Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

WebODM VS RealityCapture

Compare WebODM VS RealityCapture and see what are their differences

WebODM logo WebODM

WebODM. Drone Mapping Software. Generate maps, point clouds, DEMs and 3D models from aerial images. Runs on your computer, even offline. No monthly fees.

RealityCapture logo RealityCapture

RealityCapture is a software solution which automatically produces high resolution 3D models from photographs or laser-scans.
  • WebODM Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-10
  • RealityCapture Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-29

WebODM features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    Being an open-source platform, WebODM is free to use, which can substantially reduce costs associated with commercial drone data processing software.
  • Flexibility
    WebODM supports a wide range of data inputs (e.g., images from various drone cameras), enabling users to work with different types of drones and cameras.
  • Customizability
    The open-source nature allows for custom modifications and integrations to suit specific needs, making it highly adaptable for various projects.
  • Community Support
    A large, active community of users and developers can provide support, share knowledge, and contribute to ongoing improvements and features.
  • Local Processing
    Allows for local processing of data, which can improve security and performance by keeping data on premise rather than uploading it to a cloud service.

Possible disadvantages of WebODM

  • Learning Curve
    May require a significant amount of time to learn and master, especially for users who are not familiar with GIS and remote sensing technologies.
  • Technical Support
    Lacks the dedicated technical support that commercial software solutions offer, which can be an issue for troubleshooting complex problems.
  • Performance
    As an open-source tool, WebODM might not be as optimized for performance as some commercial alternatives, potentially leading to slower processing times.
  • Hardware Requirements
    Requires significant computational resources for processing large datasets, which may necessitate investment in high-performance hardware.
  • Limited Features
    While powerful, WebODM may lack some advanced features and tools that are present in more expensive, proprietary software applications.

RealityCapture features and specs

  • High Accuracy
    RealityCapture offers highly accurate photogrammetric 3D reconstructions, leading to precise and reliable models.
  • Fast Processing Speed
    The software is known for its rapid data processing capabilities, which significantly reduces the time needed to generate models.
  • Wide Range of Inputs
    Supports various input sources such as images, laser scans, and drone footage, making it versatile for different projects.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it accessible even for users who are new to photogrammetry.
  • Scalability
    Effective at handling large datasets, making it suitable for large-scale projects.

Possible disadvantages of RealityCapture

  • High System Requirements
    Demands high-end hardware for optimal performance, which can be a barrier for some users.
  • Cost
    The software may be considered expensive compared to other photogrammetry solutions on the market.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering all the advanced features can take time and effort.
  • Limited MacOS Support
    Primarily designed for Windows, with limited functionality and support for MacOS users.
  • Licensing Restrictions
    License terms and conditions can be restrictive for certain types of commercial use, which may not align with every project's requirements.

Analysis of WebODM

Overall verdict

  • Yes, WebODM is considered a good choice for many users who need a robust and versatile tool for drone image processing. It balances comprehensive functionality with ease of use and comes at no cost, which makes it particularly appealing to smaller organizations or individuals looking to integrate drone mapping into their projects.

Why this product is good

  • WebODM is a popular open-source tool for processing drone imagery. It stands out due to its accessibility, flexibility with different data types, and the active community contributing to its development. It provides features such as 3D model generation, ground control point integration, and a user-friendly interface that make it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for cost-effective and portable mapping software.

Recommended for

  • GIS professionals seeking an affordable open-source solution
  • Researchers needing customizable options for processing aerial data
  • Hobbyists and drone enthusiasts interested in mapping and 3D modeling
  • Educational institutions teaching courses on remote sensing and GIS

Analysis of RealityCapture

Overall verdict

  • RealityCapture is generally regarded as a good choice for professionals seeking a robust photogrammetry tool. Its advanced features and efficiency set it apart from many competitors, making it a favored option in various fields that require precise 3D modeling.

Why this product is good

  • RealityCapture is considered a powerful photogrammetry software due to its speed and ability to process large datasets. It effectively transforms photos and laser scans into detailed 3D models and environments. The software is appreciated for its accuracy and the quality of the outputs, which are often used in industries such as gaming, visual effects, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Recommended for

  • Photogrammetry professionals
  • 3D artists
  • Game developers
  • Architects
  • Cultural heritage preservationists

WebODM videos

From A Drone Job Site To A Quickly Rendered Model With WebODM

More videos:

  • Review - WebODM Revisited - Open Source Drone Mapping

RealityCapture videos

RealityCapture to UE5

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WebODM and RealityCapture)
3D
34 34%
66% 66
Architecture
29 29%
71% 71
Photos & Graphics
43 43%
57% 57
Freelance
27 27%
73% 73

User comments

Share your experience with using WebODM and RealityCapture. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, WebODM seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

WebODM mentions (1)

  • Generating aerial imagery with your iPhone's Lidar sensor
    > could I strap my Pro to my old DJI drone and create some photogrammetry of my house or whatever? Yep that should be possible - as long as you flow below 5 metres though! If you have a drone and are somewhere that is legal & safe to fly, photogrammetry (3d model from just visual photos) will likely give a better result than relying on the iPhone LiDAR stitching. Set the drone image self timer to 2 seconds, fly... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

RealityCapture mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of RealityCapture yet. Tracking of RealityCapture recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing WebODM and RealityCapture, you can also consider the following products

Regard3D - Regard3D is a free, multiplatform, open-source structure-from-motion application.

Skycatch - Commercial drone data solutions for modern businesses.

Pix4Dmapper - Photogrammetry software for professional drone-based mapping, purely from images.

ContextCapture - Acute3D develops breakthrough photogrammetry software solutions to automatically turn photos into photorealistic high resolution 3D models

Botlink - Botlink enables users to fly drones, create aerial maps, and automatically sync those maps with...

3DF Zephyr - Next up in my series of Photogrammetry Software Reviews — after ReMake, PhotoScan & RealityCapture — is 3DF Zephyr (including the Free version).