When you analyze drone imagery on the Meissa platform, a 2D orthophoto and a 3D terrain model are generated. In the 2D orthophoto tab you can view the DSM (Digital Surface Model) data, and in the 3D tab you can view the existing ground elevation.
To help you understand terrain models, here is a brief explanation: a DSM (Digital Surface Model) is a surface model that includes the height of all features on the ground surface (buildings, vegetation, facilities, etc.), while a DTM (Digital Terrain Model) represents only the bare ground surface elevation, excluding such features. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) is the umbrella term for both and refers to a digital elevation model.
As explained in our previous post 'Volume Calculation Process Using a Drone Platform', Meissa's volume calculation feature is computed by comparing the planned elevation with the existing elevation. The existing elevation that serves as the comparison baseline is exactly the DSM data.
For more accurate volume calculation, it is best to edit the DSM data and convert it into DTM data. This is because, once you generate DTM data, you can exclude unnecessary objects such as temporarily stockpiled soil or heavy equipment when calculating the earthwork volume of a construction site, and derive an accurate volume of the bare ground surface alone.
On the Meissa platform, you can easily generate DTM data from a created DSM model using the 'Add DTM' feature. Here is how to use the Add DTM feature:
You can generate a DTM in a total of three ways.
Check out the related guides as well:
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