Transformative Territories

Last summer, I had the opportunity to work on a pro bono agroforestry project for ArtMill Gallery—a volunteer-driven centre focused on regenerative art and ecology. Using the DJI drone at Slavic Media in combination with DroneDeploy software, we successfully created a high-resolution 3D model of ArtMill’s landscape, capturing topography and plant health profiles.

This project was also a chance to test a new skill set I developed after completing a DroneDeploy course, which taught me their tools and techniques for terrain mapping.

The Mapping Process

To generate an accurate 3D representation, the drone followed a meticulously planned flight pattern. Several flights were conducted across the property, each capturing a sequence of high-resolution images at predefined intervals. The flight path was structured in a cross-grid pattern, ensuring comprehensive coverage from multiple angles.

Images were taken at two key angles: 90° (straight-down, nadir view) and 45° (oblique view). This combination allowed us to capture both topographical details and structural depth, enhancing the overall accuracy of the 3D reconstruction.

Processing & Results

Once all images were collected, they were processed in DroneDeploy, which stitched the photos together into a detailed 3D mesh. Despite not using high-end RTK/PTK modules, this method—relying solely on advanced image processing—proved to be a cost-effective and highly practical solution for topographical mapping.

The final model provides a detailed visual representation of the terrain, offering valuable insights for agroforestry planning and ecological studies.

Curious about how 3D mapping could add value to your project? Let's talk. Learn more about the project.