Choosing between 3D Photogrammetry and 3D Laser Scanning can be challenging if you're planning a VR/AR project or simply require 3D models. Actually, the concepts and implementations aren't that difficult to grasp, so grab a cup of tea and continue reading!

What precisely is 3D Photogrammetry?

Let us begin with a description. Photogrammetry is a technique for extracting 3D information and shape measurements from photos. Digital photogrammetry works by shooting objects from multiple angles and places with a conventional digital camera, then allowing the device to detect overlapping patterns to generate a 3D reconstruction of the acquired model.

Simply put, the method entails taking a series of images of an object from various angles — on average, 95 images of one thing — and then sending them to software that turns pictures into 3D models (such as Autodesk ReCap, Agisoft Photoscan, and RealityCapture). Photogrammetry software analyses and produces 3D models of a wide range of artefacts by comparing pixel colours and finding anchor points.

Laser Scanning in Three Dimensions

There are now 3D scanners available. These are devices that scan objects and generate metric data using infrared light projection. Laser scanners collect plane data by directing a laser beam onto the surface and then converting the data into a point cloud.

3D Photogrammetry: Advantages and Disadvantages, as well as Applications

To begin with, photogrammetry is a low-cost technology. A camera and a well-lit filming setting are required to digitally reproduce item types using photogrammetry. Multi-camera systems are carefully positioned in a studio, whether the objective is human or animal.

Photogrammetry allows for real-time data acquisition, which is highly useful for highlighting the smallest elements of the body. And, unless the object moves quickly, a minor movement of the subject has little effect on the final result or appearance.

A custom-made device, on the other hand, must be constructed in a studio setting, which can be difficult to arrange. Shooting must be done properly or you will fail. Furthermore, because to a lack of identifiable visual patterns, photogrammetry technologies are unable to capture translucent, glossy, flat, or one-color objects.

As a result, photogrammetry should be avoided for bodies with smooth, shiny, and featureless surfaces. In fact, this is the only substantial shortcoming of photogrammetry that is easily remedied. You must smear the surface so that it is no longer gleaming. If you are not permitted to alter the subject's surface, a 3D scanner is a preferable option.

Photogrammetry, in general, is useful for constructing 3D representations of daily objects, people, topographic mapping, and geology.

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3D Laser Scanning: Advantages and Disadvantages, as well as Applications

3D scanning, on the other hand, may be used on objects of any colour or shape and is unaffected by lighting or body movement. Laser scanning can be used in the dark to search caverns or any other region where the sun does not shine. Consider scanning engineering artefacts or pipe connections. It would be almost impossible to capture an adequate quantity of photographs of all portions from all angles. A photogrammetry room will almost certainly require hundreds of cameras to achieve the same output as a single 3D scanner.

Improved resolution and precision are two more advantages of 3D scanning over photogrammetry. As a result, facial characteristics and clothing details gathered with a 3D scanner are more likely to be accurate and lifelike. Despite this, most consumer 3D scanners can only scan details 1 to 2 mm in size, therefore photogrammetry is the way to go if your topic has attributes smaller than that.

Let us now look at the drawbacks. It is critical to run a few scans because the results of consumer 3D scanners can be poor at times. To obtain a flawless finish, define the mesh density and match the specs with the programme. Laser scanning is ideally suited for medium-sized objects, not little or extremely large ones.

Another issue is that 3D scanners are unreasonably expensive. As a result, if photogrammetry is a viable option for scanning the object, use it.

Laser scanning is most commonly used in the construction and civil engineering industries, particularly during the design process (especially when dealing with problematic parts and shapes), real estate, and cultural assets.

To summarise

Although they serve different goals, 3D photogrammetry and laser scanning are both outstanding technology. Overall, when deciding between photogrammetry and 3D scanning, it is critical to understand the requirements and applications.

The technology you can use, on the other hand, is fully up to you. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments area. Please see my articles for more excellent content.