What Is a Mapping Drone?
A mapping drone uses photogrammetry technology to capture high‑resolution aerial images and transform them into detailed 2D maps or 3D models of landscapes, buildings, and infrastructure. This technology is widely used in industries like construction, land surveying, agriculture, and property inspections, where accurate data and precise measurements are critical.
How Drone Mapping Works
1. Define the area to be mapped
2. Program a flight path for the drone
3. Capture overlapping aerial images with GPS metadata
4. Process the data using drone mapping software to create a 2D orthomosaic map or 3D model
Benefits of Drone Mapping
Compared to traditional surveying methods, drone mapping offers:
1. High accuracy for measurements and analysis
2. Improved safety by reducing the need for manual site access
3. Cost savings through faster data collection
4. Time efficiency with rapid image capture and processing
3D Mapping vs. 2D Mapping in Drone Mapping
3D drone mapping models provide a more immersive and detailed view of the environment compared to 2D mapping models. With 3D mapping, drones capture elevation data, digital surface models, and volumetric measurements, creating realistic representations of terrain slopes, building heights, and topographic features. This makes 3D mapping ideal for urban planning, construction, mining, and environmental analysis, where accurate elevation data is essential.
In contrast, 2D drone mapping focuses on horizontal relationships between features such as roads, property boundaries, and structures. Using orthographic projection, 2D maps flatten three‑dimensional surfaces into a simple, easy‑to‑read layout. While less detailed, 2D mapping is faster, cost‑effective, and well‑suited for basic site planning, inspections, and straightforward applications.
2D Photogrammetry Examples
2D Mapping Roof Eave Measurement
The above image is a length measurement of the eave of the roofline on one section.
2D Mapping GCP Measurement
The image on the right is a ground control point (GCP) of an object of known size which 3ft in diameter. The measurement showing for this object (bottom right orange circle) is 2.98 ft which is very precise and accurate as compared to the GCP object.
Close-Up Image Measurements
Image showing close up of the roof eave and GCP (orange circle).
View a roof measurement report by clicking the button below
2D Elevation Map
Drone elevation mapping is used wherever accurate height and terrain data is needed — from construction sites to farmland — helping teams plan smarter, reduce costs, and improve safety.
2D Plant Analysis Map
2D drone plant analysis maps monitor crop health, track growth, improve irrigation, detect pests, estimate yields & cut costs with precision data.
3D Model Examples
3D Map Model
3D mapping in drone mapping is all about turning aerial images into realistic, measurable 3D models of terrain, structures, and environments. Unlike flat 2D maps, 3D models capture elevation, depth, and volume, which makes them incredibly valuable across industries
3D Elevation Map
Drone elevation mapping is used to create highly accurate, data‑rich maps that show not just the surface layout of an area, but also its heights, slopes, and contours. This makes it a powerful tool across many industries.
3D Elevation Contour Map
Create accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) and contour maps to define property boundaries, analyze terrain, and support effective site planning.