Drone Generated Spherical Panoramas

Drones can be a useful, but limited tool in creating Spherically Mapped Panoramas. Due to the propellers being in the way, most drones can't take pictures facing directly above. An algorithm is used to "blend" the uncaptured area into the lower sections to produce the final image. This can sometimes be considered acceptable, depending on one's needs. This technique works best when there are no clouds or there is a ubiquitous grey sky.

The examples below, are provided to show the issues and limitations of drone panoramas. But because they are quick and automatic, they are very affordable compared to a Photographer manually using a Pano-Head on a DSLR camera.

As a flat image, they look a bit strange and distorted. But mapping them on a 3D Sphere, brings them to life.

Most Interactive Panoramas are hosted via online sites that can provide hyperlinks, tags and site-maps to create "Virtual Tours". These are useful to clients in Real Estate, Construction, Education, Venue Rentals, Business Promotion, etc. Check out Momento360 & Kuula. Both companies offer free-to-paid hosting services that add custom branding and many additional immersive features (like audio) for additional cost.