Hot take: Using a drone for site surveys saved us a day but caused a new problem

We flew a DJI Mini 3 Pro to map a 5-acre lot for grading in Austin. The 3D model was perfect, but the drone's shadow in the noon sun created false elevation data in one corner, making it look like a dip. We almost ordered extra fill dirt. I learned you have to plan flight times around the sun now. Has anyone else had drone shadows mess up their models?

3 comments

3 Comments

kellygrant1mo ago

Classic case of the tool getting in its own way. You bought a flying camera and its first act was to photobomb the data. Guess we have to schedule the sun now too.

jenny_lane121mo ago

Tell me about it, @kellygrant, my drone's first pic was just its own shadow.

phoenix_martin401mo ago

Actually, the shadow is in the data, not photobombing it. It's part of the picture info, you know? Maybe it's just me but that's how the sensors work.