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Process UAS imagery collected with a Skydio 2+ using Drone2MapGenerate an orthomosaic, DSM, and DTM from mapping missionsUnderstand the transition from geographic coordinate systems to projected coordinate systemsCompare data quality between different flight patternsDemonstrate cartographic skills through the creation of map productsEvaluate how overlap and grid design influence photogrammetric outputs
Large Red Rectangle: Single-direction flight patternSmall Blue Rectangle: Opposing grid (crosshatch) flight pattern
Drone2Map – photogrammetric processingArcGIS Pro – visualization, analysis, and cartographic map creation
Drone2Map FAQ and help documentation:
Rapid2D Products3D ProductsBatchCustom
Project Name Format:
[Date]_YourName_TurfFarmDefault Project Location:
Users\kflorkie\Documents\Drone2Map\Projects
Number of Images Used:Red boundary: 104 imagesBlue boundary: 363 images
2D MapProject DataImage CentersFlight LinesControlWorld ImageryWorld Elevation 3D / Terrain 3DImage Centers: show the location where each Skydio 2+ image was capturedFlight Lines: represent the automated flight pathControl / GCPs: used to improve spatial accuracyBasemaps: provide geographic context
Source image accuracyTie point optionsCamera calibrationGeneral adjust options
Adjust Images: aligns and orients Skydio 2+ imageryDense Matching: creates a dense point cloud2D Products: generates orthomosaic and elevation models3D Products: optional outputsYellow: processing in progressGreen: completed successfullyRed: processing error
True Ortho: RGB orthomosaic from Skydio 2+ imageryDSM: includes buildings, trees, vehicles, and surface featuresDTM: filtered surface representing bare earth
Shaded DTM with transparent DTM overlay (with locator map inset)Shaded DSM with transparent DSM overlayOrthomosaic MapNo locator map requiredTwo detailed inset views highlighting feature detail
Using opposing grid flight patternsIncreasing frontlap and sidelapMaintaining consistent altitude and speedAvoiding harsh lighting or long shadowsFlying beyond the boundary to reduce edge distortion
Week 13 Drone 2 Map Software red and blue boundary with Skydio 2+
Introduction
In previous labs, UAS imagery was processed using Pix4D to generate 3D point clouds and initial mapping products. This lab built on those skills by introducing Drone2Map, an Esri photogrammetric processing software, to create additional geospatial outputs from previously collected mapping missions. The goal of this lab was to transform raw UAS imagery into usable spatial products that can be analyzed and visualized within a GIS environment.
The imagery used for this lab was collected using a Skydio 2+, which is commonly used for mapping missions due to its obstacle avoidance and automated flight capabilities. Using Drone2Map, the imagery was processed to generate an Orthomosaic, Digital Surface Model (DSM), and Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The lab also reinforced important concepts related to coordinate systems, projections, and cartographic design by exporting the processed products into ArcGIS Pro for map creation. Additionally, the lab compared the quality of outputs from two different flight patterns flown in Week 5, demonstrating how mission planning directly affects data quality.
2. Objectives
The objectives of this lab were to:
3. Datasets Used
Two datasets collected during Week 5 mapping missions were processed in this lab:
Both datasets were collected using the Skydio 2+, allowing for direct comparison of how flight design impacted processing results.
4. Software and Documentation
Software Used
Documentation Referenced
Online documentation was emphasized as a first resource when troubleshooting or reviewing processing options.
5. Methods and Workflow
5.1 Opening Drone2Map and Logging In
Drone2Map was opened using the Windows search bar. Upon launching the software, a browser window prompted login through Esri’s system. The organization “purdueuniversity” was entered, followed by signing in with Purdue login credentials. After logging in, the Drone2Map home screen displayed several processing templates.
Available Processing Templates:
To generate an orthomosaic from Skydio 2+ imagery, the 2D Products template was selected.
5.2 Project Setup
The Skydio 2+ imagery collected during the previous mapping mission was used for this lab. A new project was created using the 2D Products template.
A note was made that saving projects in temporary folders requires backing up the data, as temp folders can be deleted.
5.3 Image Import and Initial Review
Imagery was imported using the Add Images or Add Folder option.
After importing the Skydio 2+ images and reading the EXIF data, mission flight lines appeared on the map, allowing the coverage and overlap to be visually reviewed.
5.4 Drone2Map Interface and Layers
The Drone2Map interface closely resembles ArcGIS Pro. The Contents panel displayed the following layers:
Layer Purposes:
Blue symbols indicated enabled features, while orange symbols indicated uncalibrated data.
5.5 Basemap Selection
The default imagery basemap was changed to Topographic.
Reason:
The topographic basemap provided a clean appearance and allowed the Skydio 2+ outputs to stand out clearly, making it easier to verify alignment and accuracy.
5.6 Processing Options and Settings
Under Processing → Options, the following settings were reviewed:
If high-accuracy GNSS data had been available, the Fix Image Location for High Accuracy GPS option could be enabled. Under 2D Products, both Create DSM and Create DTM were selected.
After confirming the settings, Apply was clicked, followed by OK, and processing was started.
5.7 Processing Stages and Status Indicators
Processing stages included:
Processing status colors:
5.8 Output Review and Export to ArcGIS Pro
After processing completed, outputs appeared in the Contents panel:
The Open in ArcGIS Pro button was used to import the outputs directly for cartographic map creation.
6. Final Data Products
Final map products were created for both the red and blue flight areas:
7. Final Questions and Answers
1. What are the differences between the DSM and the DTM? Does the DTM show more or less of any given features?
A DSM shows the tops of everything the drone sees, including buildings, trees, cars, vegetation, and other objects sitting on the surface. Because of this, the DSM appears more detailed and uneven since it captures all surface elevations.
A DTM removes those above-ground objects and trees to represent the bare earth only. The DTM is smoother because it filters out features like vehicle roofs and tree canopies. Overall, the DTM shows fewer features than the DSM and focuses strictly on ground elevation.
2. Do you note the quality of the DTM or DSM when comparing the blue area with opposing grid lines versus the red rectangle?
Yes, there is a noticeable quality difference. The blue area, which was flown using opposing grid lines, produced higher-quality DSM and DTM results. The crosshatch pattern provides more overlap and additional viewing angles, allowing Drone2Map to generate stronger tie points. As a result, the elevation models appear cleaner and less noisy.
The red rectangle, which used a single-direction flight pattern, shows lower quality. The DSM contains more noise and distorted features, and the DTM is less smooth due to fewer viewpoints available for surface filtering.
3. What areas of the orthomosaic had the highest and lowest quality, and how could future flights be improved?
The highest-quality areas of the orthomosaic occurred where the Skydio 2+ maintained consistent frontlap and sidelap, lighting conditions were even, and coverage was complete. These areas appear sharp, properly aligned, and free of stitching errors.
Lower-quality areas were typically found near the edges of the orthomosaic, in parts of the red rectangle with reduced overlap, and in areas affected by changing lighting or shadows. These areas sometimes appear blurry, stretched, or show color mismatches.
Improvements for future flights include:
8. Conclusion
This lab demonstrated the complete workflow of processing Skydio 2+ imagery using Drone2Map and highlighted how flight planning decisions directly influence data quality. By generating orthomosaics, DSMs, and DTMs and comparing outputs from different flight patterns, it became clear that overlap and grid design are critical for accurate photogrammetric results. Exporting the processed data into ArcGIS Pro reinforced cartographic skills and showed how UAS data can be transformed into professional-quality map products used across many industries.
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