Who can use this feature
Editors of a project within a Professional or Pro + workspace.
Anyone who accesses a project where a height layer has already been calculated will be able to see the height layer.
As we process your drone mapping data to create an orthomosaic, we also create a digital surface model (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM). It is the difference between these two layers that returns object heights.
But don't worry, you don't need to do the math yourself, we'll take care of that for you :)
Select your dataset
From the top menu bar, select the object heights tool
This will create a new layer for you on your map and in the table of contents. Brighter colored pixels will represent your taller objects. The dark regions of your new image will have values close to 0, and represent those areas where the DSM is similar to the DTM. This typically means areas with no buildings or trees.
Note that this tool does not work well in areas of dense vegetation where our models find it difficult to extract a true DTM if the ground can't be seen.
If you're keen to know the actual value of any pixel in your height image, simply use the inspect tool.
Other ways to access the tool
Of course there are many ways to perform different operations on GeoNadir. Try these to find the one that best suits you!
Right click the dataset
Hover to expand 3D analysis
Click Calculate height
OR
Select a dataset
Use the keyboard shortcut
Shift + H
OR
Select a dataset
Open the toolbox from the top menu bar
Hover to expand 3D analysis
Click Calculate height
Limitations
Note that the accuracy of this tool is dependent on the quality of your input data and the derived DSMs and DTMs. Results will be less accurate where the ground cannot be distinguished in the digital elevation models, such as in areas of dense canopy cover or very large buildings. For best results, use GCPs as part of your processing workflow, and always 'sense check' the outcome.
Troubleshooting
If you can't access the Calculate height tool, check the following:
You need to be an editor in the project or workspace that you are performing the operation.
The tool will only be active when a dataset that contains both a DSM and DTM is selected.
If a height layer has already been calculated for a dataset, it is not possible to calculate it again, so the option will be greyed out.
If you no longer want to have the height layer as part of the dataset in your project, you will need to remove the dataset from your project and add it back in.