Training

Metashape is a digital photogrammetric processing software that generates 3D spatial data from a series of overlapping photographs. These data can be used in GIS applications, cultural heritage projects or the measurement of objects and features from mm to km scale. For many applications digital photogrammetry is an economic alternative to laser-scanning techniques (LIDAR).

The training session will explain the 'nuts & bolts' of digital photogrammetry which, in the field of computer vision, is referred to Structure-from-Motion. As the name implies, a (3D) structure can be reconstructed by moving the camera or object and taking overlapping photographs. There are many factors that play a role to achieve a high quality photogrammetric model. Firstly, image acquisition and survey layout. Simple things like camera overlap or camera settings can make or break a 3D photogrammetric reconstruction.
In our training we also cover UAV photogrammetry workflows which have risen in popularity since the advent of affordable UAV technology (basically the DJI Phantom 1 which was released in January 2013). This opened up new possibilities because the acquisition of aerial, high-resolution photographs became a relatively simple task.


Geodimensional has vast experience in the use of DJI drones and can help you the choose the right gear and app sucessfully complete a survey and get the spatial datasets in a quality that is suitable for you. Geodimensional has been using the Phantom 1, Phantom 3, Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire 1 and S800 Evo. Currently we have a Mavic Pro and a Phantom 4 Pro in our fleet.

Topics

What is (UAV) photogrammetry?
What is SfM, Sift, BA, MVS?
Object/scene requirements
Camera system & settings
Reference information (GCPs & scale bars)
Accuracy
Processing workflow (hands-on session)
Data export

UAV related topics (optional)

UAV types
Safe UAV operation
UAV regulations
UAV apps for DJI drones
Mission planning

Geodimenionsal has trained geotechnical personnel, surveyors, mine geologists, mining engineers as well as archaeologists in Australia and worldwide in the past. Note that any training can be customised to meet the client's requiremenents. We have various tutorial datasets available (e.g., coastal platform, stockpile, open pit, UG blast face, coastal cliff).

Cloud Compare is a powerful open-source 3D point cloud and mesh processing software package that has been developed by Daniel Girardeau.

It has originally started out as a tool to compare point clouds that were acquired by terrestrial laser scanners.
Today it's a very powerful package that allows you to analyse and edit 3D photogrammetric datasets. Moreover, there are a number of free plugins available which are especially helpful for the structural analysis of dense point clouds which are commonly computed in digital photogrammetry workflows.
We recommend to book a CloudCompare training session in combination with a Agisoft Metashape training session.

Topics

File formats
Point cloud manipulation (merge, segment, transform, clean, subsample)
Cross sections from point clouds
Scalar fields
Point cloud registration
Cloud to cloud distance (change detection)
Point cloud to raster conversion
Point cloud volume calculations
Digitisation on point clouds
Plane fitting
Compass plugin (for geologist)
Facet plugin (for geologist)
Meshing/triangulation
Generate animations and render images
Data export

Geodimensional offers training sessions for Leapfrog Geo for both beginners as well as advanced users. Even though Leapfrog Geo looks like a very simple software package (there are only 12 buttons/icons when you open it) it has a lot under the hood.

It may look like a Volkswagen, but it drives like a Mercedes.

Geodimensional has been using Leapfrog for 3D modelling and structural interpretation purposes since 2011. Leapfrog Geo is a powerful tool but it's still up to the user to correctly apply it do a dataset. Think of it as a paint brush; you still have to draw the painting yourself. Consequenlty, the quality of a 3D geological model is a combination of pure technical, 3D modelling skills (aka how well you know the software) and the general geological understanding and expertise. During the training the user will get a better understanding of the FastRBF interpolation engine that powers Leapfrog Geo. It's crucuial to understand what the software.



During various consulting jobs in the mining and exploration industry we have realized that many mine geologists don't need to know about all the features that Leapfrog (or any other 3D modelling package) has to offer. They are simply interested to handle a handful of specific task. This is why we have collated a list of pratical and short tutorials.

Topics

Planning of drillholes
Drillhole density analysis
Updating drillhole data / adding new drillholes
Generating cross sections
Drillhole statistics (e.g., lithology vs grade)
Stereonets (e.g., estimate fold axis orientation)
Compute structural trends (e.g., bedding trend surfaces)
Wireframe operations (merging & clipping meshes)
Digitising fault planes and generating fault networks
Render images and generate animations
Saving and sharing Leapfrog scenes
Georeferencing maps and face photographs
Drillhole density analysis
Vein network modelling