Tools for Drones

    GSD Calculator

    Work out flight height, image resolution and footprint.

    1

    Drone & camera

    Flight height

    3

    Survey requirement

    Common targets: construction 1–2 cm/px, mapping 2–5 cm/px, agriculture 5–10 cm/px.

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    Select a drone and enter flight height to calculate GSD.

    Select a drone and enter flight height to calculate GSD

    About this tool

    Estimate ground sample distance from your camera and flight height. Compare the result with your survey requirement before you fly.

    How it works

    1. Choose a camera preset or enter custom specs.
    2. Set the flight height.
    3. Review GSD, footprint and the survey verdict.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does GSD mean?

    Ground sample distance is the ground width one image pixel covers. A smaller GSD means finer detail.

    Does GSD guarantee survey accuracy?

    No. GSD describes image resolution. Accuracy also depends on image quality, positioning, ground control and processing.

    How do I get a smaller GSD?

    Fly lower or use a camera with a longer focal length or smaller pixels. Lower flights cover less ground per image.