3D scanning with drones

I need some advice. Im wanting a drone to

A. Take pictures straight down providing a plan view.

B. To carry a 3D scanner such as this that i can 3D scan buildings with
http://m.ebuyer.com/623307
This scanner (cheapest on the market) might have to be modified slightly to get the range to do architectural stuff but i think itll do. If not a larger (heavier) model will be needed.

Any suggestions what drone might be best?

 

The hand held scanners may work, but the resolution will not be what you may need.....

The pix4d.com stuff webman posted is about as close as your going to get to real 3d mapping on a "consumer grade" UAV.

LIDAR systems may be your answer, ( https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper-lidar.php , http://www.leica-geosystems.us/en/Airborne-LIDAR_86814.htm , http://www.vision-systems.com/articles/2010/08/advanced-scientific-concepts-releases-tigereye-3d-flash-lidar-camera.html among others ) along with a high quality camera would be better.

These range from cheap (kickstarter has some) to way over priced (aerospace NASA stuff) systems.

Then also remember the legal stuff, this might fall under "commercial use" and have to be FAA approved, your local laws may even prevent this type of use.........still grey areas so do your homework and find out.

It is a immature market place right now too, there are lots of ideas floating around at lots of companies........what might not be available today will surely hit the market soon.

 

I will add one thing, I have seen some systems that do what you describe or should I say similar to what you describe. The pictures and scans I have seen are amazing..............

These systems are not available to the public, but where they are used is where most of the consumer grade systems come from. Give it some time and we will see even more consumer UAV's with the same technology incorperated.