In a technology research project Autodesk employee Gonzalo Martinez Director of Strategic Research in the office of the CTO has built and modified an Octo-Copter UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to capture both video and photos to generate a 3D model using 123D Catch. The eight bladed copter craft is 100% autonomous based on a programmed GPS route or if you are skilled you can run in manual mode. The craft can reach an astounding altitude of 1000 meters and can carry a payload such as cameras.
Using the free123D Catch downloaded from http://www.123dapp.com/catch Gonzalo generated a 3D model.
In this video you will see the 3D model of Autodesk Headquarters 111 McInnis Parkway in San Rafael California generated automatically from the photos using the free 123D Catch.You will then see the video of the craft flying around the Autodesk office and how smooth the flight was. The captured video is from a GOPro Hero 2 camera and the still images are captured using a Canon SLR camera triggered remotely.
YouTube Video Octo-Copter Flight Capture of Autodesk HQ http://youtu.be/E665_S-VCqc
For those unable to view videos on YouTube here is a download version:
Download MikroKopter Cinestar 8 at Autodesk HQ and 123D Catch.mp4
When you think about the “friendly & legal” possibilities of an autonomous UAV able to capture 3D models and photos and videos from the air there are many. Imagine an archeologist or paleontologist documenting a dig site, a contractor monitoring a construction site, someone needing a model of existing structures for rapid energy modeling or development planning etc. There are so many uses beside the obvious beach flight I know some of you might be thinking of.
I am hoping to join Gonzalo on a test flight in 2 weeks weather and schedule permitting.
Cheers,
Shaan
FYI to anyone interested in doing this: You must be extremely careful in determining what local, regional, and federal laws are applicable when flying a UAV or remote controlling a similar device. There is a low threshold of what constitutes flying in FAA regulated air space with many regulations and permits necessary to do so; most of which are very difficult to obtain. I’m not sure, but the legal implications could be severe.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this concept. I love it so much, I looked into the Gatewing UAV and Draganflyer x8 over a year ago to take advantage of 123D Catch when it was still Project Photofly. I think there is a lot of revenue potential, interested industries, etc. for this kind of technology to boom. There’s just a governmental barrier to cross first.
Absolutely good point, the same goes for model rockets, kites, and anything in the air above a certain altitude not to mention be respectful of the neighbors privacy. We do not fly up to 1000 meters currently but have a license to do so.
Cheers,
Shaan
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2012/01/alt-ces-parrot-ar-drone-2-0.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+makezineonline+%28MAKE%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
You should use this.
Lucky! Off the top of my head, I believe the FFA regulation is anything at all within 500′ of an airport/field and above 300 in all other areas requires licensing. Not sure about those numbers for sure. Either way, I’m definitely jealous.
PING:
TITLE: Autodesk Octo-Copter Testing
BLOG NAME: Between the Lines
As I mentioned in a recent post (Aerial Capture of 3D Geometry), I was hoping to attend a test flight of the remote controlled Octo-Copter that captured photos that were then used to automatically generate a 3D model using Autodesk 123D Catch. Last Thu…
PING:
TITLE: This Week in Pictures
BLOG NAME: Between the Lines
I spent the last week in the San Francisco Bay area Autodesk offices. It is always great seeing colleagues of mine. Here is my quick visual story of this week captured with my mobile phone.