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Manual Image Acquisition

THOMAS LOETSCHER
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alert.png When to Capture Manually
It is important to understand that manually capturing images should always be a last resort. Whenever possible, a tower must be captured automatically using Scanlink for SiteSee. If a tower cannot be captured fully using either app, a partial automatic capture should be attempted, and additional images should only be captured manually to the extent necessary and to complement the automatically captured image set. Only rarely (for example to overcome GPS signal interference issues) should it be necessary to perform a full manual capture of a tower. 

A full manual capture of a cell tower is difficult and should only be performed by experienced pilots who have successfully performed multiple automatic captures and are familiar with the quality requirements for a good image set. 
 
NOTE: This method of capture falls under a "non standard capture process". 
What this means for you? If the job fails on processing we will not be able to help you troubleshoot it rather you will just get the failure notice. 


Manual Image Acquisition Procedure

Overview

  1. Before attempting manual image acquisition, please attempt an automatic capture to the extent possible.
  2. While performing the automatic capture, take note of the parts of the tower that cannot be captured automatically.
  3. In preparation for the manual image capture, set camera exposure to the same ISO, aperture and shutter speed as used during automatic capture. Make sure focus is set to the distance at which you will be capturing.
  4. When capturing manually, try as much as possible to use the flight path that the automatic capture would have flown. If this cannot be done, at least try to obtain high horizontal and vertical overlaps of about 90% for the manually captured images and make sure that they overlap by about as much with the automatically captured image set.

 

Note: Orbits  

To fly orbits similar to that of the can be achieved via multiple methods

Method Notes
Manual stick Allows for maximum level of control but depends on pilot ability to maintain constant motion.  Might not be suitable for amateur pilots 
POI and Pin Points Allows for pilots to select area of interest and fly in a smooth manner. Refer to online guides or video tutorials if unsure how to set up
Waypoints Allows for pilots to capture in specified waypoints as the pilot selects

Additionally a mix and match method of each of this can be done for different sections of the capture depending on pilot / operator preference

The overlap on the horizontal should be about ~90% and the vertical about ~50% to achieve the same overlap as the mission planner. 

 

Note: Camera Settings

If doing a supplementary to a automated capture ensure the camera settings are kept the same as the mission. If doing a full manual capture follow the same set up instructions as you would for an automated mission

 

 

 

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