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Map options

ArcGIS Drone2Map allows you to view your products in a 2D or 3D environment. These map views can be customized to allow for quicker navigation and clearer display of datasets. You can also compare data side by side with views of different products in both 2D and 3D perspectives.

What can be adjusted in map views

The following are some of the most common adjustments that can be made within a map view:

  • Navigational shortcuts are provided within Drone2Map to allow for quick navigation and modification of the map view.

  • Custom reference scales can be created by adjusting the map scale properties, either by creating new scales and adding them to the scale list or by using predefined scales.

  • Maps and layers can have different geographic or projected coordinate systems, which can be adjusted as needed.

  • Multiple views can be arranged to display different data layers, such as 2D imagery data along with 3D data.

  • Linked views allow you to simultaneously navigate 2D and 3D maps and to link all views automatically.

  • The reference grid can be adjusted to add context to a map by providing an additional spatial reference and a way to visually access distances between features.

  • Constraint modes can be set to help with map customization.

Where map views can be adjusted

Map views can be adjusted in various locations in Drone2Map, including the following common locations:

  • Navigation tools are located in the Navigate group.

  • Map scales can be adjusted and customized on the Scale Properties dialog box.

  • A view is a window that allows users to visualize and interact with project data. To create and work with multiple views at once, on the Home tab, under Navigate, click Link Views.

  • The reference grid feature and constraints can be adjusted in the editor settings and can be found at the bottom of the map views.

  • The automatically chosen coordinate system can be changed when creating a project or in the processing options.

Use cases of customized map settings

For example, a mining company is working on an open pit mine project. The project manager must perform quality control checks throughout the duration of the project to check for any issues. They want to view their data in 2D and 3D at the same location and scale. Using the linking views capability in Drone2Map, they can navigate 2D and 3D maps at the same time as well as stack the views side by side. This allows the project manager to obtain the necessary information to quickly conduct their quality control workflows.

For another example, public works departments are often tasked with removing debris from roads after a storm occurs. Before work can start, they must determine how roadways may be blocked and how much debris must be cleared. To gather this information, they capture drone imagery of the area. Drone2Map can process the imagery and produce a True Ortho that can be paired with different basemaps to help understand the situation from various perspectives. Viewing the True Ortho with an imagery basemap helps to provide the extent of damages and a clear picture of the surrounding area outside of the True Ortho boundary. Switching to a terrain basemap can show the broader terrain context such as elevation, slope direction, and watershed flow patterns that may have contributed to damage and debris. This information can help the department plan debris removal as well as mitigation planning for future storms.

For a final example, major transit construction projects like new road corridors or railroad lines often cover large areas. Reviewing all points of interest in the field can be inefficient and time consuming. Capturing drone imagery of the project site can help to speed up the review process. Drone2Map can process the drone imagery into a True Ortho product, and the transit project staff can create bookmarks to reference and review the areas of interest. This comprehensive view of a large project area allows them to visually communicate important information to stakeholders.