Overview

Key considerations of drone flying are critical to achieve the most accurate and detailed data: Flights with the best results have high image overlap and consistent altitude and camera angle. Below are a set of simple instructions to pay attention to for the highest quality outcomes.

Altitude

Maintaining a consistent altitude during the flight is important for generating accurate results. The exception is when flying an orbit pattern around vertical structures for 3D reconstruction. For most use cases, we recommend a consistent altitude.

Lower altitudes require more photos to achieve correct overlap.

Camera angle

For the majority of projects we recommend capturing nadir images. The camera is pointed directly at the ground (0°) to capture nadir images. In some cases oblique images are helpful for sites with meaningful changes in elevation or multiple vertical structures. For oblique images we recommend a camera angle of 0° to 45° for best results. Images with a camera pitch >60° will fail processing.

Overlap

We recommended at least 75% frontal overlap (with respect to the flight direction) and at least 60% side overlap (between flying tracks).

Flight pattern

To ensure enough overlap between images, we recommend a grid or double grid pattern. The more images collected of a given point will result in more detail and better accuracy. The double grid flight pattern can produce better results for 3D reconstruction if your primary use case is generating meshes and point clouds.

Single grid flight pattern

Double grid flight pattern

Capturing challenging areas

Certain areas of a site can present challenges for photogrammetry, especially when surfaces are reflective, uniform, or lack distinctive features. Examples include metal roofs, glass, water, and repetitive patterns like siding or pavement. These conditions can make it harder for stitching software to align images accurately, often resulting in distortions, gaps, or warped geometry. Captures taken only from nadir (straight down) angles can further contribute to incomplete or inaccurate reconstructions of edges and vertical surfaces.

To improve overall model quality in these situations:

• Add oblique flights: Capture angled imagery (30–45° tilt) around key structures or site features at multiple heights.
• Increase image overlap: Use at least 80% frontlap and 70–75% sidelap to strengthen coverage and tie points.
• Optimize lighting: Fly during softer conditions (early morning, late afternoon, or overcast skies) to reduce glare and reflections.

By adjusting flight plans with these best practices, you’ll achieve cleaner, more accurate results across a wider range of site materials and conditions.

If you have any additional questions please reach out to the OpenSpace Support team at support@openspace.ai.