Introduction

SkyMap processes drone-captured imagery into georeferenced aerial datasets within CupixWorks, enabling consistent spatial alignment across drone, 360°, and BIM data.

Through an integrated workflow across CupixConnect, SkyMap Editor, and SiteView, users can generate, publish, and visualize aerial maps to support site verification, progress tracking, and project coordination.

Note: SkyMap is available with a Unified license only.

Permissions Overview

Access to SkyMap features depends on the user’s project role and workspace permissions. The table below summarizes available actions for each role.

Workflow Overview

The SkyMap workflow includes three main phases:

1. Upload 

Import drone images through CupixConnect for cloud processing. During upload, you can optionally define a Coordinate Reference System (CRS) and add Ground Control Points (GCPs) to improve georeferencing accuracy for civil and survey workflows. 

Note: Available to Project Members or higher

Note: Drone Photo Upload is available in CupixConnect version 4.6.4 and later.

2. Edit and Publish 

Review processing results, verify GCP accuracy and RMS error, take measurements, compare with BIM, visualize 3D flight paths, adjust the vertical (Z) offset, and publish the aerial map in the SkyMap Editor. 

Note: Available to Project Admins or higher

3. Visualize 

View published aerial maps in SiteView for 2D and 3D analysis with other project data by using Compare View, and use standard SiteView features such as Annotations, Measurements, and Bookmarks. (Accessible to users with SiteView access)

Upload Drone Images

Drone images are uploaded and processed in CupixConnect to generate aerial maps.

Capture Modes

• Nadir – Images captured vertically (camera facing downward). Ideal for Orthomosaic and DSM outputs.
• Oblique – Images captured at an angle to capture façades and vertical structures. Recommended for 3D outputs such as point cloud or mesh.

Output Types

Up to four types of results can be generated:

Note: For detailed upload steps and image requirements, see the Upload Drone Images via CupixConnect article.

Edit and Publish in SkyMap Editor

After processing, the aerial map becomes available in the SkyMap Editor, where you can:

• Review data quality – Verify the accuracy and completeness of processed results in 2D or 3D.
• Review GCP accuracy — If Ground Control Points were provided during upload, verify the RMS error for each GCP and review matched drone images before publishing.
• Measure and validate — Use measurement tools (distance, area, volume, angle, and more) to verify spatial accuracy of processing results before publishing.
• Compare with BIM — Enable BIM Compare to view the BIM model alongside the aerial map for side-by-side verification in 2D and 3D.
• Visualize 3D flight path — Review the drone’s flight trajectory, camera positions, and camera orientation in 3D to assess capture coverage and diagnose quality issues.
• Adjust vertical (Z) offset – Align the aerial map with other datasets in the project.
• Select output types to publish – Choose which data types (Ortho, DSM, Point Cloud, Mesh) will be available in SiteView.

Note: Only published aerial maps appear in SiteView. For details on reviewing and publishing maps, see the SkyMap Editor article.

Visualize in SiteView

Once published, aerial maps can be viewed in SkyMap mode within SiteView. Users can visualize and analyze georeferenced 2D or 3D data alongside other project datasets, supporting the following features:

• 2D and 3D visualization of published datasets, including Orthomosaic, DSM, Point Cloud, and Mesh
• Integration with BIM Compare and Timeline Compare for model-to-as-built and time-based analysis
• Use of Annotations, Measurements, and Bookmarks for spatial documentation and reporting

Note: For details on viewing and analysis features, see the SkyMap in SiteView article.

Related Articles

• Upload Drone Photos for SkyMap
• SkyMap Editor
• SkyMap in SiteView
• Supported Drones for SkyMap