New Year’s resolutions for photogrammetry and laser scanning specialists
January is the time when many of us turn our thoughts to making resolutions for the year ahead. Year after year among the most popular New Year’s resolutions you can find examples such as Eat healthier, Get more exercise, Spend less money, and a timeless classic, Lose weight. This year, I challenge you to include in your list a resolution that will bring benefits also to your professional life. Here are a few ideas useful for photogrammetry and laser scanning specialists.
Think first, act later
Rush decisions rarely bring good effects when planning laser scanning or image acquisition campaign. Knowing the purpose of the data and existing conditions, choose the most suitable technique. Whether it is laser scanning or drone image acquisition, think about each technique’s advantages and limitations first. Take into account whether a site is interior or exterior, is it accessible and safe to work in etc. For example, in certain projects for construction industry drones improve jobsite safety and reduce the risk for workers comparing to terrestrial laser scanning.
Find safe and reliable data storage option
If you feel like your current data storage method might use some improvement, here’s a solution for you. Stop worrying about losing data from your disk and choose e.g. cloud-based data storage. Saving space by storing all your data online will be an additional benefit. Among available cloud storage options, there are solutions dedicated to 3D data e.g. point clouds, like Pointscene. Do a research and pick the best alternative.
Explain the technology you use to your client
Although laser scanning and drone photogrammetry have astonishing capabilities, not everyone is aware that they don’t have limitless possibilities after all. Be sure to educate your customer on the technology you plan to use. Explain also its limitations, so that he knows what to expect. Don’t let some minor confusion waste your time and effort.
Switch to comprehensive and multipurpose solutions
Instead of using separate services for every step of your project, try to look for solutions that will have many functions. This way, you save both time and money. Currently, there are many great options to manage project data, visualise point clouds, and make measurements. And all this can be done on an online platform from multiple devices.
Always determine the format of required deliverable beforehand
Keep in mind that there are different software in use in design and construction industries. The deliverable will be useful for your customer only when you provide it in a format that he can actually use. Find out which software your client uses and deliver finished product in the appropriate format.
Organise field notes in one place
If after each trip on the job site you leave with a heap of loose field notes, maybe time to check other solution. Otherwise, you’re risking losing an important piece of information. Try finding another way to make and store notes. One solution might be Pointscene’s annotation tool. Use it to add information to a point cloud in appropriate locations. Use a point cloud to store all the information you gathered in the field and mark them at corresponding locations to get a more comprehensive understanding of the situation on the site.
Consider where you place control points
This point is especially relevant to drone-based image acquisition. If you are going to gather data repeatedly over the same area and use GCPs, take some time to carefully plan where to place control points. Before any measurements, take into account what changes might occur in the area. You want to avoid damaging points in the construction process. Then put control points in places where they won’t be affected by any changes.
Collect more than just a point cloud
In case of laser scanning, the rule “less is more” should not be followed blindly. Taking photos on a site and gathering vector data along point cloud measurement offers multiple benefits. Attaching these types of data to point cloud adds a new quality to it and enables to include more than 3D location. Most importantly, it allows you to identify objects easier and to eliminate guessing in post-processing process. View point clouds with overlaid photos and vectors e.g. through Pointscene’s platform.
Reduce delivery time for a finished product
Time is money, which is true especially in a business world. It’s crucial to carefully assess the amount of time available before deadline. Don’t forget to include also delivery time in your estimation. Finding a fast and reliable way to share data online will save time and trouble in the long run. Fortunately, using online platforms to store point clouds allows you to share the data with anyone with just one click. What is more, you gain the advantage of offering your clients a tool for viewing data and making measurements.
Take pride in your work and achievements
Last but not least, be confident about your skills and expertise. Realise how important and valuable is your contribution. Don’t hesitate to present your competence and effects of your work to others. And stay positive in the New Year!
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