To create a new project, you'll need files available from your photogrammetry process including the Digital Surface Model (DSM) and orthomosaic, terrestrial survey, or lidar data project, and load them into Virtual Surveyor. 


Overview


Create a Project

  1. Open Virtual Surveyor and sign in with your My.Virtual-Surveyor account.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Click New.
  4. Set the directory where you want to save your project. 
    1. This can be in your Dropbox or on a local drive.
  5. Specify a Project Name.
    1. A good practice is to use the project site name.
  6. Select the appropriate Template for your project (optional).

  7. Click Create Project


Add Data to Your Project

  1. You can add data by dragging and dropping it directly into Virtual Surveyor or you can click on or choose files.

  2. Browse for the file or files you want to add to your project using the Supported Input File Formats.
  3. Drag and drop the file(s) directly into Virtual Surveyor.
    or 
  4. Select the file(s) and click Open.
  5. If your data does not include a coordinate system, you will be prompted to set it yourself. 
    1. Read our Project Coordinate System article if you need more information.

    2. Click Run to convert the file.
  6. Point Cloud files require additional input.
    1. Read our Import and Convert Lidar Point Clouds article for more information.

  7. The Orthomosaic or Point Cloud file (.tif, .jpg, .png, or .las, .laz) is converted to an Image Terrain.
    The Point Cloud .las/.laz files only convert to an Image Terrain when RGB color files are included.
  8. The DSM or Point Cloud file (.tif, .tiff, .tfw, .img, or .las, .laz) is converted to an Elevation Terrain.
  9. When the conversion is finished, click Insert to add the files to your project.

  10. You can now start your virtual survey!

  11. You can also add an existing CAD or GIS file that are imported directly (.dxf, .shp, .csv, xml). See our article Importing CSV for additional options and information when importing a .csv/.txt file.


Tips & Tricks

  • The Project Coordinate System is determined by the first dataset that you add to your project; you can also change your coordinate system at any time after it is set.
  • Save your project on Dropbox, then you can work with your data anywhere (the data follows you).
  • Virtual Surveyor automatically downloads the data from your Dropbox (see Dropbox Settings) if you add a dataset that is stored online.
  • You can also add a set of images or elevation tiles and Virtual Surveyor will combine them into one terrain file.
  • You can use the Terrain State feature to handle multiple drone datasets across different timeframes on the same project instead of creating a new project for each flight.