Got a request to create 3D models of building facades for an architectural preservation project. Downtown historic district, 15 buildings.
I know I need oblique photos but I'm not sure about the optimal angles and overlap. Do you fly a grid pattern with the camera tilted, or orbit each building individually?
Anyone doing this kind of work regularly? What's your process?
Sign in to join the discussion
Sign inFor individual buildings, orbital flights at 3-4 different heights work best. Start high (60°) for the roof, then progressively lower (30-45°) for the facades. Don't forget ground-level photos from a handheld camera for the bottom floors.
For a whole district, a combination grid (nadir + 45° obliques in 4 directions) covers everything but the mesh quality won't be as good as individual orbits.
DJI Pilot 2 has an oblique mission mode that automates the multi-angle capture. Set up a polygon around your area and it flies nadir + 4 oblique passes. Processing in Pix4D with the 3D Maps template.
For heritage documentation, look into HABS/HAER standards if your client needs archival-quality deliverables.