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Building 3D models with Elios 2: Processing data with a photogrammetry software
Now that you understand the benefits of using photogrammetry to create 3D models of indoor spaces and how to collect the right data with the Elios 2, it's time to process that data and build your very first 3D model. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use Inspector to prepare your dataset for processing with Pix4Dmapper or other photogrammetry software. Then, we'll take you step by step through the process of building your first 3D model using Pix4Dmapper.
To follow along, you’ll need an Elios 2 dataset, the Inspector software, and a trial version of Pix4Dmapper. If you don’t have these yet, here’s how you can get started:
- [Download an Elios 2 dataset](link)
- [Download Inspector](link)
- [Get a trial of Pix4Dmapper](link)
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### Preparing Your Data with Inspector
The first step is to extract individual video frames from your Elios 2 footage and save them as images. Open your video in Inspector and go to the "Export" menu. Select the “Export frames as images†option.
You can set the start and end points for frame extraction, as well as the frequency. For a 30fps video, choosing “one image every 30 frames†will give you one frame per second—this is a good starting point. If you were flying at high speed or in areas with limited visual features, consider increasing the frequency (e.g., one image every 15 frames). Just keep in mind that more images mean longer processing times.
Pix4D also offers two processing templates to help streamline your workflow:
- **Fast Processing**: Best for datasets with high overlap and rich visual features. Images are downscaled for faster processing, resulting in a less dense point cloud.
- **Robust Processing**: Ideal for low-overlap or challenging environments. Images are kept at full resolution, leading to a denser and more accurate point cloud.
These templates are automatically saved next to your images if you check the corresponding box during export.
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### Processing with Pix4D
Once you’ve exported your images, open Pix4D and create a new project. Add your images, and the software should automatically detect the correct camera model based on EXIF data: *Elios2_2.7_3840x2160* for 4K footage.
If you’re not using Inspector, you may need to manually select the camera model from a dropdown menu. The Elios 2 camera model is available for 4K, FHD, and 12MP still formats.
You can also import a processing options template (.tmpl) by following the instructions in the software. This template was generated in Inspector, so make sure to enable the checkbox during the export process.
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### Processing Multiple Flights Together
If you have multiple flights, you can combine them into a single project to create a larger, more comprehensive 3D model. Pix4D handles projects with up to 2,000 images (around 4 flights at 1 image per second) very well. However, when combining multiple flights, it’s crucial that the images from each flight share enough visual similarity to allow proper alignment. This is where loop closure becomes important—make sure your flights overlap sufficiently and include shared visual features.
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### Using Other Photogrammetry Software
You can also use alternative photogrammetry software, provided it supports non-geotagged images. Some software allows you to input approximate camera parameters, which will be optimized during processing. For best results, start with a simple dataset:
- Fly outdoors with good lighting
- Choose an environment with many visible features
- Use high overlap between images
Here are the main specs of the Elios 2 camera:
| Feature | Details |
|----------------|---------|
| Sensor size | 7.564 mm (H) x 5.476 mm (V) |
| Focal length | 2.71 mm |
| Lens type | Fisheye |
| 4K resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| FHD resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Photo resolution | 4000 x 3000 |
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### Referencing the Model and Taking Measurements
By default, your 3D model won't have a defined scale or orientation. Since the images aren’t geotagged, you’ll need to add ground control points (GCPs), scale constraints, or orientation constraints to properly reference the model.
- **Scale constraints** help define the real-world dimensions.
- **Orientation constraints** ensure the model is upright.
- **GCPs** provide exact 3D coordinates for georeferencing.
After adding these, reoptimize the project, then proceed with point cloud densification and mesh generation.
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### Share Your Work
Photogrammetry is a powerful tool that lets you create detailed digital twins of any space. We’d love to see what you can create with the Elios 2 and Pix4Dmapper. Share your results on social media using #elios2photogrammetry, tag us on LinkedIn or Facebook (@flyabilty), or on Twitter (@fly_ability). We’ll feature your work and help spread the word!
This article is part of a series on photogrammetry:
- Why use photogrammetry to build 3D models of indoor spaces?
- Mining drones: Elios 2 creates photogrammetric models
- Building 3D models with Elios 2: How to acquire appropriate data
- Building 3D models with Elios 2: Processing data with photogrammetry software
- Elios 2 Tested for Indoor Stockpile Volumetry, Produces 3D Maps Accurate to within 1 Centimeter