I took this info directly from “Drone Pilot Ground School” web site. I don’t think it can be improved upon. Click anywhere on the text below to go directly to their site. It is great.
• Absolute Accuracy. Absolute Accuracy refers to the accuracy of a point related to the coordinates in the real world. Absolute Accuracy means that a point on a map should match its actual GPS coordinates.
• GCP. Ground Control Points are physical markers on the ground used to keep your map geographically accurate.
• Infrared. IR is electromagnetic radiation or light with longer wavelength (lower frequency) than near infrared. The benefit of IR is that it can detect heat.
• Map distortion. Map distortion refers to inaccuracies that occur when representing the Earth’s curved surface on a flat map. In drone mapping, understanding map distortion is crucial for selecting the right projection to ensure accurate measurements, particularly for large-scale projects like land surveys or infrastructure mapping. Learn more here.
• NDVI. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which is a derived image (usually from a modified RGB or near IR sensor) used primarily in agriculture.
• Near Infrared. A spectrum of light (electromagnetic radiation) that is slightly below the wavelength of visible light. NIR light reflected off a plant can be an indicator of how healthy it is. Special NIR, multispectral, or modified RGB cameras are needed to obtain this data.
• Orthomosaic. An aerial image corrected for topographic relief, camera tilt, and distortions in camera optic so that the scale of the image is uniform throughout.
• Photogrammetry. The science of taking measurements from photographs, usually those taken from the air, and using them to create 3D models.
• Point Cloud. The collection of points or coordinates on an object’s surface. This collection of points can be used to create a 3D model of an area. Point Clouds are typically derived from photogrammetric and LIDAR data.
• Relative Accuracy. Refers to how accurate a point on a map is to other points on the same map. This means that if two points on a map are X cm. apart, they should be X cm. apart in the real world.
• Resolution. The level of detail on a map. This is often measured in CM/Pixel, which means that for every pixel, X amount of CM will be represented on the map.
• RGB Camera. This is the traditional type of visual camera used in mapping. It takes a sample of Red, Green, and Blue spectrums of light to create an image.
• RTK. Real Time Kinematic satellite navigation, this is a centimeter-accurate technique of obtaining GPS (or any GNSS) data. Essentially, the RTK receiver analyzes the GPS radio signal to calculate this data. RTK is a big deal—an on board RTK receiver on a drone can negate the need for GCPs.
• Thermography. Thermography is imagery taken of the infrared spectrum of light. This imagery shows areas of heat in an object and is often used in industrial applications. Over the last few years, demand for thermographic work has been growing.
OK