Drone Data Defect Mapping Specialist

# Upwork Job Description: Geospatial Defect Overlay Developer ## Job Title **Drone Data Defect Mapping Specialist — 3D Model & 2D Aerial Image Overlay (Geospatial / WebGL)** --- ## Project Overview We are building an AI-powered drone inspection and infrastructure monitoring platform. The platform processes raw drone imagery into 3D GLB models and 2D high-definition birds eye view images (ortho mosaics), which are displayed in a web-based dashboard. Our AI vision system automatically detects defects, cracks, and structural issues from drone imagery. We now need these detected defects to be accurately placed as interactive markers/pins directly onto: 1. **The 3D GLB model** — defect pins placed at the correct 3D coordinates, visible and clickable in the 3D viewer 2. **The 2D birds eye view image** — defect markers overlaid at the correct geo-referenced pixel positions on the top-down aerial image --- ## What We Need Built ### 1. Defect Overlay on 2D Birds Eye View (Ortho Mosaic) - Load a geo-referenced 2D aerial image (GeoTIFF or standard image with known bounds) - Convert GPS coordinates of each detected defect into pixel positions on the image - Render interactive markers/pins at correct positions using a mapping library (Leaflet.js, OpenLayers, or MapboxGL) - Each marker must be clickable — showing defect type, severity, description, and photo evidence - Support zoom and pan while markers remain accurately positioned - Color-coded markers by severity (critical, moderate, minor) - Filter defects by type or severity ### 2. Defect Overlay on 3D GLB Model - Load and render 3D GLB models in the browser (Three.js or similar) - Place 3D markers/pins at correct XYZ coordinates on the model surface - Markers must remain fixed to the model surface during rotation, zoom, and pan - Clickable markers showing defect details panel - Support for large GLB files (potentially 500MB+) - Smooth performance on standard hardware ### 3. Defect Data Integration - Accept defect data in JSON format (GPS coordinates, defect type, severity, description, image URLs) - Map GPS coordinates to both 2D pixel positions and 3D model coordinates - Handle coordinate system transformations where required --- ## Tech Stack - **Frontend:** React / Next.js - **3D Rendering:** Three.js or React Three Fiber - **2D Mapping:** Leaflet.js, OpenLayers, or MapboxGL - **Backend:** Node.js / Supabase - **Storage:** Cloudflare R2 - **Deployment:** Railway / AWS --- ## Required Skills and Experience - Strong experience with **geospatial data** and coordinate system transformations (GPS to pixel, WGS84, etc.) - Proficiency in **Three.js** or **React Three Fiber** for 3D model rendering and interaction - Experience with **Leaflet.js, MapboxGL, or OpenLayers** for interactive map layers - Experience working with **GeoTIFF, GLB/GLTF** file formats - Understanding of **drone mapping outputs** — ortho mosaics, point clouds, 3D meshes - React/Next.js frontend development - Ability to handle large file rendering performance optimisation --- ## Nice to Have - Experience with **Pix4D, DJI Terra, or Agisoft Metashape** outputs - Familiarity with **photogrammetry** workflows - Experience with **WebGL** performance optimisation for large 3D models - Previous work on **drone inspection or infrastructure monitoring** platforms --- ## Project Scope This is an **hourly rate engagement** starting with a small paid test task to assess fit before committing to the full scope. **Test task (paid):** Place defect markers on a sample 2D aerial image and a sample GLB model using provided test data. Estimated 4–8 hours. **Full scope** (if test task is successful): Full integration into our existing React dashboard — estimated 40–80 hours depending on complexity. --- ## What We Will Provide - Sample GLB model files for testing - Sample ortho mosaic images with known geo bounds - Sample defect JSON data with GPS coordinates - Access to our existing React codebase (NDA required) - Clear specifications and responsive communication --- ## Budget Hourly rate — please state your rate and relevant experience in your proposal. Preference for developers who have **previously worked on drone data visualisation, GIS mapping applications, or 3D inspection platforms.** --- ## How to Apply Please include in your proposal: 1. Your relevant experience with geospatial overlays or 3D model annotation 2. Examples of similar work (links or screenshots) 3. Your proposed approach to the coordinate transformation challenge 4. Your hourly rate 5. Estimated hours for the test task **Serious applicants only. We move fast and need someone who can start within the week.**