Essential tips and techniques for capturing high-quality aerial imagery that delivers actionable insights for your construction projects.
📊 Drone Photography Tips for Construction Projects
| Category | Guideline | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oblique Photography | Horizon placement | Keep the horizon at the top of the frame to aid orientation. |
| Altitude | Best between 30–50 m (or just above tallest object). | |
| Waypoints | Use waypoints to standardize coverage. | |
| Capture rate | Capture images every 2 seconds at 15 m/s forward speed. | |
| Nadir Photography | Camera angle | Point camera 90° downward (true vertical). |
| Capture rate | Capture every 1 second, or calculate for ≥80% forward overlap. | |
| Ground sample distance (GSD) | Fly at altitude to achieve ~2 cm GSD (detailed enough to count 2x4s).Use GSD Calculator | |
| Side overlap (flat terrain) | Use 60–66% side overlap. | |
| Side overlap (high relief terrain) | Increase overlap beyond 66%. | |
| Corridor mapping | Offset flight lines by 9 m left & right of centerline; ensures denser coverage of critical areas. | |
| Flight mission setup | Begin & end mission in middle of area; then move to next section. | |
| Battery management | Limit flights to <80% of battery capacity. | |
| Ground control points (GCPs) | Place GCPs for accuracy; record ≥1 min of RTK data at 1 Hz at each point (mounted on bipod). | |
| Camera Settings (Both Nadir & Oblique) | Lighting | Prefer sunny conditions; set shutter speed < 1/500. |
| Cloudy/low sun | Slow forward speed so motion blur < 1/3 of GSD. |
Pre-Flight Planning
Successful drone photography starts long before takeoff. Learn how to plan your missions for optimal coverage and data quality.