Prevu3D can process aerial imagery to generate high-quality 3D reconstructions, but the outcome depends heavily on how the data is captured. While Prevu3D does not provide flight-planning or drone-operation tools, the following general guidelines can help you collect reliable imagery.
Work With Qualified Drone Specialists
Aerial data collection should ideally be performed by a licensed or certified drone operator.
Experienced operators are familiar with:
Local aviation regulations
Proper flight permissions and airspace restrictions
Safe flight practices for industrial and complex environments
Camera and sensor calibration
Mission planning for consistent image capture
Professional operators can greatly reduce the risk of incomplete datasets or unusable imagery.
Comply With Local Regulations
Drone operations are regulated in most countries.
Before flying, ensure compliance with:
Required drone pilot certifications
Drone registration rules
Permits for controlled or restricted airspace
Operational restrictions for industrial sites, populated areas, or critical infrastructure
It is the user’s responsibility to verify and meet all legal requirements before performing any flight.
Use a Flight-Planning Tool
To achieve consistent coverage and prevent gaps in the dataset, we strongly recommend using a dedicated flight-planning application.
These tools help define:
Flight altitudes and paths
Nadir or oblique camera angles
Front and side overlap
Optimal capture speed
Terrain following
Redundant capture passes in complex areas
A planning tool ensures your dataset meets the overlap and geometry requirements needed for reliable image alignment.
Plan Your Flight According to Your Project Goals
Before capturing images, decide what you want to map or model.
Examples:
Nadir capture for flat surfaces, orthomosaics, and open areas
Oblique capture for buildings, vertical features, equipment, façades
Mixed capture for complex sites (industrial plants, rooftops, dense assets)
Choosing the right flight geometry ensures the reconstruction covers all surfaces without gaps.
Maintain Sufficient Overlap
High overlap is critical to allow the reconstruction engine to match features between images.
Recommended:
Forward overlap: 75–85 percent
Side overlap: 60–80 percent
For tall structures, narrow alleys, cranes, or industrial equipment, consider higher overlap.
Maintain Consistent Exposure and Sharpness
To ensure reliable image matching:
Avoid blurred images (use fast shutter speed)
Avoid extreme shadow transitions
Keep ISO moderate to reduce noise
Avoid sunrise/sunset when shadows are long
Avoid reflective or wet surfaces when possible
Image consistency is more important than resolution alone.
Fly at an Appropriate Speed and Altitude
Too fast → motion blur
Too low → unnecessary texture detail but slower capture
Too high → loss of detail and insufficient ground sampling distance
Adjust according to the scale of your environment.
Capture Redundancy Where Needed
For complex industrial sites, adding extra passes helps capture:
Under overhangs
Between pipes and structures
Around equipment
Rooftops and tall assets
Flying additional orbits or angled passes greatly improves coverage.