Jun 11, 2026

AC3 Bee Hunting: Procedure for creating an orthomosaic with Polycam

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l2x5nxv1y/v1
  • 1Arecibo C3;
  • 2Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Río Piedras;
  • 3Escuela Secundaria UPR;
  • 4Escuela con Causa Rosalina Caraballo;
  • 5Escuela Pedro Falú Orellano
Jaime W Abreu-Ramos
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l2x5nxv1y/v1
Protocol Citation: Jaime W Abreu-Ramos, Jesús Castro-González, Brenda Mojica-Figueroa, Cynthia Torres-Ramos, Michael Vegas-Vazquez, Ariana Rodríguez-Flores, Lizbeth Alvarado-Vargas, Jose L Agosto-Rivera 2026. AC3 Bee Hunting: Procedure for creating an orthomosaic with Polycam. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l2x5nxv1y/v1
License: This is an open access  protocol  distributed under the terms of the  Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: June 09, 2026
Last Modified: June 11, 2026
Protocol  Integer ID: 318791
Keywords: Keywords: Orthomosaic, Polycam, Photogrammetry, 3D Modeling, Image Processing, Cloud Storage., orthomosaic with polycam, generating digital orthomosaic, digital orthomosaic, polycam, polycam web platform, ac3 bee hunting, final orthomosaic, captured image dataset, photo, based reconstruction, image dataset
Funders Acknowledgements:
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321760
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321761
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321759
Abstract
This protocol outlines the steps for generating digital orthomosaics using the Polycam web platform. Users upload a captured image dataset (between 20 and 2,000 photos), configure the project settings to "Raw" quality and "Sequential" processing, and initiate the cloud-based reconstruction. Once processing is complete, the final orthomosaic can be visualized, exported in the desired format, and downloaded for local or cloud storage.
Attachments
Icon for Figures AC3.pdf
Figures AC3.pdf
1.6MB
Guidelines
Use clear, high-quality images taken from multiple angles with consistent lighting. Keep the subject centered and avoid blurry, repeated, or obstructed photos. Organize files before uploading them to Polycam, then review the generated model carefully for gaps, distortions, or missing details before exporting or sharing.
Safety warnings
Polycam may stop processing or limit access when using the free version. Check image quality, upload status, and account limits. For longer processing time or extended use, a paid Polycam account may be required.
Ethics statement
Before starting, ensure that all images were collected safely, legally, and with proper permission. Do not disturb wildlife, habitats, nests, dens, or protected areas during image collection. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working outdoors. Avoid including identifiable people, private locations, or sensitive data without consent. Follow ethical research practices and local safety regulations at all times.
Create an Orthomosaic
Access Polycam through the following link: Poly.cam (see Figure 1).
Log in to your account. If you do not have an account, create one (see Figure 2).
On the main page, click (+ Create) (see Figure 3).
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From the (+ Create) menu, select Create model from images/video (see Figure 4).
Upload the images you captured by selecting Choose from file system (see Figure 5).
Make sure your project meets the following requirements: a minimum of 20 photographs and a maximum of 150 photographs in the free version.
On the Create screen:
Assign a name to your project in the Name field (see Figure 6).
Below Name and Photogrammetry, select Raw (This option provides the highest-quality version) (see Figure 6).
Then, click the Advanced Settings tab on the right-hand side and select Sequential  (see Figure 6).
To process, click "Upload & Process" (see Figure 7).
Wait for the processing to finish (it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on your internet connection and image resolution).
Select the created orthomosaic (see Figure 8).
View the created orthomosaic (see Figure 9).
Click Download (see Figure 9).
Select the most suitable format for your project (see Figure 10).
Click Export and save the file locally or to the cloud (see Figure 10).
Protocol references
Jaime W. Abreu Ramos:
Headed the project team and the writing and editing the final protocol. Managed all troubleshooting related to protocol development and successfully obtained financing for the drone acquisition.
Jesús Castro González: Significantly drove all troubleshooting efforts related to protocol development and participated in writing and editing the final protocol.
Amilcar Vélez Flores: Instructed the team on the geographical principles and practical methodologies necessary to generate orthomosaics.
Brenda Mojica Figueroa: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Cynthia Torres-Ramos: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Michael Vegas Vazquez: Collaborated on the drafting and editing of the protocol.
Ariana Rodríguez Flores: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol and facilitated training for the deployment of the publishing platform.
Lizbeth Alvarado Vargas: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol and facilitated training for the deployment of the publishing platform.
José L. Agosto-Rivera: Collaborated on the editing of the protocol.
Acknowledgements
This protocol was supported by the NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement.