The document compares various desktop software used for processing data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It provides a table comparing the major features and functionality of Pix4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape, WebODM, and QGIS. These include outputs generated, ease of use, cost, support and limitations. It also provides guidance on choosing the best software by defining needs, researching options, trying demonstrations, considering costs, and getting recommendations from experts. Selecting the right software depends on the required processing capabilities, accuracy, compatibility and other factors listed.
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Desktop Softwares for Unmanned Aerial Systems(UAS))
5. Advanced processing algorithms: Pix4D uses advanced
photogrammetry algorithms to create high-quality maps
and models from drone imagery, including structure from
motion (SfM) and dense image matching (DIM).
Automatic processing: Once images are uploaded, Pix4D
automatically processes them into maps and models,
requiring little to no user input.
Customizable settings: Users can adjust processing
settings to achieve specific results, including adjusting the
resolution of the output, selecting specific output formats,
and choosing between different processing options.
6. Integration with other software: Pix4D integrates with
other software tools, such as CAD software and GIS
software, allowing users to easily incorporate maps and
models into their workflows.
High accuracy: Pix4D can produce maps and models with
high accuracy, making it suitable for applications such as
surveying and mapping.
User-friendly interface: Pix4D has a user-friendly
interface that allows users to easily upload images,
manage projects, and view results.
9. Professional Edition version
Digital elevation model: DSM/DTM generation and editing.
Georeferenced orthomosaic generation.
LiDAR data support.
Ground control points / scale bar support.
Measurements: distances, areas, volumes.
Stereoscopic measurements.
Hierarchical tiled model generation.
4D modeling for dynamic scenes.
Panorama stitching.
Multispectral imagery processing.
Automatic powerlines detection.
Satellite imagery processing.
Python and Java API.
10. Standard Edition version.
Photogrammetric triangulation: Processing of various types of imagery from digital
digital cameras. Auto-calibration for frame (incl. fisheye) cameras..
Dense point cloud generation: Elaborate model editing for accurate results.
3D model: generation and texturing: Various scenes: archaeological sites, artifacts,
buildings, interiors, people, etc, Photorealistic textures: HDR and multifile support
(incl. UDIM layout).
Panorama stitching: 3D reconstruction for data captured from the same camera
position camera station, provided that at least 2 camera stations are present.
11. Capabilities.
Orth mosaics: Georeferenced, orthorectified maps.
Dense point cloud generation: Elaborate model editing for accurate results.
3D model: Textured 3D models in .OBJ and OGC 3D Tiles format.
Measurements: Make volume and area measurements with ease, track stockpiles.
Elevation Models: Georeferenced digital elevation models (DSMs and DTMs).
Plant Health: Easily compute NDVI, VARI, GNDVI and many other indexes.
Ground Control Points: Create and use GCPs for additional accuracy.
Contours: Preview and export elevation contours to AutoCAD, Shape File, Geo
Package.
Any Camera: From consumer phones to professional cameras (standard, fisheye,
360属), single or multi-camera.
Any Format : JPGs and TIFFs (8bit and 16bit), with or without EXIFs.
Any Orientation: Process aerial and ground images, captured nadir or oblique.
Multispectral: Process multispectral images.
Rolling Shutter: Correction support.
Share Easily: share your maps and 3D models.
Scale: Run multiple jobs in parallel and single jobs distributed on multiple
machines.
12. QGIS (Quantum GIS) provides a wide range of tools and plugins such as Whitebox
Tools, UAV Toolbox, Raster Terrian Analysis Toolbox that make it a powerful and
flexible software for processing UAV data.
Image viewing and management:
User-friendly interface for viewing and managing UAV images.
Supports a wide range of image formats and allows you to load and visualize
images as layers.
Georeferencing and image registration:
Supports georeferencing, for assigning geographic coordinates to images and
align them with other spatial data.
Image processing and analysis:
Such as Image enhancement, filtering, classification, and feature extraction.
3D modeling and visualization:
Supports 3D visualization and modeling, which allows you to create 3D models
and terrain surfaces from UAV images.
Useful for visualizing and analyzing terrain features, such as elevation, slope,
and aspect.
Integration with other GIS tools:
Easily integrated with other GIS tools and data sources, such as GPS, remote
sensing data, and web services.
Allows you to combine UAV data with other spatial data and perform more
complex analyses.
13. Agisoft MetaShape Pix4dMapper WebODM QGIS
Features and
functionality
Image mosaic, orthomosaic generation, 3D
modeling, NDVI analysis, panorama stitching,
automatic powerlines detection.
Measurements: distances, areas, volumes. Lidar
Support.
Image mosaic, orthomosaic generation, 3D modeling,
and NDVI analysis. Measurements: distances, areas,
volumes.
Image stitching, orthomosaic generation, 3D
modeling, Crop health. Measurements: distances,
areas, volumes.
Allows combination of UAV data with other
spatial data and perform more complex
analyses.
User Interface User-friendly User-friendly User-friendly User-friendly
Support and
Documentation
User manuals, video tutorials, and customer
support.
User manuals, video tutorials, community forum, and
customer support.
User manuals, Video tutorials, GitHub repo. And
community forum.
Online documentation, community forum,
and developer support for users
Input Support different cameras and image formats. Support different cameras and image formats. Support different cameras and image formats. Mostly support semi-processed data.
Output
Point cloud, Orth photo, DSM, contour, DTM, 3D
3D model, textured 3D meshes, thermal, and
index map.
Point cloud, Orth photo, DSM, contour, DTM, 3D
meshes, thermal, index map, reflectance map.
Detailed quality report.
Point cloud, Orth photo, DSM, contour, DTM, 3D
meshes, index maps.
Free trial 30-day free Yes (15 days) Free and open source Free and open source
Cost $ 3 499 / perpetual 3,990 / perpetual (260/ month) Free and open source Free and open source
3D Model Textured 3D Textured 3D Textured 3D Limited capability for 3D drone modelling
Hardware Requirements
(Recommended)
RAM: 16 - 32 GB
CPU: 4 - 12 core Intel, AMD or Apple M1/M2
processor, 2.0+ GHz.
8 GB RAM, 15 GB SSD Free Space. GeForce GTX GPU
and 2 GB RAM.
100 GB free disk space.
16 GB RAM.
64bit CPU.
Limitations
Detailed information about algorithms not
available.
Detailed information about algorithms not available.
Doesnt support creation of 3D mesh from point
clouds from third party.
Small areal coverage for outputs, especially for the
datasets that contain water bodies.
Result available for a few days (14 days)
Small areal coverage for outputs, especially for
coastal datasets.
Limited capability for 3D drone modelling
Comparative Chart
15. General Note on Accuracy
Horizontal Accuracy (no GCP or RTK): Average displacement 1.862.50m in the centre and 2.124.13m at
the edges.
Number of GCPs and their position/distribution, software parameter tunning affects the accuracy.
Recommended to use the same software when comparing multitemporal drone datasets.
Which one to use?
16. Ideal UAV
software
Processing capabilities:
processing large volumes of data efficiently and be able to handle
various types of image data.
Able to generate accurate and high-quality results.
Ease of use:
Intuitive and user-friendly interface, with clear instructions and easy-to-
use tools .
Compatibility:
with the hardware and sensors used to capture the UAV data.
Able to import and export data in various formats.
Accuracy and precision:
Able to generate accurate and precise results, with a low margin of error.
Speed:
Should be able to process data quickly, with minimal lag or delay,
allowing users to make decisions and take action in real-time.
17. Ideal UAV
software
Cost:
Cost-effective, providing good value for money in terms of its
features and capabilities.
Customer support:
Good customer support
Clear documentation, tutorials, and responsive technical support.
Security:
Should be secure, with features that protect user data and prevent
unauthorized access.
Scalability:
Should be scalable, able to handle larger volumes of data as
needed
Capable of growing with the needs of the user.
18. Choosing best software
Define your needs:
Define your needs and
requirements.
Types of data you need to process
Level of accuracy and precision
required
Output formats you need.
Research and compare:
Reading reviews and customer
feedback to get an idea of the
software's strengths and
weaknesses.
Software with good reputation in
the industry and is known for
producing high-quality results.
Containing most of previously
mentioned characteristics
Try before you buy:
Many software vendors offer free
trials or demos of their software.
Take advantage of these offers to
test the software and see if it
meets your needs.
Provides an opportunity to
evaluate the ease of use and the
processing capabilities of the
software.
19. Choosing best software
Consider the cost:
Cost is an important factor , but it
shouldn't be the only factor.
Consider the value of the software in
terms of its features and capabilities,
and how it fits into your budget.
Keep in mind that cheaper software
may not always provide the level
of accuracy and precision you need, so
it's important to balance cost
with functionality.
Get support:
good customer support, with clear
documentation, tutorials,
and responsive technical support.
This will be important if you encounter
any issues or have questions about the
software.
Ask for recommendations:
From colleagues, industry experts, or
other users in your network
for recommendations.
Can provide valuable insights on
different products
20. References
https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/dronedeploy-versus-pix4d
https://sourceforge.net/software/compare/DroneDeploy-vs-Pix4D/
Pix4DMapper: Pricing. https://www.pix4d.com/pricing/pix4dmapper/. Accessed 26 April 2023.
Agisoft: Buy. https://www.agisoft.com/buy/online-store/. Accessed 26 April 2023.
Pix4DMapper: Outputs. https://www.pix4d.com/product/pix4dmapper/outputs/. Accessed 26 April 2023.
Opendronemap: WebODM: https://www.opendronemap.org/webodm/. Accessed 26 April 2023.
Pell, T.; Li, J.Y.Q.; Joyce, K.E. Demystifying the Differences between Structure-from-Motion Software Packages for Pre-
Processing Drone Data. Drones 2022, 6, 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6010024
Kloc, B.; Mazur, A.; Szumio, M. Comparison of Free and Commercial Software in the Processing of Data Obtained fromNon-
Metric Cameras. J. Ecol. Eng. 2021, 22, 213225. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/131074