For Drone Service Providers capturing data on behalf of Raptor Maps, Orthomosaic flights are only required for sites that are 2MW or less.
For customers capturing their own data, Raptor Maps does not require Orthomosiac flights to be captured for sites of any size.
Orthomosaic Imagery Requirements
Equipment
Drone: Capture with a multi-copter UAS with gimbal mounted camera. A DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a good drone for this purpose but other drones are acceptable as well, see the table below.
High-resolution camera: 4000×3000 pixel (12 MP) resolution minimum as provided by, for example, the Phantom 4 or Mavic 2 cameras.
Relative position accuracy:
Horizontal: 1.5 m Vertical: 0.5 m.
Absolute position accuracy:
Horizontal: 5 m Vertical: N/A.
Altitude
400 feet (AGL).
Image Resolution
4000×3000 pixels or greater.
Field of View
50 degrees or greater.
Gimbal Pitch
Nadir (straight down) with deviation up to 10 degrees acceptable (to avoid glare).
Overlap
70% front overlap (direction of flight) and 70% side overlap.
Image Alignment
For orthomosaic flights, pilots do not have to adjust the sensor to maintain heading throughout the flight. The sensor can turn to face each next waypoint without causing issues during data processing.
File Format
JPEG
Metadata must contain GPS location, relative altitude, gimbal pitch, gimbal yaw, gimbal roll and timestamp.
Image Quality
Imagery must be free from motion blur.
Imagery must contain minimal glare.
Environmental Conditions
Skies are clear and sunny or slightly overcast.
Irradiance greater or equal to 600 Watts per square meter.
*We recommend irradiance meter use to confirm sufficient irradiance.If requested, pilots will be required to supply Raptor Maps with images proving POA irradiance from a sensor.
If pilots cannot prove irradiance was above 600 Watts per square meter throughout the flight, a reflight will be required.
Humidity ideally less than 60%.
Wind below 6.7 m/s (15 MPH).
