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      Processing images from GoPro cameras

      This article provides three tips on processing images with GoPro cameras:
      1) Use images with the highest resolution.
      2) Properly set up the number of images taken per second.
      3) Ensure 80% for terrestrial imagery and 60% for nadir UAV flights.

      In order to use GoPro HERO2, GoPro HERO3, GoPro HERO3+, GoPro HERO4, GoPro HERO Session, and other related GoPro cameras for processing with PIX4Dmapper:

      1. Capture images with the highest possible image resolution. Check the camera's manual or contact GoPro to verify the highest possible image resolution for the camera.

      Important: GoPro cameras can have pixel resolution of 12 MP, 7 MP, 5 MP. The 12 MP resolution has bigger distortions. PIX4Dmapper can manage these distortions. GoPro cameras are fisheye cameras. The images should be taken with the 12 MP resolution or the highest resolution. This is because higher pixel resolution leads to more points for the reconstruction. Never downgrade, edit, or modify the images. Fisheye images work very well for 3D modeling and do not need to be modified.

      2. If you cannot trigger the camera based on distance, set up the image rate to take an image every n seconds using GoPro's photo time-lapse:

      n depends on the speed of the camera movement:

          • For walking: n = 0.5 − 1 seconds
          • For flying with Phantom Vision: n = 1 − 2 seconds

      3. Ensure sufficient overlap (at least 80% for terrestrial imagery, and 60% for nadir UAV flights: for more information about recommended flight plans: Step 1. Before Starting a Project > 1. Designing the Image Acquisition Plan - PIX4Dmapper).

      Last but not least, create a project and process the images following the step-by-step instructions: Getting Started Index - PIX4Dmapper.

      PIX4Dmapper can also process video frames obtained with the GoPro Hero4 Black.

      In order to process frames from the GoPro Hero4 Black:

      1. Acquire the video using the 4K resolution.
      2. Create a new project importing the video captured. For step-by-step instructions: How to use Videos for Processing - PIX4Dmapper
      3. Ensure that the right camera model is selected: HERO4Black_0.0_3840x2160_4k_video. For more information on how to edit the camera model: How to use the Editing Camera Model Options - PIX4Dmapper