OpenDroneMap

What OpenDroneMap is

OpenDroneMap (ODM) converts point-and-shoot camera images into two- and three-dimensional geographic data, georeferenced maps, and 3D models. It accepts JPEG images, 8-bit and 16-bit TIFFs, and Ground Control Points. Its outputs include orthorectified imagery, digital surface and terrain models, textured 3D models, and classified point clouds.

ODM runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux with Docker, and it can also run natively on Windows. For applications that need image processing, NodeODM provides a REST API specification and reference implementation, while PyODM is a Python SDK. ClusterODM is a NodeODM API-compatible reverse proxy, load balancer, and task tracker for horizontal scaling. NodeODM also supports a CUDA-based GPU implementation for NVIDIA GPUs.

The installer FAQ says computers with the recommended RAM should easily process at least 100–300 images, and cloud processing can handle up to 3,000 images. With 8 GB of RAM, users cannot process more than 100 images. The project offers paid installation-support plans: Standard costs $64, paid once and Business costs $149, paid once. Both include one year of installation support, a per-user license, updates, and a 30-day money-back guarantee; Business includes priority installation support. WebODM can also be installed manually as open-source software.

Who it suits

ODM suits scientists, professionals, students, and hobbyists who need to turn aerial camera imagery into maps, terrain data, models, or point clouds. Developers can use its REST API, Python SDK, and scaling components to add aerial image processing to applications.

Limits

The free option is manual WebODM installation; there is no free installer trial. With 8 GB of RAM, users cannot process more than 100 images. The paid Standard plan includes one year of installation support, while Business includes one year of priority installation support.

Getting started

1. Visit the OpenDroneMap website.
2. Choose an operating system: Windows, Mac, or Linux with Docker, or native Windows.
3. Install WebODM manually for free, or choose a paid installation-support plan.
4. Provide JPEGs or 8-bit or 16-bit TIFFs, and Ground Control Points if needed.
5. Use NodeODM for REST API processing or PyODM to integrate processing into a Python application.

Verdict

Choose ODM if you need open-source processing of camera imagery into georeferenced maps or 3D outputs, or want its API and Python integration for an application. Look elsewhere if you need a free installer trial or need to process more than 100 images on a computer with 8 GB of RAM.