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Creating a 2D Map and 3D Model

In this guide we will walk you through the process to convert your set of drone-captured images into a 2D map and/or a 3D model. The article below explains each step, including some useful tips, and shows you the key screens that you will encounter during the process.

If you prefer to watch a video on this topic use the link immediately below, otherwise skip over it to the Blog article

https://www.loom.com/share/b30f6e8f0bd6456990e6323747fc5d98?sid=853a6987-2283-4545-b4d9-98630f0399ed

Quick overview

• Transfer the images from your drone's SD card to your computer.
• Create a new project and enter basic project details.
• Upload all relevant images (facades, roof, etc.) to the project.
• Submit a processing job for a 2D map and 3D model and wait for cloud processing to finish.

Step-by-step: from SD card to project

1. Prepare your files

Start by copying the pictures from your drone SD card onto your desktop or a working folder. Organise images into logical folders (for example: facades, roof) so you can upload them selectively if needed.

2. Create a new project and enter basic details

Access Hammer Hub and open the Data Analysis section, navigating to the folder where you want to create the new project. Click Upload data and supply a few basic details:

• Project name — for example: 9 story tower block.
• Model type — choose roof, facades, or full model (you can select roof even if you plan a full model).
• Camera model — select the camera you used for the image capture (e.g., Mini 4 Pro).
• Optional: associate the mission file used for the flight (useful for cross checking Flight Mission file to the final Model Project ).

"Be aware that the time to upload your images will depend on the number and size of your images, as well as your internet link speed."

3. Upload images

The upload dialog gives you two options: drag files into the area, or browse to the folders and select them. I typically:

1. Open the facades folder, use Ctrl+A to select all, and click Open.
2. Go back and add the roof images the same way.
3. Confirm that both sets appear in the upload panel and click Continue, then Create Project.

The uploader will display the total number of files and the total upload size before you create the project.

4. Wait for the upload to complete

Uploads can take a few minutes depending on file size, number of files and your internet connectivity. You’ll see a progress indicator — providing you with visual view of how much further the upload process has to go.

Once the upload finishes, the platform will show thumbnails of the uploaded images and the capture points on a map so you can quickly verify coverage.

5. Submit image processing for 2D and 3D outputs

With your images successfully uploaded, click Process images (top right of screen), select from the available options, in our case we selected "2D and 3D model" and then hit Process. This submits a job to Hammer's cloud based servers that will stitch the images into a 2D orthomosaic and reconstruct a 3D model.

"Creation of the 2D map and/or 3D model may take several hours or even >day, in the case of large models with 1000s of images to process."

What to expect after you submit processing

After the job is submitted you’ll receive an email confirming that processing has started. Later — often within a couple of hours for medium-sized projects — you’ll get another email when the model is ready to view and download.

"What you'll receive is an email telling you that that process has started, and you'll also get another email a bit later, probably a couple of hours in this case, if the it's actually created the model."

Practical tips and troubleshooting

• Organise images before upload: grouping facades, roof and oblique images makes it easier to confirm coverage during upload.
• Select the right camera: choosing the correct camera model helps the Hammer platform apply the appropriate image processing algorithm.
• Associate the mission file (optional): linking the mission file can help with metadata and audit trails but is not required to process imagery.
• Review thumbnails and capture points: after upload into your project, review the capture-point display to ensure you do not have clear gaps in your building coverage.
• Be patient: processing time varies. Expect several hours for the model generation, look out for the notification email.

Conclusion

Converting drone imagery into a 2D map and 3D model is a relatively simple workflow: transfer your files, create a project, upload images, and submit a processing job. Wait for  the notification email that the task is complete.