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Now that you understand the benefits of using photogrammetry to create 3D models of indoor spaces and how to collect suitable data with the Elios 2, it's time to process that data and build your first 3D model. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use Inspector to prepare your dataset for processing in Pix4Dmapper or other photogrammetry software. Then, we’ll take you step by step through the process of creating your first 3D model using Pix4Dmapper.
To follow along, you’ll need an Elios 2 dataset, Inspector, and Pix4Dmapper. If you don’t have these tools yet, here’s how to get started:
- [Download an Elios 2 dataset](#)
- [Download Inspector](#)
- [Get a trial of Pix4Dmapper](#)
### Preparing Your Data with Inspector
The first step is to extract video frames and save them as images. Open your Elios 2 video in Inspector and go to the “Export†menu. Select “Export frames as images†to begin the process.
You can choose the start and end points for frame extraction, as well as the frequency. For a 30fps video, selecting “one image every 30 frames†gives you one frame per second — a good starting point. If you were flying quickly or if the images have fewer visual features, you might want to increase the frequency (e.g., one image every 15 frames). Keep in mind that more images will increase processing time.
Pix4D also offers two processing templates to simplify your workflow:
- **Fast Processing**: Ideal for datasets with many visual features and high overlap. Images are downscaled for faster processing, resulting in a less dense point cloud.
- **Robust Processing**: Recommended for datasets with fewer visual features or less optimal flight paths. This option keeps images at full resolution, producing a denser point cloud but taking longer to process.
These templates are automatically saved next to your images when you check the corresponding box during export.
### Processing with Pix4D
When you create a new project in Pix4D and add the images extracted from Inspector, the software will automatically detect the camera model based on EXIF data. For 4K footage, the camera model should be `Elios2_2.7_3840x2160`.
If you used a different tool to extract the images, you may need to manually select the camera model from a dropdown menu. The Elios 2 camera model is available for 4K, FHD, and 12MP still formats.
You can also import a processing options template (.tmpl) into Pix4D. To generate one from Inspector, simply check the relevant box during the export process. Once imported, the template can be reused for future projects.
### Processing Multiple Flights Together
It’s possible to combine images from multiple flights to create larger, more comprehensive models. Projects with around 2,000 images (about 4 flights at 1 image per second) are well supported by Pix4D. However, when combining flights, it’s crucial that the images from each flight share enough visual similarity to allow proper alignment. This is where loop closure becomes important — ensuring that the different flights connect smoothly.
### Using Other Photogrammetry Software
If you're using a different photogrammetry software, it's still possible as long as it supports non-geotagged images. You may need to manually set the camera model and parameters. Many software packages allow you to input approximate values, which will be refined during processing. For best results, start with a simple dataset:
- Outdoor environment with good lighting
- High visual feature density
- Overlapping flight paths
Here are some key specifications of the Elios 2 camera:
| Feature | Details |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sensor Size | 7.564 mm (H) x 5.476 mm (V) |
| Focal Length | 2.71 mm |
| Lens Distortion | Fisheye |
| 4K Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| FHD Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Photo Resolution| 4000 x 3000 |
### Referencing the Model and Taking Measurements
By default, your 3D model won’t have a correct scale or orientation. Since the images aren’t geotagged, you’ll need to provide ground control points (GCPs), scale constraints, or orientation constraints to reference the model accurately.
After the initial processing step, Pix4D provides a quality report showing how many images were successfully calibrated. If the model appears distorted or incomplete, consider adjusting the processing settings or adding more images.
Once you’ve added GCPs, scale constraints, or orientation references, reoptimize the project. Then proceed with point cloud densification and mesh generation.
### Share Your Work
Photogrammetry is a powerful tool for creating digital twins of indoor environments. We’d love to see what you create! Share your models on social media using #elios2photogrammetry, tag @flyability on LinkedIn and Facebook, or @fly_ability on Twitter. We’ll be sure to highlight your work!
This article is part of a series on photogrammetry:
- Why Use Photogrammetry to Build 3D Models of Indoor Spaces?
- Mining Drones: Elios 2 Creates Photogrammetric Models
- Building 3D Models with Elios 2: How to Acquire Appropriate Data
- Building 3D Models with Elios 2: Processing Data with a Photogrammetry Software
- Elios 2 Tested for Indoor Stockpile Volumetry, Produces 3D Maps Accurate to Within 1 Centimeter