Automatic obstacle detection and flight plan
For a technological demonstration, HOVVR carried out an advanced drone flight over the water tower in Brussegem. The objective was to create an extremely detailed 3D model of this old structure using DJI Smart Capture. First, a digital elevation model (DEM) was built, after which an automated flight path was programmed based on that DEM (including automatic obstacle detection and avoidance).
The flight took place in the VLL2 zone of Brussels, with prior application to Skeyes. This project served both as a training flight and a showcase of what is possible in precision mapping and automation.
Workflow & data processing: from DEM to 3D mesh
The workflow included the following process:
- Initial Smart Capture session to generate a high-resolution DEM.
- Automatically generated flight pattern around the water tower, focusing on façades and topography details.
- Use of multiple angles and overlap to achieve maximum mesh quality. The end result: a textured 3D mesh with a relative accuracy of less than 0.5 cm, enabling even subtle details of the structure to be visually and metrically reproducible. Thanks to this approach, maintenance and inspection teams can virtually enter, measure and analyze the tower. without physical access to all areas.
With this project we demonstrate how precise automation, drone technology and advanced data processing converge in a powerful application. The model supports various audiences: from technical inspection to 3D visualization and asset management. The ability to generate an automatic flight route based on a DEM, including obstacle detection, opens up new perspectives for efficient, safe and repeatable drone work on complex infrastructures.
