Why should you do that?
In order to deliver good quality products to our customers we require new pilots that joined our network to deliver one or more test datasets.
Our processing team will verify the dataset quality including:
Image quality (image blur, image exposure, focus settings, shutter speed, ...)
Geotags accuracy
Equipment used
Overlap and GSD layout
Coverage of Area of Interest
GCP measurement accuracy on benchmark
Photogrammetry final deliverable accuracy
Which drones qualify
We prepared an article where we explained in detail which drones we prefer to use:
However here is a list to make it more comprehensive:
DJI Phantom 4 RTK
DJI P1
Wingtra One
Quantum Systems Trinity F90+
Sensefly eBee series
Fast dataset quality check using Inflights Data-checker
Inflights developed an online Data-Checker tool that can detect:
Equipment used
Flight altitude
Overlap
Flight area coverage with images
Shutter speed
Blur factor
Geotags accuracy
Drone’s speed
Camera angle
Make sure to run the Data-Checker on your dataset to see the initial results yourself before uploading the dataset for verification.
Link to the free Data-Checker tool:
Benchmark and GCP verification
In order to start the verification of your dataset we need at least 2 benchmarks/known points measured before or after the drone flight.
We prepared an article where we explain this in detail
We will compare your measurements of the benchmarks to the official known point coordinates.
For the GCP measurement please provide the GNSS measurement report file with estimated measurement accuracies of each point and measurement time.
We will use some of the GCPs as control points.
This is what we will verify during Benchmark and GCP verification:
Comparison between measured coordinates and benchmarks known coordinates
GCP measurement accuracy for each point
GCP measurement time for each point
GCP amount that are placed within area of interest
GCP distribution pattern over the area of interest
GCP size and marking pattern on drone images
GCP visibility on drone images
Terrain mapping scenario verification
This flight is a standard single grid flight to map the entire terrain and trees in the area of interest.
For terrain mapping projects global accuracy is important. We combine RTK/PPK equipped drones with GCPs and Control Points.
For the terrain mapping project verification we will check:
Quality of the Pictures
All GCP and Benchmark information mentioned above
Dataset quality based on the Data-Checker tool
Quality report from photogrammetry software
Photogrammetry deliverables accuracy on GCPs and Checkpoints with 3rd party software (Virtual Surveyor)
Roof mapping scenario verification
For roof mapping projects only relative accuracy is important. This is why GCPs are not required when using RTK/PPK equipped drones.
For the roof mapping project verification we will check:
Quality of the Pictures
Dataset quality based on the Data-Checker tool
Quality report from photogrammetry software
Point cloud noise amount
Field mapping scenario verification (Multispectral images)
For our field mapping projects for RGB and Multispectral images we require a full dataset with calibration plate images taken before each battery swap.
For the field mapping project verification we will check:
Quality of the Pictures
All GCP and Benchmark information mentioned above
Dataset quality based on the Data-Checker tool for RGB images
Images with calibration plate
Overall dataset exposure
Quality report from photogrammetry software
Solar panel inspection verification (Thermal IR images)
For Solar Inspection mapping project verification we will check:
Quality of the Pictures
Dataset quality based on the Data-Checker tool for RGB images
Flight pattern and orientation of the images
GSD of the images
Quality report from photogrammetry software
LIDAR mapping verification
Our LIDAR mapping flights include both LIDAR and RGB Terrain datasets.
The purpose of this mission is to reconstruct the ground surface under vegetation with sub 10cm global accuracy.
The LIDAR flights require processing from the pilot. We will check your processed LIDAR point cloud.
For LIDAR mapping project verification we will check:
All GCP and Benchmark information mentioned above
Dataset quality based on the Data-Checker tool for RGB images
Quality report from photogrammetry software
Photogrammetry and LIDAR deliverables accuracy on GCPs and Checkpoints with 3rd party software (Virtual Surveyor)
Comparison between Photogrammetry point cloud and LIDAR point cloud
Classification (ground points class) of the point cloud
How to submit a test dataset
After you initially checked the dataset via Inflights Data Checker tool you can submit the data to Inflights for verification process.
Link for the free Data-Checker tool:
Deliverables for dataset validation:
KML area of interest - insert it in the system by drawing it on the map or uploading KML
Official benchmark known point coordinates (preferably in PDF format)
GCP coordinates and measurement accuracy of each GCP (export from GNSS rover)
Drone images with precise geotags (5cm XYZ or better)
LIDAR LAS point cloud (aligned, georeferenced and classified)
To submit a test dataset, please login your pilot profile in Inflights webapp and select Datasets from the left menu.
Create a new dataset and name it “Verification - (insert Product Name from the list above)”
Select - Processing: Your Request
Start the upload.
A few days after uploading, our processing team will contact you with the detailed feedback about the project.
Fly safe,
Inflights Team