Blog | 16 October 2024
Benefits of Capturing Data in Better Weather Conditions: Leaf on vs Leaf off
Historically, imagery companies have always preferred to capture data when the leaves were off the trees, and it seems that this preference has somehow carried over to roadside capture. However, with our technology the quality of our imagery actually improves when the weather is better, which typically means when the leaves are on the trees.
Use of imagery in Assessment & the difference that panoramic images make in the assessment world
Property Assessors in 1940 taking an image of a home in Kansas City.
The use of imagery in the assessment industry has a long history, dating back to the earliest days of property assessment and urban planning. Visual data has always played a critical role in providing accurate, up-to-date information for assessing property values, land use, and infrastructure conditions. As early as the 1920s, aerial photography was used by tax assessors to capture large-scale images of cities and rural areas. These images helped assessors to document land boundaries, track urban development, and verify property data.
Today, panoramic imagery is revolutionizing the way assessments are conducted. The ability to capture 360-degree views of properties, streets, and entire neighborhoods has dramatically improved the efficiency and accuracy of assessments. Panoramic images offer a much higher level of detail compared to older technologies and remove the logistical challenges of on-site visits and manual inspections by allowing assessment professionals to conduct thorough evaluations from anywhere. Contrary to static images, panoramic images provide a continuous 360-degree view of a property or environment which provides a more holistic and immersive data set. This gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of a property, and integrates better with GIS platforms.
So, why leaf-on collection?
Poorly-lit home with shadows while the sun is lower in the sky.
Better lighting
In Cyclomedia’s imagery collection process, summer provides the best conditions thanks to better sun angles. With the sun higher in the sky, shadows are shorter and less intrusive, allowing clearer visibility of streets, buildings, and infrastructure. This minimizes the risk of key details being hidden in shadowed areas, which is crucial for high-quality mapping and accurate data collection. The inclusion of full foliage also offers valuable context, helping planners assess vegetation and sightlines more effectively.
Seasonal decorations obstructing clear view of a home.
Obstruction of assets
Cyclomedia also prefers leaf-on collection because winter and fall often bring ground obstructions like fallen leaves or snow, which can obscure Public Works and Transportation assets, including manhole covers, ADA ramps, storm drains, and pavement markings. Additionally, seasonal decorations—such as those for Halloween or Christmas—can further obstruct the visibility of homes, complicating assessments. By capturing imagery in the summer, we can ensure a clearer view of these essential assets for high-quality data collection and analysis.
Well-lit home with few shadows while the sun is higher in the sky.
Longer capture timeframes
Cyclomedia also prefers to capture imagery during summer for longer collection windows. Since our capture schedules align with sunrise and sunset, the extended daylight hours in spring and summer allow for longer operational periods. The increased capture time accelerates project timelines to facilitate faster data collection and delivery, meaning we can deliver our customers their data as quickly as possible.
Leaves obstructing Public Works assets (gutter, curb).
Single department use vs jurisdiction-wide use
Cyclomedia prefers leaf-on collection because it enables the imagery to be used across multiple departments within a jurisdiction, including both Assessment and Public Works. While Assessment professionals may still find value in leaf-off imagery, Public Works teams face challenges using the same imagery if leaves cover critical assets like storm drain covers. By capturing imagery during the leaf-on season, Cyclomedia ensures that a single collection serves the needs of various departments, maximizing the usability and efficiency of the data collected.
House seen from multiple angles to see around obstructions.
Multiple angles
Cyclomedia’s ability to collect imagery during summer—when trees are in full leaf—is supported by its advanced panoramic technology. Each scene is captured from multiple angles, ensuring that even if foliage partially obstructs the view, usable imagery of the same property is available from alternative perspectives. This multi-angle approach also allows the system to “see around” structures and other potential obstructions. The result is comprehensive imagery that offers both visual context and reliable data for urban planning and infrastructure management.
From improved data visibility to streamlined access for Assessment and Public Works, capturing during leaf-on seasons ultimately ensures that our clients receive the most reliable, versatile data possible. At Cyclomedia, we’re dedicated to being at the forefront imaging technology and providing our clients with the insights they need for more effective urban planning, infrastructure management, and asset assessments.