In order to create 3D models from images of real-world items in their natural settings, a technology known as photogrammetry is used. By overlapping the photographs of the object, building, or landscape, the 2D and 3D data may be extracted from the image, which is then transformed into a 3D digital model. Larger objects and even landscapes that would have been impossible to scan can now be easily scanned and captured. To produce topological maps, mesh, and point cloud mesh, surveyors, engineers, and architects employ photogrammetry.
Topography benefits greatly from photogrammetry. When contrasted to simple topographical instruments, photogrammetry has many advantages.
When it comes to gathering data, photogrammetry is both quick and flexible. Drones make it feasible to access a variety of locations, and it’s also possible to receive renderings of areas with challenging terrain. All of the terrain’s specifics can be simply mapped using the collected snapshot.
Photogrammetry’s Use in 3D printing
As we indicated at the outset, photogrammetry is the technology that enables us to turn images of actual items into three-dimensional models. The procedure is as follows: a number of photos are taken in and around the object, and these are then transformed into 3D models using specialized software. The specialist software is able to identify representative or typical points of the model that are repeated in all the photographs by taking pictures (or films) of the object from various angles and in constant illumination.
Additionally, we may boost the accuracy of the scan by using a few images to produce the so-called stereoscopic effect, which is required to determine the height of every object on the earth’s surface using the shadows cast by each object.
As we already mentioned, photogrammetry is the technique that enables us to turn real objects captured in images into 3D models. The following is the operating principle:
The software is able to create a point cloud of distinctive points by applying key point extraction techniques to measure the distance between individual points in various pictures. Finally, a mesh that can be prepared or cleaned for 3D printing is created from this point cloud.
Any 3D scanning approach today has a wide range of potential uses, but photogrammetry is particularly helpful because it does not require specialized equipment and anyone can perform it using only a mobile phone and a computer. Powerful hardware is typically required, though, as the majority of photogrammetry tools need for a computer with the processing power to handle the photographs and produce the 3D scanned model.
One of the frequent applications of photogrammetry is the scanning of sculptures. The desired model is first digitalized with photogrammetry, and then we go on to obtain a small-scale or full-scale model of it using 3D printing.
The Different Software
Different kinds of photogrammetry software are available today. Of course, there are commercially available options that are perfect for use in technical and industrial settings. But there are also many tools that you can download for no cost and use to create models using only a camera or a phone and, if you have access to a 3D printer, the printer itself.
Check out the alphabetically arranged list of the top photogrammetry programs we put up if you’re interested in learning more. In it, we displayed the top photogrammetry applications on the market, ranging from cost-free tools like Blender to expensive tools like ZBrush that enable the production of more precise 3D models.
What do you think about photogrammetry? Would you use it for your 3D printing projects?
Let us know in a comment below.
