Abandoned house photogrammetry model.

The Power of Photogrammetry in Abandoned Property Revival

Abandoned properties have long held an air of mystery and intrigue. These forgotten structures, whether they were once homes, factories, or commercial spaces, often hide untapped potential and historical significance. While their rehabilitation can be a complex and costly endeavour, the technology of photogrammetry is emerging as a game-changer in the world of property redevelopment. In this article, we’ll explore the manifold benefits of using photogrammetry to build 3D models of abandoned properties and how it can be a catalyst for their revival.

Click Here to explore this interactive 3d model created by us of an abandoned house.

  1. Comprehensive Documentation: Photogrammetry, an advanced imaging technique that uses photographs to create precise 3D models, allows for the comprehensive documentation of abandoned properties. This means that every detail, from architectural intricacies to structural flaws, can be accurately captured and analyzed. This documentation forms a crucial foundation for informed decision-making throughout the property revival process.
  2. Cost-Efficiency: Reviving abandoned properties can be a costly endeavour, often fraught with uncertainties. Photogrammetry, however, provides a cost-efficient solution by minimizing the need for extensive on-site surveys and measurements. With a few strategically taken photographs, you can obtain a wealth of data to plan and execute the project effectively, reducing both time and expenses.
  3. Preservation of Historical Value: Many abandoned properties possess historical and cultural significance. By using photogrammetry to create 3D models, you can carefully preserve the architectural heritage and cultural value of the property. This not only honours the past but also opens up opportunities for adaptive reuse, which can enhance the property’s value and appeal.
  4. Enhanced Design and Planning: Creating a 3D model of an abandoned property through photogrammetry enables architects, designers, and developers to work with precision and creativity. They can experiment with design ideas and solutions virtually, optimizing the use of space and resources. This level of detail ensures that the revival project aligns with the desired vision and goals.
  5. Risk Mitigation: Renovating an abandoned property is not without its risks, especially when dealing with older structures. Photogrammetry allows for a thorough analysis of the property’s condition, identifying potential hazards and structural issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can save both time and resources and ensure the safety of the project.
  6. Stakeholder Engagement: Photogrammetry creates a tangible asset that can be shared easily with stakeholders, investors, and regulatory authorities. A detailed 3D model serves as a powerful visual aid in presenting the project’s potential and benefits, helping to secure necessary approvals and funding.
  7. Marketing and Promotion: Once the property is revived, the photogrammetry-derived 3D model can continue to play a vital role. It can be used for marketing and promotional materials, providing potential buyers or tenants with a realistic preview of the property. This can significantly enhance the property’s marketability and attract potential investors.

Conclusion: The revival of abandoned properties is a rewarding endeavour that can breathe new life into forgotten spaces while preserving their historical and cultural significance. Photogrammetry empowers developers, architects, and investors with the tools needed to approach these projects strategically and efficiently. By creating precise 3D models, we unlock the hidden potential of abandoned properties and ensure their successful transformation into valuable assets for communities and investors alike. Embrace the power of photogrammetry and be part of the revival story that transforms the past into a brighter future.

Chasing the Storm: Capturing a Rare Shelf Cloud in Sunderland and Seaham

As an avid lover of all things sky and weather-related, I’m constantly on the lookout for unique opportunities to capture the beauty and power of Mother Nature. On a recent adventure to fly my drone at a picturesque location, I stumbled upon a meteorological phenomenon that left me awestruck – a rare shelf cloud rolling through the skies of Sunderland and Seaham. In this blog post, I’ll take you on my journey to witness and record this incredible spectacle, and how I decided to capture it through the lens of a hyperlapse.

The Perfect Day for Adventure:

The day began like any other sunny day on the northeast coast of England. With my trusty drone packed and ready to go, I set off for a location near Sunderland and Seaham known for its stunning vistas and natural beauty. My plan was to capture some breathtaking aerial shots of the rugged coastline and the North Sea, but little did I know that Mother Nature had something even more captivating in store for me.

The Unveiling of a Rare Shelf Cloud:

As I arrived at my chosen location, I launched my drone into the clear blue sky, excited about the day’s prospects. The views from above were breathtaking, with the rugged cliffs and the azure sea stretching out as far as the eye could see. I had already captured several stunning shots when I noticed a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

The skies, which had been so clear moments ago, started to change dramatically. Dark, menacing clouds began to gather on the horizon, and a chill ran down my spine as I realized what was unfolding before me – a rare and mesmerizing shelf cloud was forming.

Shelf clouds are a type of arcus cloud that often precede severe weather conditions. They have a distinct, ominous appearance, appearing as a low, horizontal cloud formation with a well-defined leading edge. I knew I had to act quickly to capture this spectacular event before it passed.

The Decision to Create a Hyperlapse:

With the drone in the air and the shelf cloud slowly advancing, I decided to switch gears. Instead of capturing traditional drone footage, I opted to create a hyperlapse to truly showcase the dynamic movement of this remarkable meteorological phenomenon.

Hyperlapse photography involves taking a series of time-lapse photos while the camera is in motion, which, when played back, creates a mesmerizing sense of motion and change over time. It’s a perfect technique for capturing the movement and transformation of clouds, especially something as dramatic as a shelf cloud.

Capturing the Unfolding Drama:

As the shelf cloud drew closer, I carefully piloted my drone to maintain a safe distance while capturing every detail of this breathtaking sight. With each click of the camera shutter, I recorded the cloud’s movement as it swept across the sky, casting eerie shadows on the landscape below.

The result was nothing short of spectacular. The hyperlapse footage showcased the shelf cloud’s incredible scale and the dramatic change in the sky’s appearance. It was as if I had a front-row seat to nature’s own theater production.

Conclusion:

Sometimes, the most memorable moments in life happen when you least expect them. My journey to capture stunning aerial footage turned into an awe-inspiring encounter with a rare shelf cloud in Sunderland and Seaham. While my original plan took a backseat, the decision to record a hyperlapse of this meteorological wonder allowed me to share this extraordinary experience with the world.

This adventure reminded me of the beauty and power of nature and how it can surprise and inspire us when we least expect it. So, the next time you venture out with a camera or drone, keep an eye on the sky—you never know what incredible moments might be waiting to be captured.

Tynemouth by drone

Capturing Dawn’s Beauty: Filming Sunrise, Lighthouses, and Marsden Rock with a Drone.

The allure of capturing the first rays of sunlight breaking through the horizon is a timeless fascination for photographers and filmmakers alike. When combined with the rugged charm of lighthouses and the majestic presence of natural wonders like Marsden Rock, the result is a cinematic masterpiece that encapsulates the beauty of dawn. In a stroke of luck, the skies cleared just in time, allowing for the perfect opportunity to film these breathtaking scenes with a drone. This blog post recounts the exhilarating experience of filming the sunrise, lighthouses, and Marsden Rock at dawn and how the fleeting moments of clear skies played a crucial role in crafting a stunning visual narrative.

1. The Setup: Preparing for the Perfect Shot

Before the break of dawn, meticulous planning took place to ensure that every aspect of the shoot was well-prepared. From drone battery levels to camera settings, every detail was scrutinized to capture the essence of the upcoming spectacle. The chosen location was a vantage point near Marsden Rock, a rugged sea stack renowned for its dramatic appearance. The lighthouse, standing tall nearby, would add a touch of history and contrast to the modern drone footage. As dawn approached, the excitement was palpable, knowing that nature’s display awaited the drone’s lenses.

2. Dawn’s Gamble: Clearing Skies on Borrowed Time

As the first traces of light began to streak the horizon, there was a mix of trepidation and anticipation. The weather forecast had predicted clouds, but a sliver of hope remained that the skies would clear, at least momentarily, to unveil the sunrise. And luck was on the side of the filmmakers that day. As if scripted by a master director, the clouds parted just in time to allow the vibrant hues of the sunrise to paint the sky. The drone took flight, its propellers slicing through the cool morning air as it captured the ethereal beauty of dawn breaking over the sea.

3. Dancing with Light and Shadows: Lighthouses and Marsden Rock

With the sunrise casting its golden glow over the landscape, the drone glided towards the lighthouse. The contrast between the steadfast structure and the vivid skies painted an enchanting visual story. As the drone weaved around the lighthouse, capturing its every angle, the interplay between light and shadows lent an artistic touch to the footage. The sun’s ascent in the sky was mirrored by the drone’s graceful movements, resulting in shots that could rival even the most intricate choreography.

4. Marsden Rock’s Grandeur: Nature’s Sculpture

As the drone pivoted away from the lighthouse, it turned its attention to the magnificent Marsden Rock. Jutting out of the sea with timeless elegance, the sea stack stood as a testament to the raw power of nature’s artistry. The drone’s high-definition camera captured every contour and detail, transforming the rock into a grand sculpture against the backdrop of the changing sky. The synergy between drone technology and nature’s wonders was a sight to behold.

5. Fleeting Beauty: The Clouds Return

As the drone continued to capture the evolving landscape, the inevitable occurred – the clouds started to roll back in, softening the sunlight and casting a diffused glow over the scene. While the filmmakers had hoped for more time with clear skies, the return of the clouds added a layer of mystique to the footage. The transition from vibrant clarity to muted tones symbolized the ephemerality of dawn’s beauty, a reminder of the fleeting moments that artists often seek to encapsulate.

Conclusion

The experience of filming the sunrise, lighthouses, and Marsden Rock at dawn with a drone was a true collaboration between technology and nature’s wonders. The serendipitous timing of the clearing skies allowed for a visual storytelling journey that captured the essence of the moment. From the lighthouse’s stoic presence to Marsden Rock’s natural magnificence, the drone’s lens revealed the magic of dawn in its full splendor. The eventual return of the clouds only served to underscore the transient nature of these moments, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities when they present themselves. This venture stands as a testament to the power of technology and creativity in crafting a narrative that pays homage to the breathtaking beauty of our world.

Capturing the Breathtaking Sunrise: A Drone Hyperlapse Journey Through the Clouds

The beauty of a sunrise is a phenomenon that has inspired artists, poets, and dreamers for centuries. The interplay of colors, the gradual emergence of light, and the sense of renewal that accompanies it can leave anyone awestruck. But what if you could capture this magical moment in a way that not only does justice to its grandeur but also adds a new dimension to its splendor? Enter the world of drone hyperlapse photography, where technology and artistry combine to create an experience that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Preparing for the Journey

As the first rays of dawn break through the night, a sense of anticipation fills the air. On this particular morning, armed with a powerful drone and a creative vision, I set out to record a sunrise like no other. The forecast had promised a partly cloudy sky, the perfect canvas for the Sun to weave its way through billowing clouds. The location was carefully scouted – a hilltop that offered a panoramic view of the landscape, with layers of mist-laden valleys below.

Setting Up the Equipment

With my drone prepped and ready, I checked and double-checked the camera settings. The goal was to capture the serene transition from darkness to light in a captivating hyperlapse. Hyperlapse, a technique that involves creating a time-lapse video with the drone moving incrementally between shots, allows for a fluid and cinematic effect. The key was to find the right balance between speed and movement to ensure the final product was both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

The Unfolding Spectacle

As the drone took off and gained altitude, the world below started to transform. The first hints of dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, contrasting beautifully with the deep blues of the night. The clouds, like cotton candy, began to swirl and dance in the gentle morning breeze. With each frame captured, I could feel the passage of time becoming tangible, as the Sun’s ascent through the heavens mirrored life’s inexorable journey forward.

The Dance of Light and Clouds

What made this sunrise truly exceptional was the way the Sun interacted with the clouds. As it peeked over the horizon, the clouds seemed to embrace its warmth, creating a breathtaking choreography of light and shadow. The interplay between the golden rays and the misty veils was a sight to behold, a living canvas of artistry that unfolded before my lens.

Crafting the Hyperlapse

Back in the studio, the real magic began. Combining the individual frames into a hyperlapse sequence was a meticulous process that required patience and precision. As the landscape transitioned from darkness to dawn and the Sun climbed through the clouds, the sense of wonder was palpable even in the editing room. Time seemed to both stand still and rush forward, a paradoxical sensation that only hyperlapse can evoke.

Sharing the Experience

When the final hyperlapse was complete, I couldn’t wait to share the experience. The video captured the essence of that magical morning, with the Sun’s journey through the clouds immortalized in a way that photography alone could never accomplish. As I uploaded the video and hit the “share” button, I hoped that others would feel a fraction of the awe that I did that morning.

In Conclusion

Recording a drone hyperlapse of a sunrise as the Sun climbs through clouds is an experience that transcends the boundaries of art and technology. It’s a testament to human creativity and innovation, allowing us to capture the fleeting beauty of nature’s wonders in ways that were once only the stuff of dreams. The dance of light and clouds, the passage of time, and the emotional resonance of the moment all converge in a mesmerizing spectacle that speaks to the heart. So the next time you witness a sunrise, consider the untapped possibilities that technology offers to share its magnificence with the world.

Altitude Angel set to roll out remote id technology in the UK

Remote ID technology rolling out in the UK

Remote ID, the technology to enable both the position and track of a drone and that of it’s pilot is coming out imminently in America, but now, Altitude Angel are starting the rollout of the technology over here. In America, there are already transmitters that you can legally buy that do not transmit the information to allow people with an app to track the pilot, and others that create a swam of ‘virtual’ drones, making it hard for anybody to find the real one.

What are your thoughts on this rapidly evolving situation?