In the fast-evolving world of geospatial data and drone technology, continuous improvement is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. For software developers, the most valuable insights often come directly from the professionals who rely on their tools daily. This principle is perfectly exemplified by 3Dsurvey, a leading photogrammetry software provider, which consistently leverages direct customer feedback from events like the Commercial UAV Expo to significantly enhance its systems and expand its capabilities.
Understanding 3Dsurvey: An All-in-One Photogrammetry Solution
3Dsurvey is a comprehensive photogrammetry software designed to transform raw geospatial data into accurate 3D models, orthophotos, and digital elevation models. Built with the practical needs of surveyors and other geo-specialists in mind, it offers an all-in-one platform for processing and classifying data from various inputs, including drones, cameras, LiDAR, GNSS, and SONAR. Its integrated CAD engine enables users to extract critical data, calculate volumes, create contour lines, and generate detailed reports, streamlining workflows and reducing the reliance on third-party software.
The Commercial UAV Expo: A Crucial Nexus for Industry and Innovation
The Commercial UAV Expo stands as a premier international trade show and conference for the commercial drone industry, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the globe. It serves as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge UAV technologies, including airframes, sensors, and software solutions. For companies like 3Dsurvey, the Expo is more than just an exhibition; it’s a unique opportunity for direct engagement with current and prospective customers. 3Dsurvey has recognized this, returning to the event for three consecutive years to tap into this invaluable feedback loop.
Direct Engagement: How 3Dsurvey Gathers Invaluable Insights
A core tenet of 3Dsurvey’s development strategy is actively listening to its user base. Amy Nicol, Sales & Marketing Manager, and Matija Zupan, QA Manager at 3Dsurvey, have highlighted the critical role of events like the Commercial UAV Expo in this process. Zupan noted that these events provide “the most valuable feedback,” particularly helping them gather insights from the U.S. market, which can be harder to obtain otherwise. This direct interaction allows 3Dsurvey to engage in in-depth conversations with drone industry professionals, understanding their challenges, successes, and unmet needs.
Translating Feedback into Features: Key Software Improvements
The feedback gathered at the Commercial UAV Expo directly influences 3Dsurvey’s product development cycle. The company is committed to releasing two major software versions annually, with feature inclusions largely dictated by user feedback and market demand. This customer-centric approach has led to significant enhancements across its software offerings.
Enhanced X-Ray Views and CAD Tools
One area of substantial improvement, directly stemming from user requests, has been the revamp of X-Ray views and integrated CAD functionalities. Version 3.1, for instance, introduced faster processing, improved layout and section creation, snapping options, and perpendicular line drawing within the Scan Module’s X-Ray views. These updates were specifically designed to make workflows smoother and more efficient, enabling easier floor plan generation directly from point cloud data. Further enhancements include automatic line detection on X-ray views and CAD on mesh projection, empowering users with more precise and intuitive vectorization tools.
Improved Data Integration and Processing
Users frequently seek software that can seamlessly handle diverse data sources and optimize processing. In response, 3Dsurvey has focused on improving its data integration and processing capabilities. Version 3.0 introduced crucial updates such as enhanced coordinate system support, which simplifies georeferencing and automatically fetches missing geoid models. This version also featured an improved mesh algorithm to prevent inaccuracies (like “ballooning effects”) when generating 3D meshes from oblique images, ensuring more reliable and precise outputs. Version 3.1 continued this trend with spherical image support, allowing users with SLAM devices to import E57 files with spherical images and perform vectorization within the 3Dsurvey CAD environment.
Expanding Industry Reach
While land surveyors remain 3Dsurvey’s primary customer base, feedback from the Expo has also highlighted opportunities to serve new industries. Discussions at their booth have brought in professionals from real estate and utility companies interested in utilizing drones for 3D modeling, influencing 3Dsurvey to extend its capabilities beyond its traditional focus. This broader market insight ensures that future developments cater to a more diverse range of geospatial applications.
The Impact of a Customer-Centric Approach
The commitment to gathering and acting on customer feedback has a profound impact on 3Dsurvey’s products and reputation. By directly addressing user needs, 3Dsurvey provides:
- More Relevant Features: Enhancements are directly tailored to solve real-world problems faced by professionals.
- Improved User Experience: Features like faster processing and intuitive CAD tools lead to greater efficiency and user satisfaction.
- Broader Appeal: Understanding diverse industry needs helps the software adapt and attract new users.
- Stronger Customer Loyalty: Users appreciate knowing their input contributes to the evolution of the tools they use daily.
Conclusion
The Commercial UAV Expo serves as a vital conduit for innovation, and 3Dsurvey’s proactive approach to soliciting and integrating customer feedback demonstrates a powerful model for software development. By maintaining an open dialogue with the drone industry’s professionals, 3Dsurvey ensures that its photogrammetry software continues to evolve, offering cutting-edge features and a user experience that truly meets the demands of modern geospatial workflows. Their commitment to user-driven enhancements, exemplified by updates in versions 3.0 and 3.1, solidifies 3Dsurvey’s position as a responsive and authoritative solution in the commercial UAV market.
