Photogrammetry as easy and a

rapid-documentation tool

-Theoretical basis of Photogrammetric recording.

- Hardware and software for Photogrammetric recording
Lesson outline
• What is Photogrammetry?
• History of Photogrammetry?
• Development Cycle of Photogrammetry
• How Does Photogrammetry Works?
• What Is Needed For Photogrammetry?
• What Is The Importance of Photogrammetry?
• Types of Photogrammetry?
• Aerial Photogrammetry
• Terrestrial and Close-Range Photogrammetry
• Conclusion
 What is photogrammetry in simple words?
 Photogrammetry is the science of making reliable measurements by the use of
photographs and especially aerial photographs (as in surveying)

The use of photogrammetry and 3D modelling has been growing as a

result of their efficiency and versatility in generating high-quality,
accurate results. Today, photogrammetry is used in a variety of fields like
anthropology, archaeology, cultural heritage, geology, landscape
architecture, civil engineering, surveying and mapping. Let’s start with
the photogrammetry basics.

Photogrammetry is useful in the world of 3D printing as it’s a technique

for 3D scanning. It allows you to capture large objects, such as buildings and
landscapes, that would be impossible to scan any other way.
Photogrammetry software is also often more accessible and affordable, as it
can be as simple as inputting a photo from your smartphone’s camera into
the software and then having a 3D reconstruction automatically generated.
What is Photogrammetry?
 Photogrammetry is a type of photography that is used to create 3D objects or
environments from photographs. In this process, a light source is usually used
to project an image on a surface in order to create an accurate representation
of the object.
 Photogrammetry has existed for quite some time, but the technology has been
adopted in the last decade due to recent advancements in digital cameras and
software.

In photogrammetry, one typically uses multiple photos

taken from different angles in order to generate a
detailed 3D model of an object or environment. As
these photos are traced by grid coordinates on the
model, they allow for more accuracy and detail than
traditional methods such as using cameras or laser
scanners to map out an object’s shape.
History of Photogrammetry
 Photogrammetry was first invented in the 1800s. Photogrammetry is the science of
making three-dimensional maps based on photographs, which is a modern version of
the ancient technique of using drawings to create maps.
 The first applications of photogrammetry were indeed maps: In 1840 a French
surveyor named Dominique François Jean Arago used some photographs to create a
topographic map.
 In 1858, Albrecht Meydenbauer, a young architect, had the idea to use photographic images
for the documentation of buildings. From this moment he worked with great enthusiasm for
the technical realization of his idea, and he fought against many obstacles for its acceptance as
a documentation method. Meydenbauer was aware of upcoming risks for cultural objects. He Dominique François Jean Arago
was convinced that the most important cultural heritage objects should be recorded in such a
way that they could even be reconstructed in cases of destruction.
 In 1885 Meydenbauer succeeded, and the very first photogrammetric institution worldwide
was established in Berlin for the photogrammetric documentation of cultural heritage objects.
Between 1885 and 1920 the »Meßbildanstalt« recorded about 2,600 objects in about 20,000
photogrammetric images on glass plates.
 The term photogrammetry was coined by the Prussian architect Albrecht Meydenbauer, which
appeared in his 1867 article "Die Photometrographie.
 From todays point of view Meydenbauer was not only one of the successful inventors of
photogrammetry, but also a pioneer of cultural heritage documentation.

Albrecht Meydenbauer
 Development Cycle of Photogrammetry

 Photogrammetry has done four cycles from the year 1850, each lasting about
fifty years. These cycles include:
 Plane Table Photogrammetry: Plane table photogrammetry started from the
year 1850 to 1900. Images are taken and then the user drew the perspective
lines.
 Analog Photogrammetry: Started from the year 1900 to 1960. Optical or
mechanical instruments are used to create 3D objects.
 Analytical Photogrammetry: from about 1960 to till present. Mathematical
methods are used for measurement by using photographs.
 Digital Photogrammetry: Digital Photogrammetry just beginning at present.
Digital Photogrammetry is a technology that uses sensors or cameras to
capture 3D point clouds and convert them into geometrically accurate digital
models.
How Does Photogrammetry Works?
 Photogrammetry is a technology
that uses light detection to capture
digital images of real-world objects.
This technique can be used for 3D
scanning, which captures the shapes
and geometry of an object.
 There are also ways to use
photogrammetric techniques to
digitize natural objects such as
plants, rocks, or even animals.
 In order to visualize the surface of an
object with photogrammetry, it must
be lit up with special lighting
equipment that sends out light
beams in specific patterns.
What Is Needed For Photogrammetry?

 This process involves capturing images of a subject, such as a building or

landscape, to create three-dimensional models.
 First of all, you need an object and it can be anything from a building to a
landscape.
 The next thing you need, is a digital camera, tripod, computer and
Photogrammetry Software.
 You can use a DSLR Camera for good quality or a smartphone camera can also
be used with correct exposure and no motion blur.
 After taking a lot of images you need to convert these images into a 3D model,
thus you need Photogrammetry Software.
What Is The Importance of Photogrammetry?
 Photogrammetry is an important technology in the field of computer graphics.
It is the direct use of photography to create 3D models.
 There are many benefits to using photogrammetry to create 3D models,
including building better and more realistic products and creating more
accurate 3D game characters.
 The most significant benefit, however, is that it allows for a much faster
turnaround of work than other methods such as digital modelling or traditional
sculpting techniques.
Types of Photogrammetry?
 It is a special type of computer graphics for producing three-dimensional digital
models of objects based on images taken from different angles.
 There Are Two Types of Photogrammetry:
1. Aerial Photogrammetry

2. Terrestrial and Close-range Photogrammetry

Aerial Photogrammetry
 Aerial Photogrammetry is a type of Photogrammetry that uses digital cameras
to capture images from a high-altitude perspective. A complete high-resolution
image is generated by integrating many individual photos taken during the
flight.
 With its ability to gather data quickly from a very high altitude, it can provide a
wealth of information about environments that are otherwise inaccessible.
 Aerial photography has gained a lot of popularity over the past decade. With the
advancement in technology, aerial photographers can now take their photos
from a drone or an aeroplane.
Terrestrial and Close-Range Photogrammetry
 In Terrestrial and Close-Range Photogrammetry, the camera is located on the
ground itself. It typically produces a non-topographic and artistic product such
as drawings, 3D Models and measurements.
 An everyday camera can be used to measure buildings, structures and scenes,
etc. This type of photogrammetry is called as Image-Based Modeling.
 Terrestrial photogrammetry also uses
stereophotogrammetric cameras. These cameras are
two identical cameras rigidly mounted parallel to each
other on a certain basis, so that the optical axes of
these cameras are perpendicular to the basis. As a
result of photogrammetric calibration of
stereophotogrammetric cameras, not only the
elements of the internal orientation of the shooting
cameras are determined, but also the elements of
their external orientation in a predetermined
coordinate system of the stereophotogrammetric
camera, for example, in the coordinate system of the
left camera.In this case, during photogrammetric
processing of images taken by a
stereophotogrammetric camera, the coordinates of
the points of the photographed object can be obtained
in the coordinate system of the
stereophotogrammetric camera using the direct
photogrammetric section formulas.
Best Photogrammetry Softwares
• Autodesk ReCap Pro: Best BIM Photogrammetry Software
• Agisoft Metashape: Professional Software with Machine Learning
Reality Capture - is a photogrammetry software solution that helps you create 3D
models from photographs or laser scans.
• Meshroom: Best Free Photogrammetry Software
• Pix4D
• 3DF Zephyr: Powerful User-Friendly Photogrammetry Software
• Regard3D: Best Free SfM Photogrammetry Software
• PhotoModeler: Best Photogrammetry Software for CAD & CNC
• WebODM: Free Drone Photogrammetry Software
• RealityCapture: Fastest Photogrammetry Software
Comparison of photogrammetry software
Autodesk ReCap Pro – Best BIM Photogrammetry
Software

Autodesk ReCap Pro, ReCap being an acronym for ‘reality capture’, is used for 3D
reality capture via photogrammetry. It converts photographs into accurate 3D models
that you can use in your project. The software can be used for both aerial and
terrestrial photogrammetry.
Agisoft Metashape – Professional Software with
Machine Learning

Formerly known as Agisoft Photoscan, Agisoft Metashape is a professional

photogrammetry software often used for Geographic Information System
applications, game development, cultural heritage documentation, visual effects,
and indirect measurements of objects of various scales.
Meshroom – Best Free Photogrammetry Software

You don’t need to break the bank to use quality photogrammetry software.
Meshroom is free, open-source 3D reconstruction software developed by
AliceVision, a photogrammetric computer vision framework.
Conclusion:
 As digital data becomes the most common form of content, the need for
accurate and quick generation of digital data has become significant. One such
technology that can be used to generate and capture digital data is
photogrammetry.
 The Takeaways Are:
 Photogrammetry is used for creating 3D models by taking photographs and
then processing them into 3D models using computer software. The process
involves measuring one or more points on an object by using photographs
taken from different angles to create a 3D model with as much detail as
possible.