Topographic surveys and mapping – 3D modeling and point clouds
Orthophotography and aerial mapping – Volume and cubic measurements – Construction site inspection and monitoring
Marseille – Provence – Southern France
Accurate 3D surveys and mapping to support your projects
Drone photogrammetry is one of the most advanced technologies available today for capturing, analyzing, and representing the real world in three dimensions. Using drones equipped with high-resolution sensors and specialized processing software, it is now possible to generate highly accurate topographic surveys, 3D models, georeferenced orthophotos, and dense point clouds in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
At Drone-Pictures, we bring over a decade of experience in aerial imaging and technical photography to serve companies, local authorities, and engineering firms. We handle the entire photogrammetry workflow — from drone data acquisition to post-processing and delivery of fully exploitable outputs — ensuring reliability and precision at every step.
To do this, we are equipped with the latest generation of drones that comply with new European regulations, such as the Matrice 4E RTK, the Mavic 4 Pro, and the Inspire 3.
Examples of 3D mapping and orthophotos created with our DJI Matrice 4E in Provence and Marseille
What is Drone Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a technique used to reconstruct a 3D model of an object, terrain, or structure based on a series of photographs taken from multiple angles. Advanced algorithms process and georeference each image to build a highly accurate 3D model that faithfully represents the real environment.
Using drones for photogrammetry provides multiple advantages:
Easy access – drones can safely reach hard-to-access areas (quarries, rooftops, cliffs, industrial sites) without endangering operators.
Fast data acquisition – a drone can cover several hectares in minutes with centimeter-level accuracy.
Cost efficiency – compared to manned aircraft or ground surveys, drone photogrammetry is faster, safer, and more affordable.
High precision – RTK/PPK drone systems enable centimeter-level accuracy for demanding engineering and surveying applications.
Our Drone Photogrammetry Services
Drone-Pictures provides a comprehensive range of professional photogrammetry services tailored to your needs
1. Topographic Surveys and Mapping
Production of high-resolution georeferenced orthophotos.
Creation of detailed topographic maps for land development, construction, or environmental studies.
Accurate distance, area, and volume measurements.
2. 3D Modeling and Point Clouds
Generation of realistic 3D models of buildings, monuments, or industrial sites.
Production of dense point clouds compatible with CAD, GIS, or BIM software.
Monitoring of structure evolution or deformation over time.
3. Orthophotography and Aerial Cartography
Creation of high-precision orthomosaics, combining hundreds or thousands of aerial images.
Generation of 2D and 3D maps for urban planning, impact studies, or network management.
4. Volume and Stockpile Measurements
Fast and accurate stockpile volume calculations (aggregates, minerals, soil, waste, etc.).
Regular monitoring of quarry extractions or earthworks.
Essential tool for quarry and mining operators.
Évaluation rapide et fiable des volumes de stocks (granulats, minerais, terres, déchets).
Suivi d’extraction en carrière et contrôle de la production.
Outil indispensable pour les exploitants de carrières, mines ou chantiers de terrassement.
5. Site Inspection and Construction Monitoring
Progress tracking and project documentation.
Comparison of as-built data with design models (BIM integration).
Visual reports for contractors, architects, and engineering firms.
6. Cultural Heritage and Architecture
3D photorealistic modeling for preservation and restoration of heritage sites.
Digital archiving for future reference.
Creation of virtual tours and 3D visualizations for cultural promotion.
Real-World Applications by Sector
Drone photogrammetry can be applied to a wide range of industries and professional fields. Here are a few examples:
Construction and Civil Engineering
Pre-construction and as-built topographic surveys.
Earthwork volume control and cut-fill analysis.
Progress monitoring and site documentation.
Integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Urban Planning and Land Management
-
Precise mapping for development projects.
-
Simulation of infrastructure integration.
-
Monitoring of coastal areas, forests, or flood-prone zones.
Mining and Quarrying
-
Periodic stockpile measurement and volumetric reports.
-
Production control and safety monitoring.
-
Risk reduction by eliminating manual measurements in hazardous zones.
Environment and Agriculture
Mapping of natural areas and ecological sites.
Monitoring erosion, landslides, or flood impacts.
Support for precision agriculture through NDVI mapping and orthophotos.
Cultural Heritage and Tourism
-
3D surveys of monuments and historical buildings.
-
Digital archiving and documentation.
-
Interactive 3D models for museums and tourism enhancement.
Energy and Infrastructure
-
Inspection and modeling of solar farms, wind turbines, dams, and power networks.
-
Structural monitoring of bridges, viaducts, and dikes.
-
Industrial facility inspection and maintenance planning.
Post-Processing: From Raw Images to Usable Data
At Drone-Pictures, our added value lies not only in the quality of our aerial data capture but also in the precision of our post-processing workflow.
Our process includes:
-
Flight planning and data capture – optimized flight paths ensuring image overlap and consistent lighting.
-
Pre-processing – image sorting, alignment, and calibration.
-
Photogrammetric reconstruction – generation of orthomosaics and dense point clouds.
-
Modeling and analysis – creation of 3D textured models, surface and volume calculations.
-
Deliverables – delivery of professional-grade files (GeoTIFF orthophotos, 3D models in OBJ/FBX, point clouds in LAS/LAZ, analytical PDF reports).
We work with leading photogrammetry software such as WebODM, Agisoft Metashape, and DJI Terra, depending on project requirements and data specifications.
Why Choose Drone-Pictures?
- Experience – over 10 years of professional aerial operations for corporations, government agencies, and production companies.
Professional-grade equipment – certified drones, high-resolution sensors, and RTK positioning for centimeter accuracy.
Legal compliance – fully licensed by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and compliant with European drone regulations.
Tailored guidance – each mission is planned and executed according to your project’s specific needs.
Quality assurance – accurate, reliable, and ready-to-use deliverables every time.
Example Deliverables
- High-resolution orthophoto – georeferenced aerial map with centimeter-level precision.
3D point cloud – dense and detailed spatial representation for CAD or GIS software.
Textured 3D model – realistic rendering for visualization or BIM integration.
Volume report – detailed stockpile and excavation measurements.
3D animation or video – visual communication support for presentations or progress reports.
Example of a 3D modelling with Château Charleval (South of France), using drone-based photogrammetry. This 4K video, exported from Metashape, showcases the final textured model built from over 2,800 aerial photographs composed of nearly 200 million faces.
A highly technical project dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.
Let's discuss your photogrammetry needs
Drone photogrammetry has become an essential tool for professionals who need fast, precise, and cost-effective spatial data. Whether for mapping a site, modeling a structure, calculating volumes, or tracking project progress, this technology saves time and ensures data reliability.
With Drone-Pictures, you partner with an experienced and trusted operator capable of delivering high-quality, professional results tailored to your field and requirements.
👉 Contact us today to discuss your drone photogrammetry project and request a personalized quote.
+33-646-194-926
With Drone Pictures, you’re working with an aerial drone operator and audiovisual production agency based in Marseille since 2011, guaranteeing high-quality creative work.
Our video productions and our audiovisual services by drone, as well as our many clients, are proof of our seriousness and our enthusiasm to always serve you better!