Install Required Software

Install Required Software#

Agisoft Metashape#

Agisoft Metashape is a 3D modeling software using photogrammetry. Download the Professional version here. You can use Metashape without saving for an unlimited time. To save your work, you will need to begin a 30-day trial. Do not begin the 30-day trial until class starts. Instead, use the software in Demo mode.

QGIS#

QGIS is an open source GIS software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Download the Long Term Version here.

UFApps#

UFApps is an online virtual desktop that provides access to much of the software listed on this page (aside from Agisoft Metashape and Cloud Compare). Login to UF Apps and select either the Native Client or the HTML access. If you choose the former, you will have to download and install the Horizon Client. If using the HTML access, select UFApps Graphics for Adobe Photoshop and ArcGIS Pro, or UFApps Regular for QGIS. To open software in UF Apps, click the Windows button at the bottom center and search for the software, then click to open. To manage files, you will have to use the M Drive, accessible from the virtual desktop. To upload files to the M Drive, click on the side bar to the left, and the Open File Transfer panel at the top of the side bar. Click Upload, and Choose Files. To download files to your computer from the M Drive, click Download, then open a new window with your M Drive, navigate to the file you want to transfer, select it, and click CTRL + C or COMMAND + C. The file should appear in the File Transfer panel, click the download arrow, and select the download location. Transferring files is easier with the Horizon Client. Open the M Drive in the Horizon Client and open a separate file folder on your local computer. Highlight and drag the files from your local computer to the M Drive.

USGS Earth Explorer#

To access data for the class, you will need a USGS Earth Explorer account. Sign up here.

Google Earth Pro#

Download Google Earth Pro for desktop here.

Google Earth Engine#

Register for Google Earth Engine here. You can login with your UF email or a personal Gmail account.

R#

Download R and RStudio here.

Cloud Compare#

Cloud Compare is a point cloud software. Download the latest stable release here.

Other Optional Software#

ArcGIS Pro#

A license for ArcGIS Pro is available for University of Florida students through the GeoPlan Center. Follow the instructions to download the most recent version. During the installation, you may be prompted to update Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime. Click on the link provided in the pop-up window, and download the specific version listed (currently version 8, x64). ArcGIS Pro is only available for Windows. To use ArcGIS Pro, you will need to sign in under the option “Your ArcGIS organization’s URL” at ufl.maps.arcgis.com.

LAStools#

LAStools is a suite of tools for Windows and Linux for processing, analyzing, and viewing LiDAR data. Download LAStools directly to your C Drive here. Most tools require a license, though some are open source.

Pix4Dcapture Pro#

Pix4Dcapture Pro is a smartphone app for planning drone surveys. You will need to register for an account. Some features are only available with a paid subscription (30 day trial), but basic features are free.

RealityCapture#

RealityCapture is a free photogrammetry software and a good alternative to Agisoft Metashape. Go to https://www.capturingreality.com/ and click on the Download now button at the top right of the page. Download the Epic Games Launcher and open the installer. Click through the default installation options, and click Update if prompted after installing. You will then need to create an account or link an existing account (for example, through Google, Apple, etc.). Once linked, click Continue. Open Epic Games and enter the confirmation code that was sent to your email. Once Epic Games is open, click on Unreal Engine and then RealityCapture. Click Download. Once installed, RealityCapture should be available under Library in the Epic Games Launcher. Note that the Epic Games Launcher is automatically added to your Startup apps. Turn off this setting if needed.