very many, approx. 1,250–1,600 in the sample flight
Speed
1.9–3.1 m/s
Ground sampling distance
0.08–0.13 cm/px planned, about 0.3 cm/px in the finished model
Figures from an example flight around a building roughly 15 m high. The preceding mapping flight is not included.
Common questions
What is Smart 3D Capture?
A flight mode in the DJI Pilot 2 app. After a short mapping flight the app plans a route of its own that runs a few metres from the building: in rings floor by floor, over the roof and finally over the ridge. The camera always faces the surface it is capturing head-on.
Why is Smart 3D Capture more accurate than Point of Interest?
Because of the distance. With Point of Interest the drone stays far enough away for the whole house to fit into every photo. With Smart 3D Capture it is 3 to 5 metres, and every photo shows only a small part of the façade in high resolution. In the finished model that comes to about 0.3 cm per pixel.
Which drones can fly Smart 3D Capture?
Currently confirmed are the DJI Matrice 4E, the Matrice 4D and the Matrice 400 with the Zenmuse P1. The Mini, Air and regular Mavic lack the mode. With those you capture a single building with Point of Interest.
Do I need RTK for Smart 3D Capture?
Yes, it is mandatory. The drone navigates automatically in tight space along the building and therefore checks for an RTK connection before take-off. Without an RTK Fix it does not start the mission.
What is the mapping flight beforehand for?
It produces a rough model of the building. The app plans the close-range route on it, including the distance to walls, roof overhangs and obstacles. Without that template the drone would not know where the façade is.
How many photos does Smart 3D Capture take?
Around 1,250 to 1,600 for a building about 15 metres high, not counting the mapping flight. That is many times an orbit and lengthens upload and processing time accordingly.