Questions about drone scanning workflow and data use

[chris.blues]

Ok so I'm considering drone-based scanning for surveying work, but now I gotta figure out the software side. Does drone LiDAR or photogrammetry usually come with its own software, or do you need to convert files before bringing them into Cyclone? Can anyone recommend a processing tool? Also wondering about point cloud density and whether it's good enough for topo mapping. Any insight would help.

 

[anatoly23]

Drones usually have basic software, but you will need to convert files for Cyclone. Pix4D or DroneDeploy for photogrammetry, LAStools for LiDAR. Drone LiDAR is usually detailed enough for topo mapping.

 

[PulseMap]

Last fall, I assisted with a property line project that involved a drone LiDAR setup. We had to convert the files before bringing them into Cyclone. They initially processed them using LAStools, and it worked really well for the topography. It's definitely manageable with the right workflow in place.

 

[paxsmith]

Yep, most drone LiDAR/photogrammetry setups come with processing software that exports LAS or E57, so you can bring it into Cyclone without much hassle but for topo, LiDAR gives better ground returns, especially in veg