The newest version of ArcGIS Drone2Map has been released and we’re excited to share the newest features and enhancements you can look forward to. This blog and our accompanying video contain just some of the highlights in this version; for a complete list of everything new and improved please check out our help documentation.
Processing improvements
Drone2Map 2025.1 introduces the full implementation of the ArcGIS Reality Engine which comes with the added benefits of higher quality products and reduced processing times, particularly for large projects.
Finer detail can now be achieved on true orthomosaic images when using the ultra point cloud density setting compared to previous versions of Drone2Map.
Additionally, a new texture format (ktx2) has been implemented for Scene Layer Package (SLPK) products. This allows for faster drawing with less demand on local hardware and a reduced project size of up to 20 percent.
Multispectral projects
When working with multispectral data in Drone2Map, you can now generate Multispectral True Ortho products. This provides a true vertical view of the project area, as images from multiple angles are combined into a seamless True Ortho that shows objects from a directly nadir point of view regardless of where the object is in the project area.
This can greatly benefit workflows that need to see large areas of land at a uniform angle, such as those evaluating agricultural health and yield. Measurements and comparisons can be more precise.
Preprocessing tool support has been expanded to Multispectral projects. These tools can help correct and modify any areas of poor reconstruction.
DSM point cloud
A new DSM Point Cloud product has been added to Drone2Map. It is the same point cloud that the DTM product is derived from, which means that you now have more customization for the DTM output through the options provided with the DSM Point Cloud product.
This point cloud can be used as an analytical product without having to create the 3D point cloud, saving considerable processing time.
The points show the raw heights without interpolation versus the interpolated surface of the DSM product. This can be useful for finding the exact height of features such as tree canopies.
Waterbody mask improvements
Up until now, the waterbody mask tool has been limited to a single type of surface reconstruction. With Drone2Map 2025.1 we have expanded the water body mask options to now include the ability to define the type of geometry that is used during the masking process. There are two types of geometry to choose from:
- Precise—Polygons accurately delineate water bodies and exclude objects such as bridges, piers, and boats. Inside the polygons, the reconstructed water surface is constrained to the water body geometry.
- Coarse—Polygons completely encompass the water bodies and may include objects on or near the water. Inside the polygons, the water surface is adaptively reconstructed and any solid surfaces are potentially included.
These new geometry options allow for more flexibility and generally provide faster results. Particularly with the coarse method, you don’t have to be as exact with the drawing of the waterbody mask to still get great results in a fraction of the time.
New processing report
With the release of Drone2Map 2025.1 a new processing report has been implemented. This report still provides a clear summary of the key project information and processing results, but also helps to explain portions of the report for ease of understanding.
The Overview now includes a Quality Checks table that quickly provides indications of possible issues using easy to understand status icons. If values are out of the expected optimal ranges, then a warning icon will appear along with a new closer look section under the table. This closer look section helps provide troubleshooting advice based off the parameter that is being flagged. It is one of the many improvements and additional explanations that we have added to the processing report which helps clarify why a project may not be processing as expected.
To learn more about what has changed with the processing report see: Understanding the Drone2Map Processing Report
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