the accuracy required, the size of the area being mapped, and the map projection being used. It is also important to ensure that all data collected, including ground control points (GCPs) and checkpoints, are referenced to the same coordinate system.


Geospatial coordinate systems are essential in processing drone photogrammetry data. They ensure accuracy and consistency in the data collected and help to create accurate 2D and 3D models. It is important to choose the appropriate coordinate system based on the project requirements and to ensure that all data collected is referenced to the same system. By doing so, drone photogrammetry can be used to create accurate and detailed maps for a variety of applications.

Drone photogrammetry processed
Drone photogrammetry

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