Where is your farm located (general location) there is a good chance that public LiDAR data exists to create your map.

Thanks!

I think a cheap drone and just using photogrammetry (not lidar) would be the best tool for the job if the accuracy requirement isn’t critical, but to answer your question!

> how accurately does it capture elevation

I’m unsure at this stage.

– I’m unsure how much GPS is used for anchoring the SLAM/sensor fusion in iOS ARKit – I believe horizontal GPS accuracy tends to be better than vertical accuracy
– I’m unsure if a barometer is used in iOS ARKit – that would have better vertical accuracy but lots of drift
– The absolute height isn’t stored in the 3D model as far as I know – a reference point with known altitude in the model would need to be used

I’m unsure of the best tools to use to generate elevation maps where the input is pointcloud data or a 3D model. My first iteration would be generating a point cloud (rather than 3D model) in the 3d scanner app, importing that pointcloud into CloudCompare, and then generating a raster elevation map.

> I’ve wondered if a LiDAR Scanner doing something like what you’ve done here would work for this.

It depends what sort of accuracy you need. If it’s not critical, you can generate a decent elevation map with WebODM (an open source photogrammetry tool) and a DJI Mini 3 Pro or similar with some careful flying. Using a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (or older Mavic that has Litchi support) would enable a preset flight route to ensure good photo overlap. The top accuracy would be something like this: https://www.dji.com/au/zenmuse-l1

These links may help:
– https://www.opendronemap.org/webodm/
– https://blog.flykit.app/how-to-use-webodm-orthophoto-map/
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c38DUn7kKYk

Question for you: how accurately does it capture elevation and would there be a way to output a topographic map with good resolution?

I have a farm and wish to do some sustainability earthworks along slopes for capturing & sinking rain water but first need a topographic map. The quotes I’ve received to map it seem wildly expensive (more a factor of my area being relatively small and only one company does it). I’ve wondered if a LiDAR Scanner doing something like what you’ve done here would work for this. Any thoughts?