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How to Create a Digital Surface Model (DSM) Using Drone Imagery: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • 6 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Generating a Digital Surface Model (DSM) from drone imagery is an essential process in contemporary geospatial analysis, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.


What Is a Digital Surface Model (DSM)?


A Digital Surface Model (DSM) represents the Earth's surface and includes all objects on it, such as buildings, vegetation, and infrastructure. It differs from a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), which excludes these features and shows only the bare ground surface.


Digital Surface Model (DSM) Using Drone Imagery
Digital Surface Model (DSM) Using Drone Imagery

DSM data is essential for:


  • Urban development and planning

  • Flood risk analysis

  • Forest canopy studies

  • Line-of-sight analysis

  • 3D modelling and visualization


Step 1: Plan Your Drone Flight


The first step in creating a DSM is capturing high-resolution aerial images using a drone.


Tips for Optimal Flight Planning:


  • Choose the right drone: Use a drone with a high-resolution camera and GPS-enabled flight system (e.g., DJI Phantom 4 RTK, Mavic 3 Enterprise).

  • Flight altitude: Fly between 50–120 meters, depending on the required resolution.

  • Overlap: Set image overlap to at least 75% front and 60% side for accurate 3D reconstruction.

  • Lighting: Fly during consistent daylight—avoid harsh shadows by flying around midday.


Tools to Use:

  • DroneDeploy

  • Pix4Dcapture

  • DJI GS Pro


Step 2: Capture Aerial Imagery


During the flight, your drone will automatically take overlapping images along the planned path.


Ensure:

  • Images are geotagged

  • Weather conditions are clear (no rain or high wind)

  • Batteries are fully charged for uninterrupted data capture.


Step 3: Import Images into Photogrammetry Software


After the flight, import your imagery into a photogrammetry software that can process it into a DSM.


Popular DSM Creation Software:


  • Pix4Dmapper

  • Agisoft Metashape

  • DroneDeploy

  • RealityCapture


Steps in Software:


  1. Upload images

  2. Align photos (Structure-from-Motion)

  3. Generate a sparse point cloud.

  4. Create a dense point cloud.

  5. Build the DSM from the dense cloud.


Most software solutions will automatically generate the DSM after processing.


Step 4: Georeference and Check Accuracy


For precise mapping, you may need to include Ground Control Points (GCPs) collected using RTK GPS or total stations.


  • GCPs help align your DSM to real-world coordinates.

  • Use software tools to mark GCPs on images.

  • Check RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) to ensure spatial accuracy.


Step 5: Export the DSM


Once the DSM is generated, export it in a format suitable for your needs:


  • GeoTIFF, IMG, ASCII Grid, BIL/BIP/BSQ, NetCDF – for GIS applications

  • For point cloud format - LAS/LAZ, XYZ, PLY

  • OBJ or LAS – for 3D modelling

  • PNG or JPG – for quick visualization


You can then import the DSM into GIS platforms like QGIS, ArcGIS, or 3D modelling software for analysis.


Creating a DSM using drone imagery is easier than ever with the right tools and workflow. From planning your flight to processing the data in photogrammetry software, every step plays a critical role in the quality of your final DSM.


For more information on Digital Surface Model (DSM) Using Drone Imagery, please feel free to contact us at:



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