Photogrammetry

Introduction to the concept and workflows associated with Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a process that converts a series of 2D photos into 3D spatial data using a camera and software. Agisoft Metashape is the photogrammetry software of choice in the MSD. This software can be used to generate point cloud and mesh data. A little skill in photography is required as these photos will need to be taken manually.

Get Started

Training LMS ⧉

Complete relevant 3D Scanning training modules to access Equipment Loans.

Equipment Loan ⧉

Loan from the Media Hub once you have finished your training.

Consultations ⧉

Consult one of our Technicians about your projects or for technical guidance.

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Photogrammetry Process

Theory

Understanding the theory will help in your photo-taking process.

Photogrammetry Theory

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Evaluation

Before you begin, refer to the Benchmarking Guide to identify if your subject is fit for photogrammetry. Take note of any supplementary techniques that are required if any specific features are lacking or require additional help.

Photogrammetry Benchmark

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Plan

Plan around the evaluation and implement any supplementary techniques. At this stage, we encourage to have a concrete plan on how to approach the photography stage.

Plan out your route around the object, it is best to sketch this out:

• Where you will walk

• Position from where to take photos

• The camera heights from which to photograph

• All the angles that are required at each position

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Capturing Images

Measurements

TIP: If you intend to take measurements from your 3D model, it is encouraged take preliminary measurements of the subject to use a reference later on.

This measurement will be useful to scale the object accordingly so that later you can extract correct measurements anywhere in the 3D model. One or two primary measurements are sufficient.

For example, if you're scanning a brick facade, take the dimensions of one brick, and you can use that measurement on the generated 3D data for scaling.

Equipment

You can use most cameras or phone cameras that export camera metadata; its focal length, lens properties etc. along with its image data.

We recommend booking a camera through the Media Hub for reliable quality.

TIP: Make sure to use the same focal length (zoom) or a fixed lens.

Media Hub - Melbourne School of DesignMaker Spaces

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Post-Process

Bring your photos into Agisoft Metashape to convert your photos into 3D spatial data.

We support the following two programs, both are competent software, but pick the one that best suits your outcome.

RealityScan

+ Faster workflow for adding new datasets, refining models.

+ Built for hybrid or multi-modal workflows, able to leverage data from multiple sources.

Metashape

+ More robust - can consistently produce a better photogrammetry result.

+ Better for large scale models.

RealityScanAgisoft Metashape