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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 move on to the next step: processing your data. 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 building your first 3D model using Pix4Dmapper.
To follow along, you’ll need an Elios 2 dataset, the Inspector app, and a copy of Pix4Dmapper. If you don’t have these yet, here’s how you can get started:
- [Download an Elios 2 dataset](#)
- [Download Inspector](#)
- [Get a trial of Pix4Dmapper](#)
### Preparing Your Data with Inspector
The first step in the process is to extract individual frames from your video and save them as images. Open your Elios 2 video in Inspector and go to the “Export†menu. Select “Export frames as images†to begin the process.
You can choose the start and end points for frame extraction, as well as the frequency. For a 30fps video, selecting “one image every 30 frames†gives you one frame per second — a good starting point. If you were flying at high speed or in areas with few 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 offers two built-in processing templates to simplify your workflow:
- **Fast Processing:** Ideal for datasets with lots of visual features and high overlap. Images are downscaled for faster results, but the final point cloud has fewer points.
- **Robust Processing:** Best for datasets with fewer features or less consistent flight paths. It uses more advanced matching strategies, keeps images at full resolution, and produces a denser point cloud.
If you select the appropriate checkbox during export, the template file will be saved alongside your images for easy use in Pix4D.
### Processing with Pix4D
When you open a new project in Pix4D and add your exported images, the software will automatically detect the correct camera model based on the EXIF data embedded in the images. For 4K videos, the camera model should be "Elios2_2.7_3840x2160".
If your images weren’t processed with Inspector, you may need to manually select the camera model. The Elios 2 camera model is available for both 4K and FHD formats, as well as for 12MP stills.
#### Importing Processing Templates
To import a processing options template (.tmpl), follow the instructions in Pix4D. You can generate the template directly in Inspector by checking the corresponding box during frame export. Once imported, the template is saved for future projects.
#### Processing Multiple Flights
You can process images from multiple flights together to build larger, connected 3D models. Projects with around 2,000 images (about four flights at one frame per second) are well handled by Pix4D. However, when combining multiple flights, it's crucial that each flight includes images that match those from others. This ensures proper alignment and connection between flights. For best results, aim for overlapping imagery and consistent visual features across all flights.
### Using Other Photogrammetry Software
While Pix4D is our recommended tool, other photogrammetry software can also be used if they support untagged images. You may need to manually set the camera model and parameters. For best results, especially when starting out, record a simple test flight in a controlled environment with good lighting and high overlap.
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 |
| Active Sensor | 5.952 mm (H) x 3.348 mm (V) |
| Pixel Size | 1.55 μm (H) x 1.55 μm (V) |
### Referencing the Model and Taking Measurements
By default, your 3D model won't be scaled or oriented correctly. Since the images aren't geotagged, you'll need to add ground control points (GCPs), scale constraints, or orientation constraints to properly reference your model.
After the initial processing step, you’ll get a quality report showing how many images were successfully calibrated. If the result looks incomplete or distorted, consider adjusting the processing settings or capturing more images.
Once you've added GCPs or scale constraints, reoptimize the project and continue with point cloud densification and mesh generation.
### Share Your Work
Photogrammetry is a powerful tool that allows you to create detailed digital twins of any space. We’d love to see what you can achieve with the Elios 2 and Pix4Dmapper. Share your results on social media using #elios2photogrammetry, tag us on LinkedIn and Facebook (@flyabilty), or on Twitter (@fly_ability).
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 a photogrammetry software
- Elios 2 Tested for Indoor Stockpile Volumetry, Produces 3D Maps Accurate to within 1 Centimeter