In the video “Let’s Talk drone photogrammetry Live,” Dylan Gorman, a seasoned commercial drone pilot with over 10 years of experience, discusses the world of drone photogrammetry and offers valuable insights. With the drone industry projected to reach over $55 billion by 2026, commercial applications are leading the way. Dylan shares his journey in drone photography and production, including his shift into drone photogrammetry and its benefits in the real estate industry. He talks about how he started providing progress updates for construction sites using drone scans, offering detailed measurements and volumetrics to impress clients and grow his business. However, the pandemic caused a significant loss of business, but Dylan’s expertise in photogrammetry led to a contract with a software company and the eventual sale of his company. Now focusing on drone education, Dylan’s online platform offers courses and workshops for aspiring drone photogrammetry professionals.
In this engaging and informative video, Dylan also highlights the importance of ground control points (GCP) for accurate drone data. He explores various software options, such as DroneDeploy, Pix4D, and Maps Made Easy, for tying ground control points. Additionally, Dylan delves into the use of different types of sensors in drones and how sensor size and megapixels contribute to image quality. He explains the significance of ground sampling distance (GSD) in drone photogrammetry and how flying lower or using drones with higher megapixel sensors can improve image clarity. Dylan also discusses the use of different drones and lenses for aerial photography, recommending the Mavic 3 and Matrice 300 drones for higher quality images and shorter flight times. Furthermore, he emphasizes the potential of drone photogrammetry in the construction industry, suggests combining GIS and photogrammetry services for a comprehensive data analysis, and highlights the benefits of RTK technology for geographical accuracy in drone mapping projects.
Background and Experience in Drone Photography
Dylan Gorman’s commercial drone pilot experience
Dylan Gorman has been a commercial drone pilot for over 10 years. He began his journey in the drone industry by using drones for real estate photography. With a passion for aerial cinematography, Dylan quickly expanded his skillset and started creating short films and movies using drones. However, an opportunity presented itself in 2018 that would change the course of his career.
Introduction to Pilot Byte platform
In 2018, Dylan Gorman co-founded Pilot Byte, an online platform that provides technical education and resources for drone enthusiasts and professionals. Through Pilot Byte, Dylan offers courses and workshops on various topics related to drone photography and photogrammetry. The platform aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the drone industry.
Drone Photogrammetry and Real Estate Industry
Benefits of drone photogrammetry in real estate
Drone photogrammetry has revolutionized the real estate industry. By capturing high-resolution aerial images and stitching them together to create 3D models, drones offer a unique perspective that traditional photography cannot provide. These 3D models allow potential buyers and investors to explore the property remotely and gain a better understanding of its layout and features. Drone photogrammetry also enables accurate measurements and volumetric calculations, which are crucial in real estate evaluations and planning.
Providing progress updates for construction sites
One of the key applications of drone photogrammetry in the real estate industry is providing progress updates for construction sites. By conducting regular drone scans of a construction site, professionals can accurately monitor the progress of the project. These scans also offer valuable data for site analysis, including accurate measurements, volumetrics, and visual documentation. Such information is invaluable for construction companies, developers, and project managers to ensure projects stay on track and meet the desired specifications.
Business Growth and Success
Impressing clients with measurements and volumetrics
Using their expertise in drone photogrammetry, Dylan Gorman and his business partner were able to provide clients with highly detailed measurements and volumetric calculations. This capability set them apart from their competitors in the real estate industry. Clients were impressed by the level of accuracy and detail they could offer, which allowed for better decision-making and planning. The ability to provide precise measurements and volumetrics played a significant role in the growth and success of their business.
Increase in service charges
As Dylan Gorman’s business gained recognition for its exceptional services, they were able to raise their service charges significantly. Clients recognized the value and expertise they brought to the table, resulting in a willingness to pay more for their services. The combination of high-quality drone photogrammetry, accurate measurements, and volumetric calculations justified the increased costs. This increase in service charges further contributed to their business growth and financial success.
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Impact of the Pandemic
Significant loss of business
Unfortunately, like many other industries, the drone industry also faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions in place and several projects put on hold, Dylan Gorman and his business experienced a considerable loss of business. The pandemic brought a halt to many construction sites and real estate activities, impacting the demand for drone services. However, amidst the challenges, a new opportunity emerged for Dylan and his team.
Approach by a software company
Despite the loss of business, Dylan and his team caught the attention of a software company operating in the commercial real estate field. The software company recognized the value of drone photogrammetry in their line of work and approached Dylan with an interesting proposition. They saw potential in collaborating with Dylan’s company to enhance their software’s capabilities and provide more comprehensive solutions to their clients. This offer opened up new avenues for Dylan and paved the way for future success.
Scaling and Contract with Software Company
Impressive concept presentation
Dylan Gorman utilized his expertise in photogrammetry to present a concept to the software company. He showcased the capabilities of his company’s drone photogrammetry services and how they could integrate seamlessly with the software company’s existing offerings. His presentation highlighted the benefits of combining their technologies and the value it would bring to their clients. The software company was impressed by the concept and saw great potential in collaborating with Dylan’s company.
Scaling the program and securing a contract
The software company recognized the potential for growth and expansion by integrating Dylan’s company’s photogrammetry services into their product. After successful discussions and negotiations, both parties reached an agreement and secured a contract. This contract enabled Dylan’s company to scale their program and collaborate closely with the software company’s development team. Together, they aimed to provide a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrated drone photogrammetry into the software platform, benefiting their clients and driving business growth.
Results and Acquisition
Earnings and contract details
As a result of the contract with the software company, Dylan Gorman’s company experienced substantial financial success. In one of his videos, Dylan showcased his earnings of $93,000 in just six months from the contract. The actual contract was worth $160,000, indicating the lucrative nature of the collaboration. These impressive earnings are a testament to the value and demand for drone photogrammetry services in the commercial real estate sector.
Acquisition offer by the software company
Halfway through the contract, the software company made an unexpected offer to acquire Dylan’s company. Recognizing the unique capabilities and expertise of Dylan’s team, the software company saw an opportunity to solidify its position in the industry. After careful consideration, Dylan and his team accepted the acquisition offer, which allowed them to expand their reach, resources, and continue to innovate in the drone industry.
Focus on Drone Education and Expertise
Leaving the company to focus on drone education
After the acquisition of his company, Dylan Gorman decided to shift his focus towards drone education and expertise. He recognized the importance of sharing his knowledge and empowering others to succeed in the rapidly evolving drone industry. With a passion for teaching, Dylan made the decision to leave his company and dedicate his time to creating educational content and resources for aspiring drone professionals.
Paid online platform for courses and workshops
To fulfill his vision of providing comprehensive drone education, Dylan launched a paid online platform called Pilot Byte. Through Pilot Byte, Dylan offers a range of courses and workshops, catering to beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts alike. The platform provides in-depth education on various topics, including drone photogrammetry, aerial cinematography, and more. By offering paid content, Dylan ensures the quality of the courses and workshops while maintaining a sustainable business model.
Importance of Ground Control Points (GCPs)
Utilizing GCPs for accurate drone data
In the world of drone photogrammetry, Ground Control Points (GCPs) play a vital role in ensuring accurate data collection. GCPs are known reference points on the ground with accurately known coordinates. By placing GCPs strategically throughout the survey area, drone operators can tie their aerial imagery to precise geographic coordinates. This alignment ensures the accuracy of measurements, volumetrics, and other data derived from the drone scans.
Software options for tying GCPs
Various software options are available to help drone operators tie their GCPs and achieve accurate results. Popular software programs like DroneDeploy, Pix4D, and Maps Made Easy offer GCP calibration tools that streamline the process. These tools enable drone operators to input the coordinates of their GCPs and align their aerial imagery accordingly. By leveraging software solutions, drone operators can enhance the accuracy and reliability of their data.
Sensor Size, Megapixels, and Image Quality
The impact of sensor size on image quality
Sensor size plays a crucial role in determining the image quality captured by a drone. Larger sensors tend to perform better in low light conditions and offer improved dynamic range. They capture more light, resulting in sharper images with less noise. Drone operators looking to achieve high-quality aerial imagery should consider drones with larger sensors for optimal results.
Role of megapixels in better image quality
Megapixels also contribute to better image quality, especially when it comes to details and resolution. Higher megapixels allow for more information to be captured, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. A higher resolution is particularly valuable when clients require zooming in or printing large-format images. By selecting drones with higher megapixel sensors, drone operators can deliver superior image quality to their clients.
Conclusion
Dylan Gorman’s journey in the drone industry is a testament to the vast opportunities and growth potential in the field. From his early experiences in real estate photography to launching a successful drone photogrammetry business, Dylan has carved a niche for himself through innovation and expertise. As he continues to share his knowledge through Pilot Byte and focus on drone education, Dylan Gorman inspires aspiring drone professionals to explore the possibilities and make their mark in this rapidly expanding industry.
Looking to get started in the world of drone photogrammetry but have questions that you haven’t been able to get answered? Join me LIVE Thursday, Feb 2nd at 4:30pm EST and for the next hour I will be answering your questions, and talking all about the details of drone photogrammetry!
- More information about our workshops: https://www.pilotbyte.com/photogramme…
- Private mentorship program: https://www.pilotbyte.com/course/4-we…
- Drone Photogrammetry Course: https://www.pilotbyte.com/course/dron…
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