Now that you understand the benefits of using photogrammetry to create 3D models of indoor spaces and how to collect suitable data with the Elios 2, it's time to process that data and build your first 3D model. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use Inspector to prepare your dataset for processing in Pix4Dmapper or other photogrammetry software. Then, we’ll take you step by step through the process of creating your first 3D model using Pix4Dmapper.
To follow along, you’ll need an Elios 2 dataset, Inspector, and Pix4Dmapper. If you don’t have these tools yet, here’s how to get started:
- **Download an Elios 2 dataset**
- **Download Inspector**
- **Get a trial of Pix4Dmapper**
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### Preparing Your Data with Inspector
The first step is to extract video frames from your Elios 2 footage and save them as images. Open your video in Inspector and go to the “Export†menu. Select “Export frames as images.†This tool lets you choose the start and end points for frame extraction and the frequency at which to extract frames.
Since the video is recorded at 30 frames per second (fps), choosing “one image every 30 frames†will give you one frame per second — a good starting point. If you were flying fast or if the images lack visual features, you can increase the frame rate (e.g., “one image every 15 framesâ€). However, more images mean longer processing times.
Pix4D users benefit from two pre-configured processing templates that set recommended parameters for you. These templates are saved next to your images when you check the corresponding box during export.
- **Fast Processing**: Best for datasets with many visual features and high overlap. Images are downscaled for faster processing, resulting in a less dense point cloud.
- **Robust Processing**: Recommended for datasets with fewer features or sub-optimal flight paths. It uses more robust matching strategies but takes longer. Images are kept at full resolution for denser results.
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### Processing with Pix4D
When you create a new project in Pix4D and add the images extracted by Inspector, the software will automatically detect the correct camera model based on EXIF tags. For 4K videos, this will be: **Elios2_2.7_3840x2160**.
If you used a different tool to extract images, you’ll need to manually select the camera model from a dropdown menu. The Elios 2 camera model is available for 4K, FHD, and 12MP still formats.
You can also import a processing options template (.tmpl) into Pix4D. To generate the template, simply check the corresponding box in the Export Frames window in Inspector. Once imported, the template is saved and can be reused for future projects.
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### Processing Multiple Flights Together
It's possible to process images from multiple flights together to build larger, more comprehensive models. Projects with around 2,000 images (about 4 flights at 1 image per second) are well supported by Pix4D. The processing time depends on your hardware and the selected template.
When combining multiple flights, it's crucial that each flight includes images that are visually similar to those from other flights. This helps the software connect the different flights and create a consistent model. Be sure to follow best practices for data acquisition, especially regarding loop closure.
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### Using Other Photogrammetry Software
If you prefer another photogrammetry tool, it’s possible as long as it supports un-tagged images. You may need to manually select a camera model with appropriate parameters. Many software packages allow you to input approximate values, which are then optimized during processing.
For best results, start with a simple dataset:
- Outdoor environment with good lighting
- High visual feature density
- Multiple overlapping flight paths
Here are the key specifications of the Elios 2 camera:
| Feature | Details |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sensor size | 7.564 mm (H) x 5.476 mm (V) |
| Focal length | 2.71 mm |
| Lens distortion| Fisheye |
| 4K resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| FHD resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Photo resolution| 4000 x 3000 |
Software may allow you to adjust settings like image resolution or matching strategy, which can impact both processing time and output quality.
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### Referencing the Model and Taking Measurements
By default, your 3D model won’t have accurate scale or orientation since the images aren’t geotagged. To make measurements or align the model with real-world coordinates, you’ll need to add ground control points (GCPs), scale constraints, and orientation constraints.
After the initial processing step, you’ll receive a quality report showing how many images were calibrated. If the model appears distorted or incomplete, consider adjusting the processing settings or adding more images.
Once you’ve added GCPs, scale constraints, and orientation references, reoptimize the project. Then proceed to densify the point cloud and build the 3D mesh.
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### Share Your Work
Photogrammetry is a powerful tool that allows you to create detailed digital twins of any space. We’d love to see what you create using the Elios 2 and Pix4Dmapper. Share your results on social media using #elios2photogrammetry, tag us on LinkedIn and Facebook (@flyability), or on Twitter (@fly_ability). We’ll be sure to share your work with our community!
This article is part of a series on photogrammetry:
- Why use photogrammetry to build 3D models of indoor spaces?
- Mining drones: Elios 2 creates photogrammetric models
- Building 3D models with Elios 2: How to acquire appropriate data
- Building 3D models with Elios 2: Processing data with photogrammetry software
- Elios 2 Tested for Indoor Stockpile Volumetry, Produces 3D Maps Accurate to within 1 Centimeter
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