Quick Start
Learn how to build maps with Hivemapper. This step-by-step guide will help you get started building detailed 3D maps using aerial video. No compass required.
If you have more specific questions after this quick start guide, check out the rest of our resources to the left, and if you’re still unsure after reading, contact us at hi@hivemapper.com.
1Create account
Sign up from a desktop or laptop to create a free account.
Anyone can browse our public maps on hivemapper.com/3D. However, you'll need an account to upload video to build your 3D map.
2Enable Metadata
Hivemapper is primarily for users who want to build and analyze their own 3D map. To build a terrific and fresh 3D map with Hivemapper you will need to collect your own video, preferably with gps metadata.
If flying with a DJI aircraft, enable metadata by turning on video captions in the DJI go app. Read here for information on supported metadata formats for other collection platforms.
3Use Studio
We’ve built Hivemapper Studio to be the easiest, quickest way to build a map from the ground up. Using the autonomous waypoint app Litchi, Studio will plot a course that works optimally with our system to build a clear, 3D map. Simply click here to get started in Hivemapper Studio, or learn more about flying with Litchi in our Video Collection section to the left.
4Collect video
The fastest and easiest way to get started is with a commercial drone. First, watch this short video about how to use a drone to collect video for mapping.
Find out more information on collecting using these guides:
For additional information about video collection, including information about camera settings and video metadata, visit the video collection docs.
5Upload video
The Dashboard is where you can upload your videos. Any usable video will automatically generate a map with built-in Change Detection and Object AI data.
Monitor your video and maps in the Dashboard. Depending on how many videos you uploaded, generating a 3D map can take anywhere from 30 mins to several hours.
For additional information on the uploading process, visit our more detailed uploading docs.
6View your map
Videos are available within the map they were uploaded to. When a video is processed into a 3D map and successfully registered it will be reflected in the Status and 3D map columns. Click the Open map button on any map to view all successfully processed and georegistered videos in that map and start exploring with some of Hivemapper's built-in tools including:
For additional information about using the map, visit the map docs.
