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Object Detection in Drone Images Using ArcGIS Tools

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Jun 30
  • 2 min read

Drones are becoming indispensable instruments for taking high-resolution photos in the current era of remote sensing and geospatial intelligence. Drone footage becomes a potent tool for automated item detection when paired with ArcGIS's sophisticated analytical capabilities, facilitating better decision-making in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief.


Object Detection in Drone Images Using ArcGIS Tools
Object Detection in Drone Images Using ArcGIS Tools

Why Use Drone Imagery for Object Detection?


Drone images offer:


  • Spatial data with high resolution for both small and large areas

  • Updates in real time or almost real time

  • Flexible and economical data collection

  • Perfect for classifying land cover, mapping assets, and detecting changes


What Is Object Detection in GIS?


The technique of recognizing and categorizing features (such as buildings, roads, trees, cars, or crops) in spatial images is known as object detection. This procedure can be automated with ArcGIS tools by using:


  • Classification of images

  • Extraction of features

  • Models for deep learning

  • Segmenting pixels and objects


ArcGIS Tools for Object Detection


A full set of tools and extensions for working with drone imagery is available in ArcGIS:


1. ArcGIS Drone2Map


  • Transforms raw drone images into orthomosaics, DSMs, and point clouds

  • Integrates directly with ArcGIS Pro and Online

  • Provides high-resolution base maps for object detection tasks


2. Image Analyst Extension for ArcGIS Pro


  • Sophisticated tools for segmenting, classifying, and extracting features from images

  • Facilitates workflows for Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA)

  • Permits the use of spectral, textural, and shape-based characteristics for manual or supervised categorization.


3. Using ArcGIS Pro for Deep Learning


  • For object detection, use bespoke or pre-trained deep learning models.

  • Compatible with PyTorch, Keras, and TensorFlow

  • Apply models to big datasets after training them with labelled training samples.

  • Execute instance segmentation, such as identifying certain trees, structures, or automobiles.


4. ArcGIS Notebooks


  • Integrates Python-based deep learning into ArcGIS.

  • Automate workflows with ArcPy and the ArcGIS API for Python

  • Ideal for custom pipelines and batch processing


Benefits of Using ArcGIS for Object Detection


  • High accuracy using sophisticated image analytics and deep learning

  • Connecting to current GIS processes

  • Scalability for intricate tasks and big datasets

  • Decision-making and data visualization in real time

  • ArcGIS Online and Enterprise cloud-based sharing


Tips for Optimizing Object Detection


  • Make use of excellent, well-referenced images.

  • Gather a variety of training samples to improve model performance.

  • Assess and retrain models on a regular basis using updated data.

  • For improved detection, combine contextual, spatial, and spectral characteristics.

  • For scalability, use cloud technologies such as ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online.


Geospatial experts can use ArcGIS's robust tools for automatic item detection using drone imagery. ArcGIS turns raw aerial data into useful insights by utilizing deep learning, image processing, and spatial analytics. These tools facilitate quicker, more intelligent, and better-informed decision-making, whether you're mapping ecosystems, monitoring infrastructure, or responding to natural disasters.


For more information or any questions regarding Object Detection, please don't hesitate to contact us at:



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