Run a mapping job
A mapping job processes a set of drone images into maps and models. In the app, a mapping job is a Photogrammetry task.
To start one, open your project, go to the Tasks tab and click New Task. Then choose Photogrammetry. The wizard has up to five steps.
1. Details
- Enter a Task name.
- Under Input data, choose your images:
- Upload new files creates a new asset set from files you add here.
- Use existing picks an asset set you have already uploaded. Check first that it finished uploading.
- Optionally, under Advanced, add:
- a Boundary to limit processing to an area, either from a GeoJSON file or by drawing it on a map
- Ground control points to improve georeferencing accuracy
If your images overlap too little, DroidMap warns you and asks you to acknowledge the warning before continuing. See Troubleshooting.
2. Output
Choose what the job produces. Formats marked as defaults are already selected.
| Output | What it is | Formats | Selected by default |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthophoto | A single, map-accurate image of the whole area | COG, PNG, KMZ | COG |
| Digital Elevation Models | Height maps of the surface (DSM) and bare ground (DTM) | DSM, DTM | DSM, DTM |
| Point Cloud | Millions of 3D points describing the scene | PLY, CSV, EPT, LAS | None |
| 3D Model | A textured mesh of the scene | OBJ, GLB | None |
An orthomosaic needs the COG format to appear on the map, so COG stays selected if you choose PNG or KMZ.
3. Processing
Choose a preset that suits your site, such as Default, Field, Forest or Buildings. Presets set the detailed options below them, and you can change those options yourself if you need to. Default is a good place to start.
4. Summary
Review your choices, then click Create Task. This step also shows the estimated compute cost when it's available. See Plans, credits and storage.
5. Upload
If you chose Upload new files, your images upload at this step. Keep the page open until they finish.
Follow your job
The Tasks tab shows each task's status:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Queued | Waiting to start |
| Running | Processing your images |
| Completed | Finished, and the outputs are ready |
| Failed | Stopped by an error. See Troubleshooting |
| Cancelled | Stopped by a person using Cancel job |
You can cancel a job while it's queued or running from the task's Actions menu.
When the job completes, view and share your results.