Quick Start
Learn how to build maps with Hivemapper. Our step-by-step guides, tutorials, and examples will help you get started building detailed 3D maps using aerial video. No compass required.
If you still have questions about Hivemapper, start by watching the Intro Video or 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.
3Collect 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.
4Upload 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's progress on 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.
5View your map
Videos that have successfully generated a map will be marked green in the status bar. Select that video by clicking View 3D maps from this video, and start exploring with some of Hivemapper's built in tools including:
For additional information about using the map, visit the map docs.
