DroneDeploy, a cloud-based software provider specializing in drone-based data analysis for sectors such as agriculture, energy, and construction, has unveiled a new feature today. This innovation merges aerial drone imagery with visual data captured from ground-level cameras or mobile robots – such as those developed by Boston Dynamics – to create what the company terms a 360 Walkthrough.

Prior to this announcement, DroneDeploy’s platform utilized drone footage from various drone models to generate detailed site overviews. These images were processed and compiled into highly accurate 3D models, reportedly precise to within one inch, as stated by DroneDeploy CEO Mike Winn.

Winn explains that while exterior site views obtained through drone imagery are valuable, clients expressed a need for a comprehensive understanding encompassing both indoor and outdoor environments. The existing platform, designed for processing images transmitted from drones, could be readily adapted to incorporate photos from alternative camera sources.

“Our users are also seeking data from interior spaces, and they desire a single, unified digital representation – a complete digital reconstruction – of their entire site. This allows them to effectively monitor progress, share information with safety personnel, and keep executives informed about the current job site status,” Winn clarified.

He further emphasizes the increased importance of this capability during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical access to job sites has been restricted, making remote site assessment crucial.

“The goal is to minimize on-site personnel, limiting access to only essential workers. Providing stakeholders with site information remotely – through a desktop application, the 3D model, or a virtual street view – enhances efficiency and supports safety protocols in the current environment,” Winn stated.

Winn notes that while integrating fixed interior cameras is an option, they lack the broad coverage achievable with a mobile ground robot, such as the Boston Dynamics robot, which is designed to navigate challenging job site conditions with obstacles and debris.

“While many customers aspire to utilize robots for data collection – and envision a Boston Dynamics robot performing this task – that is a future objective. Currently, we are supporting human-led walkthroughs, with individuals using 360-degree cameras to document site conditions, likely on a weekly basis,” he said.

Founded in 2013, DroneDeploy has secured over $100 million in funding, according to Winn. He also reports that the company serves more than 5,000 customers, and has experienced a 2.5x year-over-year increase in drone flight time as more organizations adopt drone technology to address challenges presented by COVID-19.