Making an aerial map of your property with a drone

In this video I use a DJI drone to make a 3D map of my 22 acre homestead property with free software. This technique is super handy for planning purposes, as it does a great job showing the contour of land that can't easily be seen on a map.

In what feels like another life, I worked as an instructor in the drone industry. These are a few tricks of the trade I learned along the way.

Unfortunately the renderings I've made so far have had too many holes to convert into a file that can be used for a 3D printer, but that is the end goal I am shooting for here.

The method used in the video will also produce a large mosaic picture file of the property. I had one printed and laminated at the local office supply store to draw out the components of my homestead with dry erase markers.

I apologize for the blurry text in this video. My editing software isn't liking my screencasting footage.

Rather than post affiliate links for drones, I'd recommend looking on FB marketplace or Craigslist for used ones. DJI makes a superior product when it comes to civilian drone products.

Thanks for watching! If you haven't already please subscribe to my channel :)

Craig is a sustainability enthusiast, who posts weekly to YouTube. He is known for his passion for composting, gardening and living in a tiny house that he built with his father. His intent with this channel is to showcase his projects and spread ideas on how people can live a more sustainable lifestyle.

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My descriptions sometimes contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a minimal commission if you click through and use these links (at no additional cost to you). This video has nothing to sell you, except a good time. But next time, rest assured the links will be there waiting, in hopes that you click, and Amazon throws me a few crumbs.

Disclaimer: This video, and the ideas presented in it, are for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as advice.

[stevesrt]

That's pretty cool. One of my favorites jobs as a land surveyor was going around setting up and gps surveying targets for air photos. its amazing how far technology has come in the last 15-20 years

[aliciadion]

Awesome tutorial! Loved the examples you gave at the end too!

[motion-]

Thank you for the video, may I ask, in which format will be the final 3D model? and is there an options of other formats?

[MattCookOregon]

How big a property could you do? 500 acre?