Photogrammetry

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Low altitude aerial photograph for use in photogrammetry. Location: Three Arch Bay, Laguna Beach, CA. Three Arch Bay Photo Taken by pilot Don Ramey Logan.jpg
Low altitude aerial photograph for use in photogrammetry. Location: Three Arch Bay, Laguna Beach, CA.

Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena. [1]

Contents

Photogrammetry of the headquarters of Fazenda do Pinhal, Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil Sede da Fazenda do Pinhal (53), N.ELAC.jpg
Photogrammetry of the headquarters of Fazenda do Pinhal, São Carlos-SP, Brazil

While the invention of the method is attributed to Aimé Laussedat, [2] the term "photogrammetry" was coined by the Prussian architect Albrecht Meydenbauer, [3] which appeared in his 1867 article "Die Photometrographie." [4]

Photogrammetry of the headquarters of Fazenda do Pinhal, Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil Sede da Fazenda do Pinhal (163), N.ELAC.jpg
Photogrammetry of the headquarters of Fazenda do Pinhal, São Carlos-SP, Brazil

There are many variants of photogrammetry. One example is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e. images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. Another is the extraction of accurate color ranges and values representing such quantities as albedo, specular reflection, metallicity, or ambient occlusion from photographs of materials for the purposes of physically based rendering.

Close-range photogrammetry refers to the collection of photography from a lesser distance than traditional aerial (or orbital) photogrammetry. Photogrammetric analysis may be applied to one photograph, or may use high-speed photography and remote sensing to detect, measure and record complex 2D and 3D motion fields by feeding measurements and imagery analysis into computational models in an attempt to successively estimate, with increasing accuracy, the actual, 3D relative motions.

From its beginning with the stereoplotters used to plot contour lines on topographic maps, it now has a very wide range of uses such as sonar, radar, and lidar.

Methods

A data model of photogrammetry Photogrammetry Wiora EN.svg
A data model of photogrammetry
Tuure Leppanen, Reconstruction I: 2D image from a 3D model built with photogrammetry methods from hundreds of ground-level photos of a japanese garden Tuure Leppanen, Reconstruction I.png
Tuure Leppänen, Reconstruction I: 2D image from a 3D model built with photogrammetry methods from hundreds of ground-level photos of a japanese garden

Photogrammetry uses methods from many disciplines, including optics and projective geometry. Digital image capturing and photogrammetric processing includes several well defined stages, which allow the generation of 2D or 3D digital models of the object as an end product. [6] The data model on the right shows what type of information can go into and come out of photogrammetric methods.

The 3D coordinates define the locations of object points in the 3D space. The image coordinates define the locations of the object points' images on the film or an electronic imaging device. The exterior orientation [7] of a camera defines its location in space and its view direction. The inner orientation defines the geometric parameters of the imaging process. This is primarily the focal length of the lens, but can also include the description of lens distortions. Further additional observations play an important role: With scale bars, basically a known distance of two points in space, or known fix points, the connection to the basic measuring units is created.

Each of the four main variables can be an input or an output of a photogrammetric method.

Algorithms for photogrammetry typically attempt to minimize the sum of the squares of errors over the coordinates and relative displacements of the reference points. This minimization is known as bundle adjustment and is often performed using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm.

Stereophotogrammetry

A special case, called stereophotogrammetry, involves estimating the three-dimensional coordinates of points on an object employing measurements made in two or more photographic images taken from different positions (see stereoscopy). Common points are identified on each image. A line of sight (or ray) can be constructed from the camera location to the point on the object. It is the intersection of these rays (triangulation) that determines the three-dimensional location of the point. More sophisticated algorithms can exploit other information about the scene that is known a priori , for example symmetries, in some cases allowing reconstructions of 3D coordinates from only one camera position. Stereophotogrammetry is emerging as a robust non-contacting measurement technique to determine dynamic characteristics and mode shapes of non-rotating [8] [9] and rotating structures. [10] [11] The collection of images for the purpose of creating photogrammetric models can be called more properly, polyoscopy, after Pierre Seguin [12]

Integration

Photogrammetric data can be complemented with range data from other techniques. Photogrammetry is more accurate in the x and y direction while range data are generally more accurate in the z direction [ citation needed ]. This range data can be supplied by techniques like LiDAR, laser scanners (using time of flight, triangulation or interferometry), white-light digitizers and any other technique that scans an area and returns x, y, z coordinates for multiple discrete points (commonly called "point clouds"). Photos can clearly define the edges of buildings when the point cloud footprint can not. It is beneficial to incorporate the advantages of both systems and integrate them to create a better product.

A 3D visualization can be created by georeferencing the aerial photos [13] [14] and LiDAR data in the same reference frame, orthorectifying the aerial photos, and then draping the orthorectified images on top of the LiDAR grid. It is also possible to create digital terrain models and thus 3D visualisations using pairs (or multiples) of aerial photographs or satellite (e.g. SPOT satellite imagery). Techniques such as adaptive least squares stereo matching are then used to produce a dense array of correspondences which are transformed through a camera model to produce a dense array of x, y, z data which can be used to produce digital terrain model and orthoimage products. Systems which use these techniques, e.g. the ITG system, were developed in the 1980s and 1990s but have since been supplanted by LiDAR and radar-based approaches, although these techniques may still be useful in deriving elevation models from old aerial photographs or satellite images.

Applications

Video of a 3D model of Horatio Nelson bust in Monmouth Museum, produced using photogrammetry
Gibraltar 1 Neanderthal skull 3D wireframe model, created with 123d Catch

Photogrammetry is used in fields such as topographic mapping, architecture, filmmaking, engineering, manufacturing, quality control, police investigation, cultural heritage, and geology. Archaeologists use it to quickly produce plans of large or complex sites, and meteorologists use it to determine the wind speed of tornadoes when objective weather data cannot be obtained.

Photograph of person using controller to explore a 3D photogrammetry experience, Future Cities by DERIVE, recreating Tokyo Future-cities-best-76.jpg
Photograph of person using controller to explore a 3D photogrammetry experience, Future Cities by DERIVE, recreating Tokyo

It is also used to combine live action with computer-generated imagery in movies post-production; The Matrix is a good example of the use of photogrammetry in film (details are given in the DVD extras). Photogrammetry was used extensively to create photorealistic environmental assets for video games including The Vanishing of Ethan Carter as well as EA DICE's Star Wars Battlefront . [15] The main character of the game Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was derived from photogrammetric motion-capture models taken of actress Melina Juergens. [16]

Photogrammetry is also commonly employed in collision engineering, especially with automobiles. When litigation for a collision occurs and engineers need to determine the exact deformation present in the vehicle, it is common for several years to have passed and the only evidence that remains is crash scene photographs taken by the police. Photogrammetry is used to determine how much the car in question was deformed, which relates to the amount of energy required to produce that deformation. The energy can then be used to determine important information about the crash (such as the velocity at time of impact).

Mapping

Photomapping is the process of making a map with "cartographic enhancements" [17] that have been drawn from a photomosaic [18] that is "a composite photographic image of the ground," or more precisely, as a controlled photomosaic where "individual photographs are rectified for tilt and brought to a common scale (at least at certain control points)."

Rectification of imagery is generally achieved by "fitting the projected images of each photograph to a set of four control points whose positions have been derived from an existing map or from ground measurements. When these rectified, scaled photographs are positioned on a grid of control points, a good correspondence can be achieved between them through skillful trimming and fitting and the use of the areas around the principal point where the relief displacements (which cannot be removed) are at a minimum." [17]

"It is quite reasonable to conclude that some form of photomap will become the standard general map of the future." [19] They go on to suggest[ who? ] that, "photomapping would appear to be the only way to take reasonable advantage" of future data sources like high altitude aircraft and satellite imagery.

Archaeology

Using a pentop computer to photomap an archaeological excavation in the field Jiska-Photomapping-Drawing.jpg
Using a pentop computer to photomap an archaeological excavation in the field

Demonstrating the link between orthophotomapping and archaeology, [20] historic airphotos photos were used to aid in developing a reconstruction of the Ventura mission that guided excavations of the structure's walls.

Pteryx UAV, a civilian UAV for aerial photography and photomapping with roll-stabilised camera head Pteryx UAV - wiki.jpg
Pteryx UAV, a civilian UAV for aerial photography and photomapping with roll-stabilised camera head

Overhead photography has been widely applied for mapping surface remains and excavation exposures at archaeological sites. Suggested platforms for capturing these photographs has included: War Balloons from World War I; [21] rubber meteorological balloons; [22] kites; [22] [23] wooden platforms, metal frameworks, constructed over an excavation exposure; [22] ladders both alone and held together with poles or planks; three legged ladders; single and multi-section poles; [24] [25] bipods; [26] [27] [28] [29] tripods; [30] tetrapods, [31] [32] and aerial bucket trucks ("cherry pickers"). [33]

Handheld, near-nadir, overhead digital photographs have been used with geographic information systems (GIS) to record excavation exposures. [34] [35] [36] [37] [38]

Photogrammetry is increasingly being used in maritime archaeology because of the relative ease of mapping sites compared to traditional methods, allowing the creation of 3D maps which can be rendered in virtual reality. [39]

3D modeling

A somewhat similar application is the scanning of objects to automatically make 3D models of them. Since photogrammetry relies on images, there are physical limitations when those images are of an object that has dark, shiny or clear surfaces. In those cases, the produced model often still contains gaps, so additional cleanup with software like MeshLab, netfabb or MeshMixer is often still necessary. [40] Alternatively, spray painting such objects with matte finish can remove any transparent or shiny qualities.

Google Earth uses photogrammetry to create 3D imagery. [41]

There is also a project called Rekrei that uses photogrammetry to make 3D models of lost/stolen/broken artifacts that are then posted online.

Software

There exist many software packages for photogrammetry; see comparison of photogrammetry software.

Apple introduced a photogrammetry API called Object Capture for macOS Monterey at the 2021 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. [42] In order to use the API, a MacBook running macOS Monterey and a set of captured digital images are required. [43]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital elevation model</span> 3D computer-generated imagery and measurements of terrain

A digital elevation model (DEM) or digital surface model (DSM) is a 3D computer graphics representation of elevation data to represent terrain or overlaying objects, commonly of a planet, moon, or asteroid. A "global DEM" refers to a discrete global grid. DEMs are used often in geographic information systems (GIS), and are the most common basis for digitally produced relief maps. A digital terrain model (DTM) represents specifically the ground surface while DEM and DSM may represent tree top canopy or building roofs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Topography</span> Study of the forms of land surfaces

Topography is the study of the forms and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area may refer to the land forms and features themselves, or a description or depiction in maps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remote sensing</span> Acquisition of information at a significant distance from the subject

Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object, in contrast to in situ or on-site observation. The term is applied especially to acquiring information about Earth and other planets. Remote sensing is used in numerous fields, including geophysics, geography, land surveying and most Earth science disciplines. It also has military, intelligence, commercial, economic, planning, and humanitarian applications, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerial photography</span> Taking images of the ground from the air

Aerial photography is the taking of photographs from an aircraft or other airborne platforms. When taking motion pictures, it is also known as aerial videography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orthophoto</span> Geometrically corrected aerial photograph

An orthophoto, orthophotograph, orthoimage or orthoimagery is an aerial photograph or satellite imagery geometrically corrected ("orthorectified") such that the scale is uniform: the photo or image follows a given map projection. Unlike an uncorrected aerial photograph, an orthophoto can be used to measure true distances, because it is an accurate representation of the Earth's surface, having been adjusted for topographic relief, lens distortion, and camera tilt.

Aerial archaeology is the study of archaeological remains by examining them from a higher altitude. In present day, this is usually achieved by satellite images or through the use of drones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerial survey</span> Method of collecting geophysical data from high altitude aircraft

Aerial survey is a method of collecting geomatics or other imagery by using airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, balloons or other aerial methods. Typical types of data collected include aerial photography, Lidar, remote sensing and also geophysical data (such as aeromagnetic surveys and gravity. It can also refer to the chart or map made by analysing a region from the air. Aerial survey should be distinguished from satellite imagery technologies because of its better resolution, quality and atmospheric conditions. Today, aerial survey is sometimes recognized as a synonym for aerophotogrammetry, part of photogrammetry where the camera is placed in the air. Measurements on aerial images are provided by photogrammetric technologies and methods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D scanning</span> Scanning of an object or environment to collect data on its shape

3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect three dimensional data of its shape and possibly its appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models.

Structure from motion (SfM) is a photogrammetric range imaging technique for estimating three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional image sequences that may be coupled with local motion signals. It is studied in the fields of computer vision and visual perception.

SOCET SET is a software application that performs functions related to photogrammetry. It is developed and published by BAE Systems. SOCET SET was among the first commercial digital photogrammetry software programs. Prior to the development of digital solutions, photogrammetry programs were primarily analog or custom systems built for government agencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stereoplotter</span>

A stereoplotter uses stereo photographs to determine elevations. It has been the primary method to plot contour lines on topographic maps since the 1930s. Although the specific devices have advanced technologically, they are all based on the apparent change in position of a feature in the two stereo photographs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerial photographic and satellite image interpretation</span>

Aerial photographic and satellite image interpretation, or just image interpretation when in context, is the act of examining photographic images, particularly airborne and spaceborne, to identify objects and judging their significance. This is commonly used in military aerial reconnaissance, using photographs taken from reconnaissance aircraft and reconnaissance satellites.

IMAGINE Photogrammetry is a software application for performing photogrammetric operations on imagery and extracting information from imagery. IMAGINE Photogrammetry is significant because it is a leading commercial photogrammetry application that is used by numerous national mapping agencies, regional mapping authorities, various DOTs, as well as commercial mapping firms. Aside from commercial and government applications, IMAGINE Photogrammetry is widely used in academic research. Research areas include landslide monitoring, cultural heritage studies, and more.

The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is an international non-governmental organization that enhances international cooperation between the worldwide organizations with interests in the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences. Originally named International Society for Photogrammetry (ISP), it was established in 1910, and is the oldest international umbrella organization in its field, which may be summarized as addressing “information from imagery”.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PhotoModeler</span> Software application

PhotoModeler is a software application that performs image-based modeling and close range photogrammetry – producing 3D models and measurements from photography. The software is used for close-range, aerial and uav photogrammetry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital outcrop model</span> Digital 3D representation of the outcrop surface

A digital outcrop model (DOM), also called a virtual outcrop model, is a digital 3D representation of the outcrop surface, mostly in a form of textured polygon mesh.

Geophotography is a subfield of geology that involves the use of photography or other imaging techniques in the visible or near-visible spectrum to realistically record objects, features, and processes of geological significance. Ultimately geophotography is motivated by a scientific comprehension or question and serves to accomplish a specific, useful goal in furthering the understanding of the aspect of geology that it addresses. However, crossover does occur from documentary to more artistic styles. As geology is, broadly, the study of the Earth, and often entails the study of large-scale features such as mountains and mountain belts, there is significant overlap between geophotography and landscape photography especially.

DAT/EM Systems International is an Alaska-based company that develops digital photogrammetric mapping applications to extract and edit 3D vector terrain and object features from stereo imagery and point clouds. DAT/EM Systems International develops solutions for the photogrammetry, engineering & GIS industries.

metigo is a software application that performs image-based modelling and close range photogrammetry. It produces rectified imagery plans, true ortho-projections on planar, cylindric and conic surfaces, 3D photorealistic models, measurements from photography and mappings on a photographic base for uses in the cultural heritage sector, mainly conservation.

Digital archaeology is the application of information technology and digital media to archaeology. It includes the use of digital photography, 3D reconstruction, virtual reality, and geographical information systems, among other techniques. Computational archaeology, which covers computer-based analytical methods, can be considered a subfield of digital archaeology, as can virtual archaeology.

References

  1. ↑ ASPRS online Archived May 20, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Photogrammetry history and modern uses". 8 June 2022.
  3. ↑ "Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-30.
  4. ↑ Albrecht Meydenbauer: Die Photometrographie. In: Wochenblatt des Architektenvereins zu Berlin Jg. 1, 1867, Nr. 14, S. 125–126 (Digitalisat); Nr. 15, S. 139–140 (Digitalisat); Nr. 16, S. 149–150 (Digitalisat).
  5. ↑ Wiora, Georg (2001). Optische 3D-Messtechnik : Präzise Gestaltvermessung mit einem erweiterten Streifenprojektionsverfahren (Doctoral dissertation). (Optical 3D-Metrology : Precise Shape Measurement with an extended Fringe Projection Method) (in German). Heidelberg: Ruprechts-Karls-Universität. p. 36. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  6. ↑ Sužiedelytė-Visockienė J, Bagdžiūnaitė R, Malys N, Maliene V (2015). "Close-range photogrammetry enables documentation of environment-induced deformation of architectural heritage". Environmental Engineering and Management Journal. 14 (6): 1371–1381. doi:10.30638/eemj.2015.149.
  7. ↑ Ina Jarve; Natalja Liba (2010). "The Effect of Various Principles of External Orientation on the Overall Triangulation Accuracy" (PDF). Technologijos Mokslai (86). Estonia: 59–64. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  8. ↑ Sužiedelytė-Visockienė, Jūratė (1 March 2013). "Accuracy analysis of measuring close-range image points using manual and stereo modes". Geodesy and Cartography. 39 (1): 18–22. Bibcode:2013GeCar..39...18S. doi: 10.3846/20296991.2013.786881 .
  9. ↑ Baqersad, Javad; Carr, Jennifer; et al. (April 26, 2012). Dynamic characteristics of a wind turbine blade using 3D digital image correlation. Proceedings of SPIE. Vol. 8348.
  10. ↑ Lundstrom, Troy; Baqersad, Javad; Niezrecki, Christopher; Avitabile, Peter (1 January 2012). "Using High-Speed Stereophotogrammetry Techniques to Extract Shape Information from Wind Turbine/Rotor Operating Data". Topics in Modal Analysis II, Volume 6 . Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, New York, NY. pp.  269–275. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-2419-2_26. ISBN   978-1-4614-2418-5.
  11. ↑ Lundstrom, Troy; Baqersad, Javad; Niezrecki, Christopher (1 January 2013). "Using High-Speed Stereophotogrammetry to Collect Operating Data on a Robinson R44 Helicopter". Special Topics in Structural Dynamics, Volume 6 . Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, New York, NY. pp.  401–410. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6546-1_44. ISBN   978-1-4614-6545-4.
  12. ↑ Robert-Houdin, Jean-Eugene (1885) _[Magie et Physique Amusante](https://archive.org/details/magieetphysique00hougoog/page/n167/mode/2up "iarchive:magieetphysique00hougoog/page/n167/mode/2up")._ Paris: Calmann Levy p. 112
  13. ↑ A. Sechin. Digital Photogrammetric Systems: Trends and Developments. GeoInformatics. #4, 2014, pp. 32-34 Archived 2016-04-21 at the Wayback Machine .
  14. ↑ Ahmadi, FF; Ebadi, H (2009). "An integrated photogrammetric and spatial database management system for producing fully structured data using aerial and remote sensing images". Sensors. 9 (4): 2320–33. Bibcode:2009Senso...9.2320A. doi: 10.3390/s90402320 . PMC   3348797 . PMID   22574014.
  15. ↑ "How we used Photogrammetry to Capture Every Last Detail for Star Wars Battlefront™". 19 May 2015.
  16. ↑ "The real-time motion capture behind 'Hellblade'". engadget.com. 8 August 2017.
  17. 1 2 Petrie (1977: 50)
  18. ↑ Petrie (1977: 49)
  19. ↑ Robinson et al. (1977:10)
  20. ↑ Estes et al. (1977)
  21. ↑ Capper (1907)
  22. 1 2 3 Guy (1932)
  23. ↑ Bascom (1941)
  24. ↑ Schwartz (1964)
  25. ↑ Wiltshire (1967)
  26. ↑ Kriegler (1928)
  27. ↑ Hampl (1957)
  28. ↑ Whittlesey (1966)
  29. ↑ Fant and Loy (1972)
  30. ↑ Straffin (1971)
  31. ↑ Simpson and Cooke (1967)
  32. ↑ Hume (1969)
  33. ↑ Sterud, Eugene L.; Pratt, Peter P. (1975). "Archaeological Intra-Site Recording with Photography". Journal of Field Archaeology. 2 (1/2): 151. doi:10.2307/529625. ISSN   0093-4690. JSTOR   529625.
  34. ↑ Craig (2000)
  35. ↑ Craig (2002)
  36. ↑ Craig and Aldenderfer (2003)
  37. ↑ Craig (2005)
  38. ↑ Craig et al. (2006)
  39. ↑ "Photogrammetry | Maritime Archaeology". 2019-01-19. Archived from the original on 2019-01-19. Retrieved 2019-01-19.
  40. ↑ MAKE:3D printing by Anna Kaziunas France
  41. ↑ Gopal Shah, Google Earth's Incredible 3D Imagery, Explained, 2017-04-18
  42. ↑ "Apple's RealityKit 2 allows developers to create 3D models for AR using iPhone photos". TechCrunch. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  43. ↑ Espósito, Filipe (2021-06-09). "Hands-on: macOS 12 brings new 'Object Capture' API for creating 3D models using iPhone camera". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2022-09-26.

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