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Hot take: Using a drone for site surveys saved us a day but caused a new problem
We flew a DJI Mini 3 Pro to map a 5-acre lot for grading in Austin. The 3D model was perfect, but the drone's shadow in the noon sun created false elevation data in one corner, making it look like a dip. We almost ordered extra fill dirt. I learned you have to plan flight times around the sun now. Has anyone else had drone shadows mess up their models?
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kellygrant5mo ago
Classic case of the tool getting in its own way. You bought a flying camera and its first act was to photobomb the data. Guess we have to schedule the sun now too.
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jenny_lane125mo ago
Tell me about it, @kellygrant, my drone's first pic was just its own shadow.
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phoenix_martin405mo ago
Actually, the shadow is in the data, not photobombing it. It's part of the picture info, you know? Maybe it's just me but that's how the sensors work.
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val_ramirez3mo ago
Ha! But without that shadow you might've missed a real drainage issue later though.
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