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Using viDoc with Propeller

viDoc bridges the gap between traditional GPS devices and modern photogrammetry software, streamlining the surveying process. After completing a survey and exporting viDoc data, you can upload it to the Propeller platform for processing.

Data Collection Considerations

Some smartphones have a LiDAR sensor, which the viDoc system can use to create a point cloud from a scan.

Propeller does not support importing this point cloud data.

Instead, Propeller does support the ingestion of images captured using the smartphone + viDoc combination into our photogrammetry pipeline.

Propeller recommends capturing at least two tracks of images with approximately 80% overlap. For example, when scanning a trench, capturing one set of images at a lower height along the trench wall and then another at a slightly higher height for better coverage is advised.

Propeller also allows ground control points (GCPs), including AeroPoints, to be submitted with viDoc datasets. When using AeroPoints, they must be processed first in the AeroPoints tab before being selected in the uploader. To prevent GCPs (AeroPoints or custom) from being auto-excluded, follow these best practices:

  • Take a wide path (6-10 ft or 2-3 m) around the entire scanned area, including the GCPs, to ensure the camera positions paint the perimeter of the area.
  • Capture a few nadir images (directly overhead) of the GCPs.

As with any user-provided high-accuracy dataset, the geotags associated with the photos (and the RTK correction source) must align with the GCP coordinates. If they don't match, the GCPs will be excluded, and Propeller will rely on the high-accuracy geotags in the photos instead.

Propeller Platform considerations

viDoc data in Propeller should be used primarily as a visualization tool, however, with proper ground control and good quality GNSS data, it can also be used for high accuracy calculations such as stockpiles. Full 3D measurements—for example, measuring across an overhang should be used cautiously as Propeller’s 2.5D environment is not conducive to all 3D measurements.

When visualizing viDoc data, if Vertical Face Imagery was enabled when the dataset was uploaded, you’ll find It in the SURVEY tab. Enabling that layer will allow you to inspect vertical faces more effectively.

You can export several optional files, including point cloud (.las), .obj.

Required Inputs

  • Unzipped viDoc data
  • RTK Geotagged .JPG files

Make sure you have created a new site or know which site you want to add your survey by choosing it from the dropdown menu. 

Click on the UPLOAD button and choose Surveys.

UPLOAD Surveys Designs Media.png

Under PROCESSING, select Photogrammetry.

UPLOAD Button Processing Options.png

Corrections

Next, select Use my drone photos since the viDoc images have already been RTK geotagged, and we don’t intend to use Propeller PPK.

Data Upload Choose Corrections.jpg

Selecting photos for upload

Select all the .JPG image files from your viDoc survey and drag them into the Files upload window.

Data Upload Drag and Drop Files.png

Once added, ensure the All Photos Have High-Accuracy Geotags toggle is turned on.

The high-accuracy geotags toggle will automatically turn on if all your photos are tagged as high accuracy. If at least one image is not tagged as high accuracy, this will be turned off by default.

viDoc All Photos Have High-Accuracy Geotags Toggle.png

If all the photos have passed validation, click NEXT.

Dataset details

Set the dataset name and capture date. The default will match the timestamp on the first uploaded picture. 

Data Upload Add Detail to New Survey.png

Adding ground control or checkpoints

Next, you will submit ground control or checkpoints. You can choose from:

  • AeroPoints
  • CSV file
  • AeroPoints + CSV file
  • No GCPS

Ground Control and Checkpoints.png

Next, select Ellipsoid height as your vertical geotag CRS.

The units will default to meters.

Choose vertical geotag CRS.png

Elevation model filter

Select the filter you want to apply to the model.

No filter.png

Configure outputs

This is a list of the output files that will be produced as part of the final dataset. Files can be found on the Platform and downloaded from the Viewer.

For viDoc scans, it’s common practice to Generate vertical face imagery. Make sure you toggle on this option in the Configure outputs options. Select any other downloadable file you want and click NEXT.

Configure Outputs Vertical Face Imagery.png

Please review your dataset for accuracy before you click SUBMIT.

Data Upload Summary.png

1. Dataset details

General information about the dataset you are submitting, including:

  • Site name
  • Date and time flown
  • Total gigapixels and photos
  • Type of upload

2. Corrections

Select the Corrections method you want to use for you upload.

3. Ground control

  • Type and number of GCPs and checkpoints

4. Processing outputs

  • Files included in the platform
  • Downloadable files

5. Quality assurance settings

This guides how many QA checks are made on your survey. Generally, the stricter the chosen QA, the longer the turnaround time.

Please note that for viDoc surveys, the QA settings automatically default to Skip all QA.

6. Dataset credits

Total number of credits used to process your data.

Some examples

with vertical face imagery
Vidoc with Vertical Face.png

 

without vertical face imagery
Vidoc without Vertical Face.png
Propeller provides limited viDoc support. For additional assistance, please refer to Vigram's support and resource center.

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the support button on the top right corner of your user portal.

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