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Guides for Solar Installers & Planners

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Photogrammetrie35 minMar 29, 2026

The Complete Photogrammetry Guide 2026

The most comprehensive reference guide on photogrammetry: from hardware to software to quality control. Everything beginners and professionals need to know.

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Roof Area12 minMay 18, 2026

Calculate Roof Area from a 3D Model

How supplied imagery becomes sloped roof areas, sub-areas, tilt, azimuth and CAD/PV handoffs for roofers, solar teams and planners.

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Privacy12 minMay 19, 2026

Data Protection for Building Photos and 3D Models

How building, roof and facade imagery is prepared for 3D, CAD, BIM, orthophoto and viewer workflows with privacy, metadata and data minimisation in mind.

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NeRF12 minMay 16, 2026

NeRF vs Photogrammetry for CAD, BIM and PV

When NeRF, Gaussian Splatting and classic photogrammetry make sense from supplied imagery, and why CAD, BIM, orthophotos and PV planning need measurable geometry.

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AIA12 minMay 17, 2026

AIA and LOIN for 3D As-Built Models from Imagery

How to define information requirements and Level of Information Need for photogrammetry, CAD, BIM and as-built models from supplied imagery.

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The Complete Photogrammetry Guide 2026
PhotogrammetrieLeitfadenKomplett

The Complete Photogrammetry Guide 2026

The most comprehensive reference guide on photogrammetry: from hardware to software to quality control. Everything beginners and professionals need to know.

35 min
Read
Calculate Roof Area from a 3D Model
Roof Area3D Roof ModelPV Planning

Calculate Roof Area from a 3D Model

How supplied imagery becomes sloped roof areas, sub-areas, tilt, azimuth and CAD/PV handoffs for roofers, solar teams and planners.

12 min
Read
Data Protection for Building Photos and 3D Models
PrivacyImage DataCAD/BIM

Data Protection for Building Photos and 3D Models

How building, roof and facade imagery is prepared for 3D, CAD, BIM, orthophoto and viewer workflows with privacy, metadata and data minimisation in mind.

12 min
Read
NeRF vs Photogrammetry for CAD, BIM and PV
NeRFPhotogrammetryCAD/BIM

NeRF vs Photogrammetry for CAD, BIM and PV

When NeRF, Gaussian Splatting and classic photogrammetry make sense from supplied imagery, and why CAD, BIM, orthophotos and PV planning need measurable geometry.

12 min
Read
AIA and LOIN for 3D As-Built Models from Imagery
AIALOINBIM

AIA and LOIN for 3D As-Built Models from Imagery

How to define information requirements and Level of Information Need for photogrammetry, CAD, BIM and as-built models from supplied imagery.

12 min
Read
GeoTIFF Orthophoto for CAD and GIS
GeoTIFFOrthophotoCAD/GIS

GeoTIFF Orthophoto for CAD and GIS

How supplied imagery becomes a georeferenced orthophoto as GeoTIFF: CRS, pixel size, NoData, world files, CAD/GIS import, and planning limits.

12 min
Read
E57, LAS/LAZ or RCP/RCS for CAD and BIM
E57Point CloudCAD/BIM

E57, LAS/LAZ or RCP/RCS for CAD and BIM

Which photogrammetry point cloud format fits Revit, AutoCAD, Archicad, QGIS, viewers and scan-to-BIM, and what a clean handoff includes.

12 min
Read
Mesh to CAD/BIM from Photogrammetry
Mesh to CADBIMDXF/DWG

Mesh to CAD/BIM from Photogrammetry

When a textured 3D mesh is enough for viewers, when CAD tracing, DXF/DWG or BIM-oriented modeling is required, and how supplied imagery becomes planning data.

12 min
Read
How to Read a Photogrammetry Quality Report
Quality ReportRMSECheckpoints

How to Read a Photogrammetry Quality Report

How to interpret RMSE, checkpoints, GCPs and acceptance: review whether a 3D model, orthophoto, CAD or BIM handoff from imagery is technically dependable.

12 min
Read
3D Tiles from Photogrammetry for Digital Twins
3D TilesDigital Twin3D Viewer

3D Tiles from Photogrammetry for Digital Twins

When 3D Tiles, GLB, point clouds or CAD/BIM handoffs make sense for web-ready digital twins from supplied imagery.

12 min
Read
True Orthophoto vs. Orthomosaic
True OrthophotoOrthomosaicCAD

True Orthophoto vs. Orthomosaic

When orthomosaic, true orthophoto or orthoplane is enough for CAD, roof planning, PV and BIM, and where a 3D model remains the better base.

12 min
Read
Photogrammetry Image Quality Check
Image QualityPhotogrammetryCAD

Photogrammetry Image Quality Check

Which photos are good enough for 3D models, CAD, BIM and orthophotos: sharpness, overlap, exposure, EXIF/XMP and rejection criteria for supplied image datasets.

12 min
Read
PV Shading Analysis from 3D Models
PV PlanningShading3D Model

PV Shading Analysis from 3D Models

How supplied images become a 3D roof model for PV shading analysis: sun position, horizon, roof obstructions, neighboring buildings, PV planning handoff, and limits of yield claims.

12 min
Read
Video to 3D Model with Photogrammetry
VideoPhotogrammetry3D Model

Video to 3D Model with Photogrammetry

When existing phone, camera or drone videos are enough for 3D models, how frames are reviewed, and where still images are safer for CAD, BIM, orthophotos or PV planning.

12 min
Read
Facade Orthophoto and Orthoplane from Images
OrthoplaneFacade PlanCAD

Facade Orthophoto and Orthoplane from Images

When supplied facade imagery is enough for a scaled orthoplane, CAD trace, damage mapping or 3D handoff, and where planar projections reach their limits.

12 min
Read
Setting Photogrammetry Scale – References, Scale Bars, GCPs
ScaleScale BarsGCP

Setting Photogrammetry Scale – References, Scale Bars, GCPs

How existing images become scaled 3D models: reference measurements, scale bars, GCPs, checkpoints, and clean handoffs for CAD, BIM, PV planning, and orthophotos.

12 min
Read
Camera Calibration in Photogrammetry
Camera calibrationPhotogrammetryCAD

Camera Calibration in Photogrammetry

How supplied imagery becomes calibration-ready for planning: intrinsics, distortion, camera models, and quality checks for CAD, BIM, orthophotos, and PV planning.

12 min
Read
IFC Georeferencing from Photogrammetry
IFCGeoreferencingBIM

IFC Georeferencing from Photogrammetry

How photogrammetry point clouds, meshes, and building models are handed off cleanly to IFC, Revit, and openBIM: IfcMapConversion, EPSG, false origin, and vertical datum.

13 min
Read
EXIF and XMP Metadata for Photogrammetry
EXIFXMPPhotogrammetrie

EXIF and XMP Metadata for Photogrammetry

Which metadata matters in supplied image datasets: EXIF, XMP, GPS, camera calibration, and clean handoff to 3D models, CAD, BIM, orthophotos, and PV.

12 min
Read
Problematic Surfaces in Photogrammetry
SurfacesImage QualityCAD

Problematic Surfaces in Photogrammetry

How to assess glass, metal, PV modules and smooth facades: when supplied images are usable for 3D models, CAD, BIM, orthophotos or PV planning and where review is required.

12 min
Read
Gaussian Splatting in Photogrammetry
Gaussian Splatting3D-ViewerCAD

Gaussian Splatting in Photogrammetry

When Gaussian splats from photos make sense for photoreal 3D viewers and where CAD, BIM, orthophotos and PV planning still need meshes, point clouds or modeled geometry.

12 min
Read
Rolling Shutter vs. Global Shutter in Photogrammetry
Rolling ShutterGlobal ShutterPhotogrammetrie

Rolling Shutter vs. Global Shutter in Photogrammetry

When rolling-shutter imagery is still good enough for 3D models, where it becomes critical, and why CAD, BIM, and PV workflows benefit more often from globally or mechanically exposed datasets.

11 min
Read
LOD for 3D Building Models from Photogrammetry
LODLOINBIMCAD

LOD for 3D Building Models from Photogrammetry

Which detail level makes sense for CAD, BIM, PV planning, viewers and digital twins: LOD, LOIN, CityGML thinking and image-based handoff practice.

12 min
Read
How to Evaluate Photogrammetry Accuracy – GSD, RMSE, Checkpoints
AccuracyRMSECheckpoints

How to Evaluate Photogrammetry Accuracy – GSD, RMSE, Checkpoints

A practical guide to real model quality: what GSD, reprojection, RMSE, checkpoints, and camera calibration actually mean for CAD, BIM, orthophotos, and roof models.

13 min
Read
Scan-to-BIM with Photogrammetry – When Image Data Is Enough for BIM
Scan-to-BIMPhotogrammetrieIFC

Scan-to-BIM with Photogrammetry – When Image Data Is Enough for BIM

A practical guide to as-built and BIM workflows from image data: when photogrammetry is enough for point clouds, Revit, IFC, and as-built models, where laser scanning is stronger, and how to structure the handoff.

13 min
Read
Point Cloud, Mesh, or Orthophoto – Which Output Fits?
Point cloudMeshOrthophoto

Point Cloud, Mesh, or Orthophoto – Which Output Fits?

A practical handoff guide for image-derived outputs: when point clouds, meshes, orthophotos, or orthoplanes make sense for CAD, BIM, PV planning, facades, and as-built work.

14 min
Read
Drone Images for Solar Planning – Requirements, Workflow & 3D Handoffs
DrohneSolarplanungRTK

Drone Images for Solar Planning – Requirements, Workflow & 3D Handoffs

From drone images to finished PV roof model: GSD, RTK accuracy, EU regulation 2024 and direct workflow to PV*SOL. Manually checked 3D handoffs from €45.

15 min
Read
Drone Photogrammetry to DXF & DWG – CAD Workflow, RTK & Standards
CADDXF/DWGRTK

Drone Photogrammetry to DXF & DWG – CAD Workflow, RTK & Standards

From drone flight to finished DXF/DWG file: RTK georeferencing, point cloud classification, TIN surfaces and German CAD layer standards. CAD handoffs from €45.

12 min
Read
Get a 3D Roof Model for PV*SOL Premium
PV*SOL3D-ModellOutsourcing

Get a 3D Roof Model for PV*SOL Premium

Drone photogrammetry, shading analysis, import formats and outsourcing strategy for solar installers. ROI calculator included.

12 min
Read
Drone Roof Survey for Photovoltaics
DrohnePhotovoltaikDachvermessung

Drone Roof Survey for Photovoltaics

How drone photogrammetry is revolutionizing PV planning: accuracy, methods, software integration and cost comparison.

10 min
Read
Photogrammetry with Drones – A Beginner's Guide
PhotogrammetrieGrundlagenAnfänger

Photogrammetry with Drones – A Beginner's Guide

The perfect introduction to drone photogrammetry: from hardware to basic concepts to first practical steps.

12 min
Read
RTK vs. GCP in Drone Surveying
RTKGCPVermessungGenauigkeit

RTK vs. GCP in Drone Surveying

Comparison of the two most important georeferencing methods: RTK-GNSS vs. Ground Control Points (GCP) – costs, accuracy, workflow.

15 min
Read
Drone Roof Survey – Cost, Accuracy, Process
DachvermessungKostenSolar

Drone Roof Survey – Cost, Accuracy, Process

Complete guide to drone roof surveying: what it costs, how accurate it is, and how the process works.

10 min
Read
3D Models from Drone Images: Software vs. Service
SoftwareServiceVergleich

3D Models from Drone Images: Software vs. Service

Should you use the software yourself or outsource to a service? An honest comparison of pros and cons.

13 min
Read
CAD Export Formats Explained
CADExportformateDXFDWG

CAD Export Formats Explained

All common CAD and 3D export formats: when you need which format and how to use it correctly.

8 min
Read
Photogrammetry vs. LiDAR
PhotogrammetrieLiDARVergleich

Photogrammetry vs. LiDAR

Detailed comparison: photogrammetry and LiDAR – differences, pros and cons, applications and costs.

12 min
Read
Creating Orthophotos with Drones
OrthofotoDrohneVermessung

Creating Orthophotos with Drones

Orthophotos for surveying, planning and documentation: how to create these high-precision aerial images with drones.

10 min
Read
Drones for Photogrammetry 2026
DrohnenHardware2026

Drones for Photogrammetry 2026

The best drones for photogrammetry in 2026: hardware requirements, current models and performance comparisons.

15 min
Read
BIM Integration with Drone Data
BIMArchitekturIntegration

BIM Integration with Drone Data

How to integrate drone data and 3D models into BIM workflows (Revit, ArchiCAD) and use them effectively.

13 min
Read
Creating a Digital Twin for Buildings – Guide 2026
Digital TwinBIMGebäudeIoT

Creating a Digital Twin for Buildings – Guide 2026

Complete guide to Digital Twins: technologies, costs (€2,000–€80,000), software ecosystem, standards (DIN SPEC 91391, ISO 19650) and ROI analysis.

15 min
Read
Photogrammetry Software Comparison 2026: Free vs. Pro
SoftwareVergleichPhotogrammetrie

Photogrammetry Software Comparison 2026: Free vs. Pro

The ultimate comparison: 10 photogrammetry programs from Meshroom to RealityCapture. Pricing, features, hardware requirements and workflow tips.

18 min
Read
Drone Survey Costs 2026: What Does a Survey Really Cost?
KostenDrohnenvermessungPreise

Drone Survey Costs 2026: What Does a Survey Really Cost?

Transparent pricing overview: drone surveying from €200 (single-family home) to €25,000 (industrial facility). Cost factors, ROI calculation and comparison with traditional surveying.

11 min
Read
Drone Thermography for Buildings & PV Systems – Guide 2026
ThermographyPV InspectionThermal Bridges

Drone Thermography for Buildings & PV Systems – Guide 2026

Detect thermal bridges, insulation defects and faulty PV modules from the air: technology, optimal conditions, costs from €190, standards (DIN VDE, IEC 62446) and full workflow – no scaffolding.

14 min
Read
Hiring a Drone Service for 3D Models – Costs, Selection & Workflow
Drone Service3D ModelOutsourcing

Hiring a Drone Service for 3D Models – Costs, Selection & Workflow

Complete guide: Find, compare and hire drone service providers for 3D models. Costs (from €200), certifications, workflow and quality criteria.

14 min
Read
3D Modeling of Properties with Drones – Guide, Costs & Applications
3D ModelingPropertyConstruction

3D Modeling of Properties with Drones – Guide, Costs & Applications

Complete guide to 3D modeling of properties with drones: workflow, costs (from €300), accuracy and applications for construction planning, real estate and landscaping.

13 min
Read
Facade Surveying with Drones – Guide, Costs & Accuracy
FassadeDrohneSanierungVermessung

Facade Surveying with Drones – Guide, Costs & Accuracy

Facade surveying by drone: ±5mm accuracy, 80% time savings vs. scaffolding. Applications, workflow, costs (€500–€2,500) and legal framework.

12 min
Read
As-Built Survey by Drone – Floor Plans, Measurement & Building Documentation 2026
As-Built SurveyArchitectureDocumentation

As-Built Survey by Drone – Floor Plans, Measurement & Building Documentation 2026

Drone as-built survey: ±2 cm RTK accuracy, 80% time savings vs. manual measurement. Workflow, output formats (DXF, RCP, IFC), costs (from €290) and standards for architects and planners.

13 min
Read
DTM vs. DSM – Digital Elevation Model: Difference, Creation & Applications
DTMDSMElevation ModelSurveying

DTM vs. DSM – Digital Elevation Model: Difference, Creation & Applications

DTM vs. DSM explained: What is a Digital Terrain Model, Digital Surface Model and DEM? Creation from drone photogrammetry, accuracies (±2 cm RTK), formats (GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ) and applications for PV planning, BIM and construction.

12 min
Read
Calculate GSD – Ground Sampling Distance in Drone Imagery
GSDGround Sampling DistancePhotogrammetryCalculation

Calculate GSD – Ground Sampling Distance in Drone Imagery

Understand and calculate Ground Sampling Distance (GSD): formula, influencing factors, practical examples with DJI Mavic 3 & Phantom 4 RTK, accuracy rules (1:1–3x) and the most common beginner mistakes in drone photogrammetry.

12 min
Read
Construction Progress Monitoring by Drone – Workflow, Costs & As-Built Comparison 2026
Construction ProgressDroneVOBBIM

Construction Progress Monitoring by Drone – Workflow, Costs & As-Built Comparison 2026

Drone construction progress documentation: weekly surveys, ±3 cm RTK accuracy, volume calculation per VOB/C DIN 18300, as-built BIM comparison, and outputs for Revit and AutoCAD. From €290 per flight.

14 min
Read
Point Cloud from Drone Images – Creation, Formats & Applications in CAD and BIM
Point CloudLAS/LAZBIMCAD

Point Cloud from Drone Images – Creation, Formats & Applications in CAD and BIM

Everything about point clouds from drone photogrammetry: SfM/MVS creation, quality parameters (density, ±2 cm RTK), formats LAS/LAZ, E57, RCP/RCS, ASPRS classification and applications in AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D and BIM.

15 min
Read
Create Site Plan with Drone – Digital Site Plan for Architecture & Building Permits
Site PlanGeoreferencingArchitectureDXF

Create Site Plan with Drone – Digital Site Plan for Architecture & Building Permits

How drone photogrammetry creates a precise digital site plan: ETRS89/UTM georeferencing, ±2 cm RTK accuracy, scales 1:200–1:1000, output formats (GeoTIFF, DXF, DWG) and distinction from official cadastral plans. From €290.

13 min
Read
Drone Volume Measurement & Mass Calculation – Methods, Accuracy & Workflow 2026
Volume MeasurementMass CalculationEarthworkStockpile

Drone Volume Measurement & Mass Calculation – Methods, Accuracy & Workflow 2026

Drone volume measurement: TIN method, raster DTM and cross-section profiles explained. Accuracy ±1–3%, applications for stockpiles, earthwork, landfills and construction sites. Software comparison: Metashape, PIX4D, DJI Terra.

14 min
Read
Drone Damage Documentation – Hail, Storm & Insurance Reports 2026
Damage DocumentationHail DamageInsuranceRoof Inspection

Drone Damage Documentation – Hail, Storm & Insurance Reports 2026

Drone damage documentation: comprehensively document hail damage, storm damage and building damage. Photogrammetric workflow, output formats for insurers and experts, legal framework (EU Drone Regulations). From €290.

13 min
Read
PPK Drone Surveying – Post-Processing Kinematic Explained: Technology, Workflow & Accuracy
PPKGNSSGeoreferencingAccuracy

PPK Drone Surveying – Post-Processing Kinematic Explained: Technology, Workflow & Accuracy

Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) for drones explained: GNSS carrier phase measurement, Fix vs. Float, PPK vs. RTK vs. GCP comparison, PPK-capable drones, CORS as base station, complete 7-step workflow and processing software. Accuracy 1–3 cm without ground control points.

15 min
Read
Drone Mission Planning for Photogrammetry – Overlap, Flight Patterns & Terrain Following
Mission PlanningImage OverlapTerrain FollowingFlight Pattern

Drone Mission Planning for Photogrammetry – Overlap, Flight Patterns & Terrain Following

Drone mission planning for photogrammetry: set frontlap and sidelap correctly, choose flight patterns (grid, double grid, oblique), and use terrain following on slopes. Compare Pix4Dcapture, DJI Pilot 2, DroneDeploy. Includes formula and 7-step workflow.

14 min
Read
Oblique Drone Imagery – When Angled Capture Is Needed for Roofs, Facades and 3D Models
ObliqueFacade3D ModelPhotogrammetry

Oblique Drone Imagery – When Angled Capture Is Needed for Roofs, Facades and 3D Models

Practical guide to oblique imagery in drone photogrammetry: when nadir is not enough, which overlap works for visible facades, how smart oblique changes current workflows, and which outputs are reliable for CAD, BIM, digital twins and PV.

13 min
Read
Measure Roof Pitch and Orientation with a Drone – Formula, Accuracy & PV Workflow
Roof PitchOrientationPV PlanningPhotogrammetry

Measure Roof Pitch and Orientation with a Drone – Formula, Accuracy & PV Workflow

Measure roof pitch and orientation with drone photogrammetry: formulas for pitch, area, and azimuth, RTK-based PV workflows, and validation with GCPs and checkpoints.

13 min
Read
Get a 3D Model from Photos – Which Images Really Work for Photogrammetry
Photos to 3DPhotogrammetryAs-BuiltCAD

Get a 3D Model from Photos – Which Images Really Work for Photogrammetry

Practical guide for existing image sets: when smartphone, camera, or drone images are enough for a reliable 3D model, which issues break reconstructions, and how clean handoff to CAD, BIM, orthophoto, or viewer outputs works.

12 min
Read
Coordinate Systems for Drone Data – WGS84, ETRS89, UTM & LV95 Explained
Coordinate SystemsETRS89WGS84LV95

Coordinate Systems for Drone Data – WGS84, ETRS89, UTM & LV95 Explained

Practical georeferencing guide for Germany, Austria and Switzerland: WGS84 vs. ETRS89, UTM zones, LV95, ellipsoidal vs. physical heights, and the correct delivery setup for orthophotos, DXF, LAS and BIM.

14 min
Read