What Is an Orthomosaic Map? Orthomosaic Drones and Orthophotos Explained
BY Zacc Dukowitz
24 May 2024An orthomosaic map is a highly accurate, geometrically corrected aerial image that provides a true top-down view of an area, free from distortions and perspective errors.
Orthomosaic maps are also commonly called orthoimages, orthophotographs, or just orthomosaics.
By providing detailed, accurate representations of the Earth’s surface, orthomosaic maps facilitate better decision-making and efficient project management for a range of different industries.
Credit: DJI
The integration of drones into orthomosaic mapping has revolutionized the way aerial data is collected, making the entire process faster, cheaper, and more effective.
[Want to learn drone mapping? Check out our Drone Mapping Essentials course and in-person drone mapping workshops.]
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of orthomosaic maps and how drones support their creation. We’ll also cover the best orthomosaic drones on the market, applications that use orthoimagery, and the top software to make them.
Here’s a menu in case you’d like to jump around:
- What Is an Orthomosaic Map?
- Orthomosaic Drones: Top Models + How They Work
- Orthomosaic Software: The Best Options on the Market
- Orthomosaic Map Applications: Real Use Cases from the Field
What Is an Orthomosaic Map?
Unlike traditional aerial photographs, which can suffer from scale variations and perspective distortions, orthomosaic maps offer uniform scale and precise geolocation, making them an important resource for accurate measurements and analysis.
By offering a true-to-life, distortion-free view of the Earth’s surface, orthomosaic maps have become a key tool for professionals across various industries, enhancing their ability to analyze, plan, and make informed decisions.
How to Make an Orthomosaic Map
The creation of an orthomosaic map involves capturing a series of overlapping images from different angles using a drone or other aerial platform.
After collecting these images, they’re then processed using specialized photogrammetry software, which stitches them together into a single, seamless mosaic. The software corrects for any distortions, aligns the images based on GPS coordinates, and adjusts the scale to ensure uniformity across the entire map.
Here are the key steps for creating an orthomosaic map by drone:
- Flight planning. Determining the flight path, altitude, and image overlap to ensure complete coverage of the target area.
- Image capture. Using a drone equipped with high-resolution cameras to take multiple overlapping photos of the area.
- Data processing. Importing the images into photogrammetry software to stitch them together, correct distortions, and generate the final orthomosaic map.
An orthophoto with the contributing photos shown underneath | Credit: DJI
Differences Between Orthomosaic Maps and Traditional Maps
While traditional maps are often created through manual surveying and drawing, orthomosaic maps are generated from real aerial images, providing a much higher level of detail and accuracy.
Traditional maps can be subject to human error and may not reflect real-time changes, whereas orthomosaic maps offer up-to-date, precise representations of the landscape or object mapped.
Here are the key differences between a traditional map and an orthophoto:
- Accuracy. Orthomosaic maps provide centimeter-level accuracy, essential for precise measurements and analysis.
- Detail. High-resolution imagery captures fine details, such as individual plants in agricultural fields or small structural features in urban areas.
- Timeliness. Orthomosaic maps can be updated frequently to reflect changes in the landscape, making them ideal for monitoring and managing dynamic environments.
Common Uses for Orthomosaics
Wondering how orthophotos are actually used?
Here are some of the most common use cases:
- Land management—Obtaining visual data of large areas. Orthomosaics provide up-to-date aerial imagery of large areas, allowing for detailed monitoring and analysis of changes over time.
- Construction—Conducting precise spatial measurements. With their high accuracy and uniform scale, orthomosaics enable precise measurements of distances, areas, and volumes. This capability is essential for tasks such as construction planning and resource management.
- Agriculture—Assessing plant health and growth. Farmers can use orthomosaic maps to evaluate the health and development of crops, identifying areas affected by pests, diseases, or inadequate irrigation. This information helps them make informed decisions to optimize crop yields.
- Infrastructure inspections—Creating detailed maps. Orthomosaics can facilitate thorough inspections of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They provide detailed visual data that helps detect structural issues and plan maintenance activities.
- Conservation—Tracking environmental changes. By providing high-resolution images, orthomosaics help in monitoring environmental changes, such as deforestation, erosion, and habitat loss. This information can be vital for conservation and environmental management efforts.
- Archaeology—Planning digs and documenting sites. Archaeologists use orthomosaics to document and analyze archaeological sites, providing detailed views of excavation areas and helping to preserve historical information.
Orthomosaic Drones: Top Models + How They Work
An orthomosaic drone is a term used to describe any drone used to create orthophotos.
These drones come with high-resolution cameras, GPS, and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) systems, allowing them to capture precise aerial images.
Orthomosaic drones are designed to fly over large areas, capturing numerous overlapping photographs that are later stitched together using drone photogrammetry software. The integration of GPS and IMU ensures that each image is accurately georeferenced, which is crucial for creating an accurate and seamless orthomosaic map.
Here’s everything we cover on orthomosaic drones in this section:
- Top 5 Orthomosaic Drones on the Market
- How to Make an Orthomosaic Map with a Drone
- The Top 8 Benefits of Using Orthomosaic Drones
The Top 5 Orthomosaic Drones on the Market
The drone you use to capture visual data for your orthophotos can make a big difference in the quality of the end result.
Here are our picks for the top orthomosaic drones on the market.
1. DJI Matrice 350 RTK
- Features. High-precision RTK module, multiple payload options including LiDAR, long flight time.
- Best for Industrial use cases, large-scale mapping, and infrastructure inspections.
Learn more about the Matrice 350 RTK.
2. WingtraOne Gen II
- Features. VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capability, high-resolution RGB and multispectral cameras, PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) GPS system, extended flight time, and advanced automated flight planning.
- Best for large-scale mapping projects, agriculture, mining, construction, and environmental monitoring.
Learn more about the WingtraOne Gen II.
3. The eBee X
- Features. Lightweight, long flight time, multiple sensor compatibility, including high-resolution cameras and LiDAR.
- Best for large area surveys, agricultural assessments, and environmental monitoring.
4. Parrot Anafi USA
- Features: Compact and portable, equipped with thermal and visual cameras, compatible with Quanergy M8 LiDAR sensor.
- Best for Public safety missions, infrastructure inspections, and environmental monitoring.
Learn more about the Parrot Anafi USA.
5. DJI Phantom 4 RTK
- Features. High-resolution camera, precise RTK positioning, easy to deploy and use, compatible with DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR sensor.
- Best for Construction site mapping, agricultural surveys, and small to medium-scale mapping projects.
Learn more about the DJI Phantom 4 RTK.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Orthomosaic Drone
Of course, our list of orthomosaic drones isn’t exhaustive—there are plenty of other drones out there that you can use.
But it’s important to know what you need to create high-quality orthophotos. Here are some key characteristics to consider.
- Camera resolution and quality. High-resolution cameras are essential for capturing detailed images. Look for drones with cameras that offer at least 20 megapixels.
- GPS accuracy. Accurate georeferencing is critical for precise mapping. Look for drones with (Real-Time Kinematic) or PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic) technology.
- Flight time. You’ll want long battery life so you can get all the data you need—look for flight times of 30 minutes or more.
- Payload capacity. Depending on your mapping needs, you may require additional sensors or equipment. Ensure the drone can carry the necessary payload, and look for the ability to swap in other payloads you might need.
- Software compatibility. The drone should be compatible with advanced photogrammetry software for seamless data processing and map creation.
- Durability and weather resistance. For outdoor and industrial applications, choose drones that are robust and can withstand various environmental conditions. Check IP ratings to see what the drone can handle.
The Matrice 350 RTK | Credit: DJI
How to Make an Orthomosaic Map with a Drone
Creating an orthophoto using drone data sounds great—but how do you actually do it?
Here’s a short step-by-step:
1. Flight Planning
Plan the drone’s flight path, altitude, speed, and the amount of overlap between images.
Use specialized software to determine the optimal flight parameters, ensuring you’ll get complete coverage of the target area.
2. Capture Your Images
Once the flight plan is set it’s time to fly and take your pictures.
The drone follows the predetermined flight path, taking multiple overlapping photos of the area. High-resolution cameras and precise GPS systems ensure that each image is captured with the necessary detail and accuracy.
3. Data Processing
After the flight, import your images into photogrammetry software.
This software stitches the images together, correcting for any distortions and aligning them based on GPS coordinates. The result is a seamless, high-resolution orthomosaic map that accurately represents the surveyed area.
4. Quality Check
Do a quality check on your orthophoto to make sure there aren’t any gaps, misalignments, or distortions. If you see any issues, adjust the image to correct for accuracy and detail.
What to Look for When Buying an Orthomosaic Drone
The Top 8 Benefits of Using Orthomosaic Drones
Orthomosaic drones offer numerous advantages that make them invaluable tools for a variety of professional applications. Their ability to provide high-resolution, accurate, and up-to-date maps significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of various projects. Here are some of the key benefits of using orthomosaic drones:
1. Accuracy and Precision in Mapping
One of the most significant benefits of orthomosaic drones is their ability to produce highly accurate and precise maps.
Equipped with advanced sensors and GPS technology, these drones can capture detailed aerial images with centimeter-level accuracy. This precision is crucial for applications such as construction, surveying, and agriculture, where accurate measurements are essential for planning and decision-making.
2. Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency
Orthomosaic drones are cost-effective tools for mapping and surveying large areas.
Traditional methods of data collection, such as manned aircraft or ground-based surveys, can be time-consuming and expensive. Drones, on the other hand, can cover extensive areas quickly and at a fraction of the cost. This efficiency allows organizations to save time and resources while still obtaining high-quality data.
3. Versatility and Ease of Use
Orthomosaic drones are versatile and easy to use, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They can be deployed in various environments, from urban areas to remote and rugged terrains. Additionally, modern drones are designed with user-friendly interfaces and automated flight planning software, allowing operators to execute complex missions with minimal training.
4. Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis
Orthomosaic drones enable comprehensive data collection and analysis, providing detailed insights that are not possible with traditional methods.
The high-resolution images captured by these drones can be processed to create detailed 3D models, topographic maps, and other valuable datasets. This enhanced data allows professionals to perform in-depth analyses, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
5. Safety and Accessibility
Using orthomosaic drones for mapping and surveying improves safety by reducing the need for human operators to work in hazardous or inaccessible areas.
Drones can easily navigate challenging environments, such as construction sites, disaster zones, and dense forests, without putting personnel at risk. This accessibility allows for safer and more efficient data collection in potentially dangerous locations.
6. Real-time Monitoring and Decision Making
Orthomosaic drones provide the ability to conduct real-time monitoring and make prompt decisions based on current data.
This capability is particularly valuable in dynamic situations, such as emergency response, construction progress tracking, and agricultural monitoring. Real-time data helps organizations respond quickly to changing conditions, optimize operations, and improve outcomes.
7. Environmental Impact
Drones have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional data collection methods. They require less fuel and produce fewer emissions than manned aircraft, making them a more sustainable option for aerial mapping and surveying. This reduced environmental footprint aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices across various industries.
8. Customization and Scalability
Orthomosaic drones offer customization and scalability to meet the specific needs of different projects.
Various sensors and payloads can be integrated into the drone to capture different types of data, such as thermal imagery, multispectral data, and LiDAR. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their drone operations to specific requirements and scale their efforts as needed.
Orthomosaic Software: The Best Options on the Market
Orthomosaic software is essential for making orthomosaics. You can capture the best images in the world, but without software you’ll never make a good orthophoto.
Drone orthomosaic software stitches together multiple aerial photos, corrects for distortions, and georeferences the images to produce a seamless and precise map.
Here are some of the top orthomosaic software options available on the market.
1. Pix4Dmapper
Pix4Dmapper is one of the leading orthomosaic software solutions, known for its advanced photogrammetry capabilities and user-friendly interface.
It allows users to create highly accurate orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and point clouds from aerial images captured by drones. The software supports a wide range of applications, including agriculture, construction, and surveying.
- Features. Automated processing, customizable workflows, high accuracy, 3D model generation, point cloud processing.
- Benefits. High precision, extensive tools for analysis, and integration with various drone platforms.
- Best for professionals in surveying, construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
2. DroneDeploy
DroneDeploy is a versatile and widely used cloud-based platform for creating orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and other geospatial data.
The software offers automated flight planning, real-time mapping, and a suite of analysis tools. It is designed to be accessible and easy to use, making it suitable for professionals across different industries.
- Features. Cloud-based processing, real-time mapping, automated flight planning, comprehensive analysis tools.
- Benefits. User-friendly interface, robust cloud-based processing, and compatibility with various drone models.
- Best for agriculture, construction, mining, and inspection services.
3. Agisoft Metashape
Agisoft Metashape is a powerful photogrammetry software that provides advanced tools for creating orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and detailed point clouds. It is known for its high level of accuracy and flexibility, allowing users to process data from a variety of aerial and ground-based sources.
- Features. High-accuracy processing, dense point cloud generation, 3D model creation, multispectral image processing.
- Benefits. Precision, versatility, and support for various data sources.
- Best for surveying, cultural heritage documentation, agriculture, and research.
4. Global Mapper
Global Mapper is a comprehensive GIS software that includes powerful tools for creating orthomosaic maps from drone imagery. It offers extensive data processing and analysis capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of geospatial applications.
- Features. GIS data processing, 3D terrain analysis, LiDAR data integration, orthomosaic map creation.
- Benefits. Robust GIS functionality, extensive analysis tools, and support for various data formats.
- Best for GIS professionals, surveyors, environmental scientists, and urban planners.
Learn more about Global Mapper.
5. SimActive Correlator3D
SimActive Correlator3D is a high-end photogrammetry software designed for professional use in creating orthomosaic maps, digital surface models (DSMs), and 3D models. It is known for its high processing speed and accuracy, making it ideal for large-scale projects.
- Features. High-speed processing, DSM and DEM generation, 3D modeling, LiDAR data integration.
- Benefits. Fast processing, high accuracy, and scalability for large projects.
- Best for surveying, urban planning, infrastructure management, and large-scale mapping projects.
Orthomosaic Map Uses by Sector: Real Use Cases from the Field
- Agriculture
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Construction
- Disaster Management and Response
- Environmental Monitoring and Conservation
- Forestry
- Mining and Quarrying
- Public Safety Agency Work
- Real Estate
- Urban Planning and Land Use
- Utilities and Infrastructure Inspections
Agriculture
Want to know how your crops are doing today? Or how they were doing on the same day a year ago?
Ortho maps can help farmers get insights into how their crops are doing, and also allow for keeping a highly accurate record of the crops on a piece of land over time.
Orthomosaic maps play a crucial role in modern agriculture by enabling precise crop monitoring and management.
Key use cases for agriculture include:
- Assessing crop health
- Identifying areas affected by pests or diseases
- Optimizing irrigation and fertilization strategies
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Want to know the exact layout of an archaeological site? Or how a historical structure has changed over the past decade?
Orthomosaic maps can help archaeologists document and analyze historical sites with high precision, providing detailed records that can be revisited and compared over time.
Orthomosaic maps are invaluable in archaeology, enabling detailed documentation and analysis of archaeological sites.
Key use cases for archaeology include:
- Mapping site layouts. Providing detailed and accurate maps of excavation areas and site layouts.
- Monitoring structural changes. Tracking changes in historical structures over time to aid in preservation efforts.
- Planning excavations. Helping archaeologists plan digs by identifying features not visible from the ground.
- Documenting findings. Creating a permanent, precise record of archaeological discoveries and site conditions.
Construction
Want to track the progress of your construction site? Or ensure that your project stays on schedule and within budget?
Orthomosaic maps provide construction managers with detailed, up-to-date views of their sites, enabling precise monitoring and efficient project management.
A construction orthophoto made with drone imagery showing progress on a hospital
Orthomosaic maps are essential in construction, allowing for accurate site planning, progress tracking, and quality control.
Key use cases for construction include:
- Site planning. Providing detailed maps for initial site assessments and planning.
- Progress tracking. Monitoring the construction progress with up-to-date aerial imagery.
- Quality control. Identifying and addressing potential issues early by inspecting detailed visual data.
- As-built surveys. Ensuring the constructed structures match the planned designs through accurate as-built documentation.
Disaster Management and Response
Want to improve disaster response efforts? Or quickly assess the impact of natural disasters?
Orthomosaic maps provide disaster management teams with detailed, accurate views of affected areas, enabling efficient planning, damage assessment, and resource allocation.
Orthomosaic maps are critical in disaster management and response, offering valuable insights into the extent of damage and aiding in effective recovery efforts.
Key use cases for disaster management and response include:
- Damage assessment. Providing detailed maps to assess the extent of damage following natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.
- Resource allocation. Aiding in the efficient allocation of resources by identifying the most severely affected areas and prioritizing response efforts.
- Evacuation planning. Enhancing evacuation plans by mapping safe routes and identifying potential hazards in disaster-prone areas.
- Recovery efforts. Supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts with accurate data on infrastructure damage and environmental impacts.
Environmental Monitoring and Conservation
Want to track changes in a forest over time? Or monitor the health of a wetland ecosystem?
Orthomosaic maps offer environmental scientists and conservationists precise, up-to-date views of natural landscapes, enabling effective monitoring and management of ecosystems.
Orthomosaic maps are vital for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts, providing detailed insights into changes in land cover and habitat health.
Key use cases for environmental monitoring and conservation include:
- Tracking land cover changes. Monitoring deforestation, reforestation, and other land cover changes over time.
- Assessing ecosystem health. Evaluating the health and condition of natural habitats with high-resolution imagery.
- Planning restoration projects. Guiding the planning and implementation of habitat restoration efforts.
- Protecting endangered species. Mapping and monitoring habitats to support conservation strategies for endangered species.
Forestry
Want to manage forest resources more effectively? Or monitor tree health and density over vast areas?
Orthomosaic maps provide foresters with detailed, accurate views of forested areas, enabling precise management and monitoring of forest resources.
Orthomosaic maps are essential in forestry management, offering valuable insights into tree density, health, and changes in forest cover.
Key use cases for forestry management include:
- Inventory management. Creating detailed maps to assess tree density and species distribution.
- Monitoring forest health. Identifying areas affected by disease, pests, or environmental stress.
- Planning sustainable harvesting. Guiding the planning of sustainable logging and reforestation activities.
- Tracking changes in forest cover. Monitoring deforestation, reforestation, and natural changes in forest landscapes over time.
Mining and Quarrying
Want to optimize resource extraction? Or monitor the progress and safety of your mining operations?
Orthomosaic maps provide mining professionals with high-resolution, accurate views of mining sites, enabling efficient planning, monitoring, and management of extraction activities.
Orthomosaic maps are crucial in mining and quarrying, offering detailed insights into terrain, resource locations, and operational progress.
Key use cases for mining and quarrying include:
- Resource assessment. Mapping and identifying mineral deposits with high precision.
- Operational planning. Planning and optimizing extraction activities based on detailed topographic data.
- Monitoring site progress. Tracking the progress of mining operations and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Environmental compliance. Monitoring environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with regulations and restoration plans.
Public Safety Agency Work
Want to enhance disaster response efforts? Or conduct thorough inspections of critical infrastructure?
Orthomosaic maps provide public safety agencies with detailed, accurate views of affected areas, enabling efficient planning, monitoring, and management of emergency response and infrastructure inspections.
Orthomosaic maps are essential for public safety and emergency response, offering valuable insights into disaster-affected areas and critical infrastructure conditions.
Key use cases for public safety and emergency response include:
- Disaster response. Providing detailed maps for assessing damage and planning recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters.
- Infrastructure inspections. Conducting thorough inspections of bridges, roads, and other critical infrastructure to identify potential issues and plan maintenance.
- Search and rescue operations. Aiding in search and rescue missions by providing precise aerial views of large areas.
- Emergency planning. Enhancing emergency preparedness by mapping vulnerable areas and planning evacuation routes.
Check out this fire loss assessment orthomosaic map to see how these maps can be used to document damage following a fire.
Real Estate
Want to showcase properties from a unique perspective? Or conduct detailed site assessments?
Orthomosaic maps provide real estate professionals with high-resolution, accurate views of properties, enabling effective marketing, site assessment, and property management.
Orthomosaic maps are invaluable in real estate, offering detailed insights into property layout, features, and changes over time.
Key use cases for real estate and property management include:
- Property marketing. Creating detailed and visually appealing maps to showcase properties to potential buyers and investors.
- Site assessments. Conducting thorough assessments of properties for development and investment purposes.
- Planning developments. Assisting in planning property developments by providing accurate topographic data and layout.
- Property management. Monitoring large estates and properties, tracking changes, and planning maintenance activities.
Real estate orthomosaic of a farm in New Zealand that was for sale (at the time of making the map)
Urban Planning and Land Use
Want to design more efficient cities? Or analyze the impact of new developments?
Orthomosaic maps provide urban planners with detailed, accurate views of urban areas, enabling informed decision-making and effective land use planning.
Orthomosaic maps are crucial in urban planning and land use, offering valuable insights into land cover, infrastructure, and spatial relationships.
Key use cases for urban planning and land use include:
- Land use analysis. Assessing current land use patterns and planning future developments with precise data.
- Infrastructure development. Designing and planning efficient transportation networks and public infrastructure projects.
- Zoning and compliance. Ensuring that new developments comply with zoning regulations and land use policies.
- Green space management. Identifying and planning for the preservation and enhancement of urban green spaces and parks.
Utilities and Infrastructure Inspections
Want to ensure the integrity of critical infrastructure? Or detect issues before they become major problems?
Orthomosaic maps provide utility companies and infrastructure managers with detailed, accurate views of assets, enabling efficient inspections and proactive maintenance.
Orthomosaic maps are essential for utilities and infrastructure inspections, offering valuable insights into the condition and performance of vital systems.
Key use cases for utilities and infrastructure inspections include:
- Power line inspections. Conducting thorough inspections of power lines to identify potential issues such as vegetation encroachment or structural damage.
- Pipeline monitoring. Monitoring the integrity of pipelines to detect leaks, corrosion, or other hazards.
- Road and bridge assessments. Inspecting roads and bridges for wear and tear, structural issues, and compliance with safety standards.
- Water management systems. Inspecting dams, reservoirs, and water treatment facilities to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
Learn More about Orthomosaic Maps
Want to learn more about orthomosaics? Here are some resources:
- To learn more about orthomosaic maps and how they’re being used, check out the National Digital Orthoimagery Program. The NDOP manages and coordinates overhead imagery for civil government needs throughout the U.S.
- You can also take a look at DroneDeploy’s Drone Map Gallery for more examples of orthomosaic and other types of maps created by drones—they have one of the most thorough libraries of examples that we’ve found on the web.
- Learn how to do drone mapping in our online course, Drone Mapping Essentials, and our in-person Drone Mapping Essentials workshops.
