Automated aerial data capture for 3d modeling of unknown objects in unknown environments

Abstract

System and method are disclosed for multi-phase process of automated data capture for photogrammetry and 3D model building of an unknown object () in an unknown environment. Planner module () generates a flight plan () for a camera drone () to fly autonomously on a flight path along a virtual polygon grid () defined above the target object () during a survey phase. Model builder computer () receives a point cloud dataset () captured by LiDAR sensor on camera drone () during survey flight and constructs low resolution 3D mesh () of the target object (). Planner module () generates a flight path () for camera drone inspection phase with virtual waypoints surrounding the target object () at a marginal distance from the surface defined by the low resolution 3D mesh (). Model builder () builds a high resolution 3D model () of the target object () using photogrammetry processing of high resolution images captured by camera drone () during inspection phase.