The most expensive mistake in a drone assignment is choosing the wrong output. Below, for each file type, you will find what it is for, whether you can measure in it, which software opens it and where its limits lie. Use it as a checklist before the capture, not after.
PDF inspection report
For quick communication, numbered findings and archiving. Easy to share with a contractor, building manager (syndic) or insurer, but without measurable source data.
- View: yes
- Measure: no
- Software: any PDF reader
- Limit: fixed presentation, no measurable source data
GeoTIFF orthophoto
A georeferenced map that opens in the right place in GIS software. For interpretation, digitising, checking distances and combining with other map layers.
- View: yes
- Measure: yes, in GIS
- Software: QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD Map 3D, Civil 3D, Global Mapper
- Limit: the accuracy depends on the project's reference. Read the quality report before you measure.
DSM, DTM and other elevation models
Raster files in which every cell has a height value. A DSM shows the top surface of the terrain and objects. A DTM approximates the ground level once objects have been filtered out. Always agree the exact definition in advance.
- View: yes, with a height colour scale
- Measure: yes, heights, slopes and volumes
- Software: QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Global Mapper, Civil 3D, SAGA GIS
- Limit: filtering and definition determine the interpretation. Always ask for the specification.
LAS, LAZ and E57 point clouds
Collections of 3D points representing shape and position. LAZ is the compressed version of LAS. E57 is a common exchange format between scanning and 3D software.
- View: yes, in a 3D viewer
- Measure: yes, distances and geometry
- Software: CloudCompare, Autodesk ReCap, QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Revit (via ReCap), Bentley MicroStation, Leica Cyclone
- Limit: large files; points are not surfaces or CAD objects
OBJ and GLB 3D models
Textured 3D models. OBJ usually consists of several files. GLB bundles the model and texture into a single file and is convenient for the web and presentations.
- View: yes
- Measure: limited; a 3D model is visual and, without calibration, not always dimensionally accurate
- Software: Blender, MeshLab, SketchUp, 3ds Max, web viewers; GLB also opens in Windows 3D Viewer
- Limit: not a substitute for a measurable BIM or CAD model
DXF and DWG
CAD formats for lines, points, profiles and derived geometry such as contour lines or roof outlines. A DXF file is not automatically a complete architectural model.
- View: yes, in CAD
- Measure: yes, according to the geometry delivered
- Software: AutoCAD, BricsCAD, Civil 3D, Revit (import), ArchiCAD, QGIS
- Limit: layers and content must be agreed in advance
CSV and GeoJSON
CSV for tables and points. GeoJSON combines geographical shapes with attributes and works well in web and GIS applications.
- View: yes, in GIS or a web viewer
- Measure: yes
- Software: Excel, QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, web maps such as Leaflet or Mapbox, any text editor
- Limit: field definitions must be documented
Radiometric thermal files
Files with a temperature value per pixel. They require suitable software and a correct interpretation of emissivity, reflection, distance and ambient conditions.
- View: yes, with suitable software
- Measure: yes, temperature per pixel
- Software: DJI Thermal Analysis Tool, FLIR Thermal Studio
- Limit: the interpretation belongs to your thermographer or specialist
Online viewer
A browser-based viewer makes data accessible to people without specialist software. Useful for discussion, but not a substitute for the source files.
- View: yes, in the browser
- Measure: limited, depending on the viewer
- Software: any modern browser
- Limit: not a substitute for source files for analysis or archiving
Tell us which software you use
Then we choose formats that fit straight into your workflow. If you are torn between two formats, ask for both: the processing is the same, only the export differs.
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